The German luxury car manufacturer BMW has launched the M3 sedan and M4 coupe in India with prices starting at Rs 1.20 crore (M3 sedan) and Rs 1.22 crore (M4 sedan). Both these vehicles were flagged off by the Legendary sportsman Sachin Tendulkar at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida. Based on the same platform as used by the BMW 3 series, both these cars are kind of high performance by-product of the standard car, aimed to the rich & elite class with a high speed adrenaline rush.
Previously, BMW used to offer its sports version in the form of a sedan, coupe and convertibles all under the same M3 tag. However, now things stand differently as the new M3 sedan replaces the old ones, and the coupe & convertibles will now come under the M4 coupe and the M4 convertible tag respectively. The reason for such a change in naming is because of the recently adopted nomenclature by BMW for its entire range of vehicles. As per which the sedans will now come under odd-number, whereas the coupes and convertibles will be even-numbered.
The BMW Group India President, Philipp von Sahr, who was also present at the launch ceremony stated that, “The all-new BMW M3 sedan BMW M4 Coupe confront the laws of physics – two icons that yet again set new standards with unprecedented precision. Designed using motor sport technology for pure dynamics at the performance limits, they don’t just push the physical limits. They also extend the boundaries for the driver, making what was once thought impossible, possible – when man and machine become one.”
Exterior
Both the BMW M3 sedan and the BMW M4 Coupe can easily catch your attention at the first glance itself with its exclusive ‘M’ design package, showcasing its outstanding performance capability and impressive handling properties. The exterior design of the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 has a visual impact that elevates the BMW M design language to a new level of expression, highlighted by a purposeful character, emotional appeal and dynamic zeal.
From the front it is practically impossible to make out the difference between the two, thanks to its identical bold headlight assembly housing four LED DRL rings with bi-xenon headlamps and headlight cluster, elegant radiator grilles and a larger front bumper with three air intake vents, providing better ventilation for engine cooling. Other notable features on the front includes, the distinctive twin-bar kidney grille painted in black, reflecting the design of characteristic BMW M and also bears the M logo; power dome on the bonnet, which hints at the power of the rugged M TwinPower Turbo engine also creating space for the intercooler; and the striking new set of ORVM’s (Outside Rear View Mirrors) – with their suggested twin-stalk mounts demanding a particular attention to portray their stunning design optimizing the aerodynamics of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe.
The side profiles of both the cars extends the dynamic impression left from their respective front facade. Both the variants have a radiant side profile featuring irresistible exterior cosmetic features. These are marked with signature BMW proportions of a long bonnet, long wheelbase, set-back glasshouse and short front overhang. Both the M3 and M4 versions have been integrated with a set of stylish V-spoke design alloy wheels along with muscular wheel arches.
And finally the rear which is almost identical for the both the variants except for the spoilers, which in case of the BMW M3 sedan is fitted with a Gurney spoiler to reduce lift, while in case of the M4 coupe, the tailgate features an integrated spoiler made out of particularly lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic. Other than this the common noticeable feature at the rear for both these M models are the elegantly sculptured taillight cluster with LED lighting pattern, and high-gloss polished, pair of twin exhaust tailpipes, which are framed like jewels by the sculptural rear apron with its integrated diffuser.
Interior
The BMW M series gets an attractive internal cabin, architecture vice which will be similar to the BMW 3 & 4 series cars. Designed with the utmost ergonomic condition and clear driver focus, the material inside also is of premium quality with scratch resistance. And as soon as you enter inside these M series cars, you will be greeted with the M logo everywhere, this includes the steering wheel, seats, Gear Knob and even the brake pads.
Starting with the dashboard, the BMW M3 sedan and the M4 coupe gets a standard BMW dashboard with a bunch of unique and stylish equipments like the automatic air conditioning unit with heater, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific display (only with Navigation System) projectings information relevant to driving directly into the driver’s field of vision, a large glove box, and a 7 inch touchscreen showing all the necessary information related to entertainment and driving conditions. The flowing transition between the instrument panel and the centre console make the driver the focal point of the cockpit.
Moving on the seats, the most important part of interiors to make your drive comfortable; the German auto manufacturer has left no stone unturned – to get the best inside. Taking visual inspiration from the bucket seats fitted in racing cars, the Front seats represent an evocative expression of BMW M’s motor sport genes with a full-size single-piece back panel. The seats are very flat, high, with width adjustable side bolsters and placed at low height to provide an ideal seating position with excellent support.
In combination with all the above features and the high-quality aluminium surfaces, an ambience is created characterised by sportiness and technological progress that gets the driver’s pulse racing as soon as they get behind the wheel. It’s clear in an instant: If you sit here, you are ready for an extraordinary driving experience.
Performance
Both the BMW M3 sedan and the BMW M4 coupe are powered by a 3.0 Litre M TwinPower Turbo inline 6 cylinder petrol engine with Bi-Turbo direct fuel injection technology, which ensures that the engine responds directly at the slightest touch of the accelerator. This new engine gets a slight power upgrade over the previous V8 engine to get a higher maximum power of 431 hp, obtained between 5390 to 7000 rpm. Maximum torque achievable now is 550 Nm at a wider rpm range (1800-5390 rpm).Both these vehicles hit 0-100 km/hr (62 mph) in just 4.1 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr (155 mph) and 280 km/hr (174 mph) if the optional M Driver’s package is installed.
The engine is mated to an advanced seven speed M double clutch automatic transmission gearbox, distributing torque output equally to the rear wheels. There’s an optional M DCT Drivelogic system which enables to change gears with no interruption in the flow of power, enabling it to reduce shift times. The standard-specification Active M Differential at the rear axle guarantees optimum traction, while the likewise factory-fitted electromechanical M Servotronic steering with three settings delivers sporty and direct responses.
Safety
Both the BMW M3 sedan and the M4 Coupe are installed with intelligent safety features that ensures unmatched protection to all the occupants inside. Highly robust, large-volume supporting structures and the intelligent use of ultra-high-strength multi-phase steel ensure maximum rigidity in the safety passenger cell, while keeping the overall weight to a minimum. Incase any accident occurs, the impact is channelled away from the passenger cell to other parts of the car body, such as the undercarriage, side members, front bulkhead or roof and is absorbed by deformation zones at the front and rear. For a side-on collision, occupants are protected by strengthened structures in the B-pillars and side skirts, highly rigid side impact protection in the doors, as well as a stable seat crossmember.
Some of the key safety features inside includes the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Active front headrests, Cornering brake control, Active protection with attentiveness assistant that warns the driver if it detects signs of tiredness, alarms, eight airbags, 3 point seat belts etc.
Verdict
These cars are definitely for the ultra-rich petrol heads, who wants to show their adrenaline rush with the power of the BMW M. Costing above Rs 1.2 crore, the company might not be looking for record pre-orders or anything like that, but surely it is a further step for BMW to ramp up the luxurious lifestyle of the increasing billionaires in our country.
BMW is also planning to expand it dealership in the country to 50 from current 37 by next year end. Having already left the German rivals Audi & Mercedes in the Indian market last year, the company is planning to increase its sale for economic class segment by crating its strong brand presence through the BMW M3 sedan and BMW M4 coupe.
Exterior Wallpapers
Interior Wallpapers
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