Now in its sixth model generation, the BMW M3 is more powerful, more poised and assured, more advanced and more versatile than ever. The sedan is continuing a high-performance sports car bloodline that stretches back almost 40 years. The race-car feeling associated with the BMW M3 – present at the driver’s fingertips over every mile of a journey – can be experienced in totally different ways with this latest generation.
The new BMW M3 features a high-revving straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. In all its output variants, the 3.0-litre unit stands out with its healthy appetite for revs into the highest reaches of the engine speed range and hence produces the linear power delivery typical of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH.
The upgraded engine in the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive develops an extra 20 hp, for a maximum output of 530 hp at 6,250 rpm. The engine, which also serves as the basis for the unit powering the BMW M4 GT3, summons its peak torque of 650 Nm between 2,750 and a now even higher 5,730 rpm. The result is an even more ferocious, sustained power delivery that adds another layer of intensity to the performance experience – in particular when the driver is exploring the car’s dynamic limits – and enables impressive acceleration figures.
The new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The increased output of the two all-wheel-drive models is reflected in 0 to 200 km/h times that are 0.5 seconds quicker in each case. The sedan now records a time of 11.8 seconds. The top speed of 250 km/h is electronically limited as standard; however, if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified, this figure rises to 290 km/h, allowing drivers to utilise the full potential of the powerful engines.
Axle-specific wheel sizes, M forged light-alloy wheels with a new design.
Standard specification for the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive includes Jet Black forged light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design (19-inch at the front axle and 20-inch at the rear axle). Plus, new forged M light-alloy wheels in 19-inch and 20-inch formats have been added to the extensive optional equipment roster. These are now finished in Silver for the first time, their bright, shiny surfaces ensuring a sporty yet also elegantly sophisticated appearance.
Extensive selection of assistance systems; M Mode button to call up Personalised selection of functions.
The new BMW M3 Sedan sets new standards in its segment with an extensive range of standard and optional automated driving and parking systems. In order to provide a dynamic experience that is both appropriate for the situation at hand and fits the high-performance sports car brief, the interventions of the driver assistance systems can be adjusted using the M Mode button on the centre console. For example, in the optional TRACK setting conceived for use on race circuits, all comfort and safety systems are temporarily deactivated.
Newly designed headlights and Eye-catching details sharpen the Cars’ visual character.
Newly designed LED headlights, which bring together low and high beam in a single module, bring fresh accents to the front end of the new BMW M3. Two elegantly sculpted, subtly arrow-shaped and vertically arranged LED units in each module serve as both side lights/daytime driving lights and turn signal indicators. Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam are available as an option and include the cornering light function and urban lights. Blue inlays inside the headlights indicate the presence of this extremely sophisticated light technology. M Shadowline lights with dark inner accents are also available for cars specified with the Adaptive LED Headlights. The model badge on the boot lid of the Competition models is now accented by an elegant silver-coloured surround.
New steering wheels and interior trim elements for the M-specific sports car cockpit.
New steering wheels and controls, plus highly sophisticated materials for the instrument panel and interior trim elements heighten the aura of exclusivity inside the M-specific sports car cockpit. Also playing its part in the dynamic driving experience is a newly designed three-spoke M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and red centre marker in the 12 o’clock position. It now has a flat-bottomed rim and precisely modified spokes.
The high-quality, carefully crafted materials and M-specific design features in the interior create a modern premium ambience with sporting flair. The interior trim elements in the instrument panel, control panel and cup holder cover now come as standard in Dark Graphite matt. M Carbon Fibre now additionally includes elements for the steering wheel and the gearshift paddles of the Competition models. The optional Sensatec instrument panel now has a further refined surface structure.
The standard M sport seats offer an array of electrically operated adjustment options to make it easier to find the perfect position behind the steering wheel. Available as alternatives to the standard Merino leather trim are Merino full-leather trim, BMW Individual Merino leather trim with extended features and BMW Individual Merino full-leather trim – each in a choice of four colours. The optional, also fully electrically adjustable M Carbon bucket seats provide an optimum, racing-car-like connection between driver and car. They fuse racing functionality with luxurious craftsmanship and excellent comfort over long distances. The use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the seat surface and backrest elements, plus cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints enable a weight saving of 9.6 kilograms over the standard M sport seats.
BMW Curved Display and new BMW Operating System 8.5.
The new edition of the BMW M3 Sedan also welcomes the latest generation of the display and control/operation system, BMW iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 8.5, into cockpit shaped by progressive sporting appeal. Also on the options list is the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects information relevant to driving – including a multi-coloured rpm dial, Shift Lights and M View – onto the windscreen, again in an M-specific style.
Distinctive looks and higher-intensity performance with M Carbon exterior package, M Race Track package, and BMW M Performance Parts.
An M Carbon exterior package specific to each of the new high-performance cars brings bespoke precision to their outward appeal. With inlays for the wide front air intakes and a rear diffuser with unique geometry for each model, plus exterior mirror caps and a rear spoiler made from CFRP for the BMW M3 Sedan, the M Carbon exterior package also brings fresh visual sharpness to the race-car character of the two models. The M Race Track package, which brings M Carbon ceramic brakes, M Carbon bucket seats for the driver and front passenger and Carbon Fibre interior trim elements, reduces vehicle weight by as much as 25 kilograms.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan.
For almost 50 years now, the BMW 3 Series has represented the core of the BMW brand. It epitomises sporty driving pleasure in the premium midsize class and has made significant contributions time and again to design, driving dynamics, and technological innovations in this segment, across what is now seven model generations. The character of the current-generation BMW 3 Series has likewise provided a case study in unwavering progress at work.
Exterior design, interior and equipment. Progressive aura, refined ambience.
More than ever, sporting elegance and modernity define the design of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. In the current model generation, their driving pleasure-focused character is expressed in clear lines and generously sculpted surfaces. The sophisticated design of the BMW kidney grille and twin circular headlights – both signature brand features – gives the front end an unmistakable appearance. Eye-catching front and rear aprons underscore the cars’ dynamic profile, which can be further accentuated by specifying the optional M Sport package or M Sport package Pro.
Fresh design updates enhance the sporting elegance of the exterior.
The spectrum of exterior colours available for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan comprises two solid and seven metallic paint finishes. New additions to the range include Arctic Race Blue metallic and Fire Red metallic.
The selection of optional light-alloy wheels also welcomes attractive new arrivals. Cars specified with the M Sport package will be available with new 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, giving their side view an even more dynamic appearance. Customers can order these wheels in either a Jet Black finish or a bi-colour variant. Meanwhile, the BMW Individual range also includes new 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design and a bi-colour finish. All the new light-alloy wheels are fitted with mixed-size tyres.
Progressive cockpit with new sports leather steering wheels. Digital climate control and selectable light moods. Exclusive accents with CraftedClarity.
Advanced new features have also been introduced in the interior of the Sedan. These help to give the cockpit a clean and pared-back look. Newly designed steering wheels add further intensity to the driving experience. The M Sport package brings a new M leather steering wheel with three spokes, a flat-bottomed rim and a discreet centre marking in the 12 o’clock position. The progressive premium character of the cars is also showcased by high-quality materials and new interior trim elements. The optional instrument panel Luxury in Sensatec has a further refined surface structure and decorative stitching in a contrasting colour.
The introduction of the latest-generation BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5 in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan also brings optimised operation of the ventilation and climate control functions. An operating concept focused squarely on touch control and natural language enables a further reduction in the number of physical buttons and controls in the cockpit. New adjustment controls for the air vent grilles in the centre of the instrument panel and on the driver’s and front passenger’s side of the cockpit allow the intensity and direction of airflow to be adjusted using rotating and tilting movements.
The interior lighting now includes cascade lighting integrated into the trim around the central seam vents as standard. It can be adjusted for colour and brightness according to personal preference, with users able to select from nine colour worlds.
The use of extremely high-quality materials also allows distinctive touches to be included in other areas of the interior to enhance its modern premium character. For example, customers can now specify CraftedClarity glass applications – another new addition to the options list. These give the gear selector lever, BMW iDrive Controller and Start/Stop button a particular air of exclusivity, both visually and in how they feel to the touch.
Individual look with M-specific design features.
The performance capabilities of these elite athletes are clearly flagged by M‑specific design features crafted to meet technical requirements in terms of aerodynamics and cooling air supply. These include the large air intakes in the front apron, along with the M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss and the rear apron with its prominently styled diffuser. The BMW M340i xDrive Sedan model also sports a body-coloured M rear spoiler. A mesh-design BMW kidney grille, exclusive 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe trim further add to the individual appearance of the range-topping sporting quartet. They are also available with the option of the M Sport package Pro.
The new BMW Operating System 8.5 and innovative digital services.
The latest version of the BMW iDrive display and control/operation system with QuickSelect is fitted in the new edition of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, enabling vehicle functions to be controlled intuitively and providing access to digital services. It is now based on BMW Operating System 8.5 and features a new-look home screen and QuickSelect rapid-access tech, bringing an improved menu structure that takes its cue from consumer electronics devices. Working in tandem with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the new BMW iDrive is geared even more rigorously to operation using touch control and natural language.