BMW M3 Sedan @ RM738k and BMW M4 Coupé @ RM748k In Malaysia
BMW Group Malaysia has just introduced the all-new four-door BMW M3 Sedan at RM738,800 and the all-new two-door BMW M4 Coupé at RM748,800 as the fifth generation high-performance automobiles from the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series range. Also introduced were New BMW M Performance Parts and Accessories for the current generation of series models for BMW.
Design: striking use of forms underlines standout performance capability.
The design of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé immediately visualizes the outstanding performance capability and impressive handling properties of the two new high-performance sports cars. At first impression, the exterior design of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé delivers a visual impact which elevates the BMW M design language to a new level of expression – all of which are highlighted by a purposeful character, emotional appeal and dynamic verve.
The considerable visual edge of the new high-performance sports cars are expressed in specific BMW M design features. From the front for example, the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé stand out most prominently with their powerful contours and a strongly defined three-dimensionality, lending them a powerfully expressed face which are further characterized by the distinctive M double-bar kidney grille. The powerfully designed front apron also highlights conspicuosly large air inlets which supplies cooling air to the high-performance engine and brakes.
Among other hallmark BMW M design features is the distinctive powerdome on the lightweight aluminium bonnet which hints at the potential of the brawny M TwinPower Turbo engine as well as creates space for the intercooler. Also demanding particular attention are the striking exterior mirror housings with a suggested double-foot design made to further optimise the aerodynamics of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé.
The sides of both cars meanwhile, extend the dynamic impression created by the respective front ends of the the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé. The hallmark BMW proportions of a long bonnet, long wheelbase, set-back glasshouse and short front overhang are combined with familiar M design elements such as BMW M double-spoke wheels and muscular wheel arches which underline the dynamic potential of the new high-performance sports cars. These dynamics-accentuating details include likewise newly designed M gills, which perform both a stylistic and a functional role. Integrated into them are Air Breathers which teams up with Air Curtains in the front apron to help optimise airflow around the wheel arches, thus improving the aerodynamics of the new high-performance sports cars.
A flowing roofline then lends the sporting overall apperance of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé an extra elegance and finesse which is finished with a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic roof featured as standard. This intelligent lightweight design which sheds off around 5kg for the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and more than 6kg for the all-new BMW M4 Coupé not only minimises the overall vehicle’s kerb weight to deliver outstanding dynamic performance and exemplary fuel efficiency, but also lowers the vehicle’s centre of gravity and gives a visual indication of the car’s consistently lightweight design.
The design of the rear end meanwhile displays striking differences in the two new models. The all-new BMW M3 Sedan for example, is fitted with a Gurney spoiler to reduce lift, while the tailgate of the all-new BMW M4 Coupé features an integrated rear spoiler which is also made from a particularly lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. As well as performing a functional aerodynamic role, the tailgate also contributes significantly to the all-new BMW M4 Coupé’s standalone design. Accompanying which, is a characteristic BMW M detail of the rear end – a highly-polished pair of diagonally cut twin exhaust tailpipes which are featured in both the new high-performance sports cars and are framed by the sculptural rear apron with its integrated diffuser.
Engine: high-revving, turbocharged unit combines the best of both worlds.
The engine is the heart of every M model and both the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé draw a tremendous power development from a newly developed 3-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. Playing a central role to the increase in power is M TwinPower Turbo technology which also provides far more shove at lower revs as compared to the two new sports cars’ predecessors. On top of that, drivers will further experience an increase in power delivery and performance with 40 per cent more torque. Despite this immense increase in real-world performance, BMW M GmbH engineers have also succeeded in reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 25 per cent.
Unlike their preceding models with their naturally aspirated V8 engine, the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé are powered by a newly-developed turbocharged engine which delivers a maximum output of 431 hp at a maximum of 7,600 rpm – an unusually high-revving capability for a turbocharged engine. In that, the three-litre turbo engine also ensures response with great immediacy without a single hint of turbo lag. The M TwinPower Turbo technology meanwhile ensures that peak torque which has been increased by 37 per cent to 550 Nm is maintained over a far wider range of engine speeds.
At a top speed of 250 km/h, the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé takes off from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. A further hallmark to the new powerplant is its excellent fuel economy where the two new high-performance sports cars achieve a fuel consumption of just 8.3 l / 100 km and CO² emissions of 194 g / km – an improvement of 26 per cent over the previous models’ figures.
Combined with a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission gearbox which was conceived and developed for a high-speed power unit, the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé experiences an optimum gearshift and even more dynamic acceleration without the slightest interruption in the flow of power, thus emphasizing both the sports driving experience and gearshift comfort for the driver. Furthermore, the seven-speed M DCT which is considerably more compact and lighter by 12 kg as compared to its predecessor, also contributes to the cars’ perfect 50/50 front-rear weight distribution.
Just as with the integrated Launch Control which allows maximum acceleration from a standstill, an extremely dynamic driving experience is achieved by producing acceleration figures which would be out of range with the manual gearbox. The seven-speed M DCT also features Stability Clutch Control which functions to open the clutch when the vehicle oversteers in order to stabilise the vehicle, as well as Smokey Burnout function which allows for a certain amount of rear wheel slip while the vehicle is moving. The seven-speed M DCT also includes functions such as Drivelogic modes which can be selected by the driver to give the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé more comfortable, more efficient, or even sportier characteristics.
The punchy performance of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé is given further prominence with an exhaust system which comes with two twin tailpipes and an innovative flap concept. The electronically controlled flaps positioned just before the rear silencer minimizes the exhaust back-pressure and produce a striking and unmistakable BMW M sound over the entire engine speed range, with different engine sound profiles which the driver can adjust via Driving Experience Control modes – Nomal, Sport, or Sport +.
The chassis system for the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé meanwhile has been newly-developed from the ground up. Numerous aluminium components ensure that the high-performance sports cars are extremely lightweight and various engineering design features contribute to the cars’ exceptional steering precision and directional stability. The mixed 19-inch tyres for example, were integrated into the overall design process from the beginning and are specifically geared towards the high dynamic potential of both the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé. In addition to the standard M compound brakes, the optional M carbon ceramic brakes also represent an even more lightweight and powerful braking system, which also provides an additional visual highlight with its gold-coloured calipers and M logo.
Among the other elements which add fresh polish to the dynamic repertoire of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé is the Active M Differential equipped to optimise traction and stability by means of an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential which continually varies locking power between 0 to 100 per cent. By linking up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the multi-plate limited-slip differential takes into account the position of the accelerator pedal, the rotational speed of the wheels, and the car’s yaw rate.
Every driving situation is therefore precisely analysed and an impending loss of traction on one side of the car can be identified at an early stage. The degree of lock will adjust as required within a fraction of a second, enabling wheel spin to be prevented on slippery surfaces, in instances where the right and left rear wheel have widely differing friction coefficients, in tight bends and when changing direction with particular vigour. By optimising traction in this way, drivers of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé will experience unbeatable driving stability in challenging conditions as well as an impressively dynamic acceleration out of corners.
To further quench the thirst of enthusiastic drivers for keen dynamics, the DSC system also features a subfunction – M Dynamic Mode. While DSC intervenes as required to counteract understeer and oversteer, M Dynamic Mode kicks in to allow greater wheel slip and therefore easy drifting. This mode which allows both high-performance sports cars to offer a breadth of handling will be particularly more thrilling for those with a taste for sporty and dynamic driving.
Another highlight which plays an important role in connecting the driver and car is M Servotronic, a newly developed electromechanical steering system from BMW M GmbH. Offering the gifts of direct steering feeling and precise feedback, the integrated M Servotronic function electronically adjusts the level of steering assistance to allow optimum steering characteristic at all speeds of the car, whether it is set in Comfort, Sport, or Sport + mode.
Further defining the outstanding steering and handling characteristics of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé is the Adaptive M suspension, which also functions according to the different driving modes of the car. This enables the driver to choose between a more comfortable damper setting for urban driving, a stiffer set-up for dynamic driving on country roads, or a set-up which minimizes body movements and maximizes dynamic performance for use on the track.
Interior: flawless ergonomics in a sporting ambience.
Climbing into the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé, drivers and passengers will be greeted by an interior architecture which is familiar from the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 4 Series, complete with impeccable ergonomics and clear driver focus. In keeping with the character of the two new high-performance sports cars however, the interior fulfils an even more sharply defined sporting character. To this end, the host of hallmark BMW M equipment includes M door sill finishers, an M driver’s footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white numerals, and a M leather steering wheel with Pearl Gloss Chrome trim, colour constrast stitching and galvanised shift paddles.
The front seats also represent an evocative expression of BMW M’s motor sport genes. Taking visual intepretations from the bucket seats fitted in racing cars, the seats of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé feature a full-size single-piece back panel. This allows the construction of the seats to be flat while the high, width-adjustable side bolsters and low-set seat surfaces allow an ideal seating posture and excellent support, especially in fast bends. Additionally, providing a special visual highlight for the first time is the M emblems positioned at shoulder height in the backrests which light up when a driver or passenger enters the car.
Like the front seats, the distinctively contoured, lightweight rear backrest also offer exceptional lateral support and can be folded in a 60:40 split. This gives the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé a degree of variability and everyday usability which is well beyond the norm for high-performance sports cars in this class. Further underlining the sporty appeal of the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé is the BMW Individual Roofliner which is featured as standard with Anthracite footwells.
More driving enjoyment in the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé can be experienced with driver assistance systems and mobility services from the comprehensive BMW ConnectedDrive range. Firstly being the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display which has an added M display to further reflect the sporty character of the two new high-performance sports cars. This brilliant display which projects relevant information directly into the driver’s field of vision now also includes infotainment messages as well as additional M functions such as rev counter and gear display. Another highlight is the new generation Navigation System Professional which features a 3D map display and is operated via the new iDrive Touch Controller. Numbers and letters can be written by simply using a finger on the touch-sensitive surface.
Additionally, keen track drivers can look forward to piloting their new high-performance sports cars with a newly developed BMW M Laptimer app, which allows drivers to analyse their personal driving style. As an ideal tool to support training on a race track, drivers can hook up their smartphones to the BMW sports cars via USB cable or the car’s snap-in adapter and subsequently operate the app using the iDrive Controller. Once the app kick starts, it will not only record acceleration, braking points, lap times and G-forces, but also present these data graphically. On top of that, the lap is rendered as a virtual test drive based on the real data recorded. Drives by different drivers can then be analysed and compared against each other for an all the more performance-oriented driving experience.
Colours available for the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé include Alpine White and Sakhir Orange with an interior upholstery of Leather Merino Black. Meanwhile, an additional colour of Yas Marina Blue is exclusively available for the all-new BMW M3 Sedan with the option of Leather Merino Silverstone for interior upholstery. The all-new BMW M4 Coupé also offers additional colours choices of Mineral Grey or Austin Yellow with an interior upholstery of Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.
For a taste of the uncompromising sportiness defined by all BMW M models, BMW owners can opt to upgrade their BMW cars to experience BMW’s racing expertise with BMW M Performance Parts. Developed by BMW M GmbH, the BMW M Performance Parts which is made available for the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series and the new BMW X5, include upgrades for premium quality and sporty innovation, whether it is for aerodynamics, the chassis, the drivetrain or the cockpit. The BMW M Performance Parts will be on display with the BMW 328i and the BMW 528i at selected BMW authorised dealerships – Auto Bavaria Penang from 3rd to 8th July 2014; Millennium Welt from 30th July to 5th August 2014; and Wearnes Autohaus, Tebrau from 7th to 12th August 2014.
The retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI)* for the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé are:
BMW M3 Sedan – RM 738,800.00
BMW M4 Coupé – RM 748,800.00
*BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS +RI) comes complimentary with any new BMW vehicle acquired from any BMW Authorised Dealer and covers professional service, maintenance and repair for 3 years or 60,000 km. This complimentary warranty provides BMW owners with an assurance that their BMW will always be serviced with precision and that only Original BMW Parts will be used to ensure reliability, safety and quality. The Service programme covers normal wear-and-tear repairs or replacements of Original BMW Parts as specified by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system in the vehicle. Meanwhile, the Repair programme covers repairs of factory fitted mechanical and electrical components.
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