New BMW M3 Coupé Edition model launched

The BMW M3, a car which has long been an automotive benchmark, is now available as a special Edition model. This ultimate M3 comes with a 10mm lower ride height for enhanced dynamic capability while the interior and exterior offer unique visual enhancements to differentiate them from the standard M3 Coupé.

 

Available to UK customers in three striking colour combinations of Alpine White, BMW Individual Dakar Yellow and BMW Individual Monte Carlo Blue, the new model features a dark chrome shadow-coloured kidney grille, side vents, bonnet vents and twin exhaust tailpipe. Black wing mirrors, with connecting supports in the car’s body colour, help distinguish the new model from other BMW M3 variants.

In profile, the new M3 Coupé Editions feature 19-inch M Double-spoke light-alloy wheels in silver alloy as standard and with black gloss finish as an option. High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim is also standard.

The new M3 Coupé Edition retains the existing carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic roof panel with exposed weave as the standard M3.  The carbon-fibre roof panel saves 5kgs over a conventional roof panel and lowers the centre of gravity to contribute to the M3’s benchmark driving dynamics. 

 

Inside, the latest BMW M3 has a number of signature touches to set it apart from the existing model. All three versions feature exterior body-coloured stripes on the standard Novillo leather interior, on the front and rear seat backrests and the extension of the seat squab. The front seats also come with exterior colour contrast stitching whilst Black Carbon-structure leather interior trim is a standard offering. Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue owners will get a continuation of this threadwork on the armrest and passenger door handle.

 

The Alpine White M3 will get an interior with contrast stitching on the carbon structure leather trim and contrast-coloured door armrest pads, centre console and centre armrest pad. A checkered flag motif decorates the door sill plates to underscore the racing pedigree of the M3, which has won more Touring Car titles than any other car as well as numerous Endurance races.

* Electronically-limited
Figures in brackets apply to cars with seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with DRIVELOGIC

BMW M3 engines took top category honours on a record six successive occasions in the Engine of the Year awards. It develops 420hp at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm from its 3,999cc V8-power unit, and red-lines at 8,400rpm.  To highlight the flexibility of the engine, 85 per cent of torque is available over 6,500rpm.  Power is transferred to the road by BMW M’s six-speed manual gearbox and variable M differential which conveys up to 100 per cent of available power to the wheel with most grip. Customers can upgrade to the paddle-shift (M Double Clutch Transmission) transmission with its enhanced fuel economy, CO₂ emissions performance and faster acceleration.

 

Like its predecessor, the V8-powered BMW M3 easily breaks through the magical 100hp per litre barrier, offering 105hp per litre.  This engine powers the car from zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph.  However, these supercar levels of performance do not compromise economy with the car still delivering 22.8mpg on the combined cycle.

 

This relative frugal performance is delivered, in part, thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme.  Far from only influencing the smaller-engined cars in the range, EfficientDynamics offers benefits to one of the most sporting cars offered by BMW, courtesy of Brake Energy Regeneration.  This technology uses an Intelligent Alternator Control and Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recognise when the engine is on over-run and activates the alternator to charge the battery with what would previously have been wasted energy.

 

The M3 Coupé Edition features MDrive manager that brings together numerous personalised functions of the car.  The settings for the optional Electronic Damper Control (Normal, Comfort and Sport), three DSC+ traction control settings and three specific engine control maps, plus the response rate of the Servotronic power steering can be controlled with one button on the steering wheel.  Once the desired settings are created in the iDrive menu, part of the standard Professional Multimedia navigation system, one push of the MDrive button transforms the M3 from a car to drive to the shops to a track day special.