BMW M3 Competition priced under $145K

BMW has today announced pricing for the Competition Pack variants of the M3 sedan and the M4 coupe and convertible.

At $144,900, the M3 Competition is $5000 more than the standard M3 and comes with a retuned TwinPower 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 331kW – 14kW more than the normal output. Torque continues to peak at 550Nm. The engine drives through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, although a six-speed manual transmission can be specified at no cost.

Also priced $5000 higher ($154,900), the M4 Competition coupe matches the sedan's performance and equipment. At $165,900, the M4 Competition Convertible is $4000 more expensive than the mainstream model.

That added engine output brings the 0-100km/h time down by 0.1 seconds for the sedan and the M4 Competition Coupe, both making the dash in 4.0 seconds dead.

With its extra weight, the M4 Competition Convertible falls behind the coupe and sedan in straight-line speed, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds, which is still 0.1 seconds faster than the standard M4 Convertible.

Vehicles equipped with the manual box are 0.2 seconds slower than the DCT models to 100km/h, increasing the length of time taken to 4.2 seconds for sedan and coupe, or 4.5 seconds for the convertible.

For the Competition Pack models, BMW has tweaked the Adaptive M Suspension, stability control and Active M Differential. New springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are fitted, and the driving experience modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+) have been recalibrated. The 20-inch alloy wheels are a star-spoke design with 265/30 R20 tyres at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear.

Shadow Line trim for the Competition Pack models comprises high-gloss black finish for the grille, side vents, window trims and boot-lid badge. A sports exhaust system adopts high-gloss black finish for the quad tips and delivers a "race-track-inspired acoustic".

Inside, the Competition models feature lightweight seats finished in leather and seat belts with woven M colour stripes.

"With more power, enhanced suspension and bespoke settings for the differential and stability control systems, the Competition variants are aptly named," said Shawn Ticehurst, Head of Product and Market Planning for BMW.

"Arriving hot on the heels of the M2, the M3/M4 Competition models prove that BMW M is on a roll in the company's centenary."

BMW Australia anticipates the Competition Pack models will begin to arrive in local showrooms within a week.