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 continues 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 upgraded 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 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.

The rear-biased setup of the intelligent all-wheel-drive system further enhances the agility of the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and elevates traction to an even higher level. The system teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle – whose operation is also fully variable – to add to the signature M feeling when powering through corners. In addition to the default 4WD setting, the driver can also select 4WD Sport mode via the M Setup menu. Here, a higher proportion of drive power is sent to the rear wheels for even more agile handling. Switching off DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) also brings 2WD mode into play, which means power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels. This mode offers skilled drivers a pure-bred driving experience without interventions from the control systems.

The high torsional stiffness of the body structure and chassis mountings creates the ideal platform for impressive driving dynamics and instantaneous response to steering commands. The standard adaptive M suspension gives drivers the ability to adapt the responses of the electronically controlled dampers as they wish. Via the M Setup menu, drivers can select from three different settings to optimise the car’s handling in line with need and personal preference.

The package of chassis technology also includes M Servotronic steering and the integrated braking system, which works in conjunction with both the standard M Compound brakes and the optional M Carbon ceramic brakes. The M Carbon ceramic brakes are around 14 kilograms lighter than the standard M Compound brakes. The reduction in unsprung mass plays a particularly significant role in delivering increased agility, enhanced handling, faster response and lower fuel consumption.

The DSC system, meanwhile, ensures a form of driving pleasure unmatched by any rival. Indeed, with M Dynamic Mode, it offers an ultra-sporty configuration that raises the system’s intervention thresholds when it comes to controlling braking inputs and delays the point at which it steps in to restrict engine output. This maximises the car’s performance dynamics with DSC switched on. The system can also be fully deactivated (DSC off).

The new BMW M3 Sedan can be specified as an option with the M Traction Control function. A standard feature on all Competition models, this slip control tech can be adjusted through 10 stages according to the driver’s preferences or the road conditions at hand. It allows the control system inputs to be reduced in stages so that the driver can approach the physical limits in race action on the track, for example. The M Laptimer and M Drift Analyser help experienced drivers improve their lap times and hone their drifting skills. The integrated application of all drivetrain and chassis systems was fine-tuned at locations including the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, but it also ensures highly dynamic and precisely controllable handling simultaneously in everyday driving.

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 for-mats 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.

The new BMW M3 Sedan sets new standards in its segment with its 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.

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 editions of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M3 Touring also welcome the latest generation of the display and control/operation system, BMW iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 8.5, into cockpits 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 includes 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.