FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
BMW Group Malaysia introduced the all-new four-door BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new two-door BMW M4 Coupé 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.
Presenting the two all-new high-performance sports cars and new performance components, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The all-new BMW M3 Sedan and the all-new BMW M4 Coupé represents BMW’s philosophy of combining the best of our motorsporting capabilities and heritage with uncompromised everyday usability to create sports cars that are not only emotional in terms of looks and performance but also very practical for everyday use. Both cars are the embodiment of taking motorsport technology from the track to the road; and with the thousands of test laps on Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit – the most demanding race track in the world – the new models are prepared for just that.”
Dr. Pils further added that BMW Group Malaysia now also offers a new selection of original BMW M Performance accessories for the current line up of BMW models available in the country. The new after sales accessories consist of the BMW M Aerodynamics Kits, BMW M Performance Interior Trim and Selector Lever in Carbon Fibre as well as a selection BMW M Performance Alloy Wheel options, Sports Brakes and Suspension.
“Our customers with motorsports aspirations can now personalise their cars further with a selection of BMW M Performance accessories which will give their cars a sportier look and feel. We are currently running a special campaign for BMW M Performance parts and accessories for the new BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 series,” said Dr. Pils.
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 conspicuously 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 appearance 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 use of carbon in these models is a reminder that BMW is a global leader in high-strength, lightweight CFRP construction, and that it was BMW who brought out the first mass production vehicle with a body consisting entirely of this material – the innovative BMW i3,” added Dr. Pils.
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.
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.
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.
