New BMW M3 and M4 may disappoint

BMW has admitted the switch to a turbocharged petrol engine for the first time could upset a core group of fans of the M3 sedan and its newly named coupe sibling, the BMW M4.

Since the original BMW M3 (E30) was launched in 1986 it has been powered by naturally aspirated four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. But when the new M3 and M4 make their world debuts at the Detroit motor show in January they will appear with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six in order to meet stricter global emissions standards.

Although BMW M’s first twin-turbo inline six will be the most powerful ever fitted to a production 3 Series sedan or 4 Series coupe, generating 316kW and "more than" 500Nm of torque, there are concerns it will lose some of its character, throttle response and driver involvement offered by the outgoing M3’s 4.0-litre V8.

Asked whether there could be a backlash from purists when the new M4 Coupe arrives in Australia in May next year, BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton, told motoring.com.au: "Yeah, I think there will be".

Horton said the adoption of a turbo engine and its potentially peakier power deliver may not be to everyone’s liking, and could cause some disappointment among hard-core M3 enthusiasts.

"I'm sure the car will drive phenomenally, but some people will get in that car and think ‘that's not quite what I have always imagined an M car to be’ or ‘it's not quite the same as the driveability was in the M3 I owned however many generations ago.

"And I think those die-hards might be disappointed," admitted Horton.

He also noted that the automotive press would probably complain about the switch to turbocharged engines "because you guys are very focussed on that, and quite rightly".

But the BMW Australia boss says the new M3 and M4 models will be incredibly rapid and involving to drive, and that "the huge majority of people will be more than satisfied."

"I think as always the proof will be in the pudding. When we get to drive the car, it'll be the characteristics of the drive and the way the power is delivered that will impress customers."

The ditching of the naturally aspirated and high-revving 309kW/400Nm V8 engine of the current M3 for a 316kW/500Nm-plus turbo six may be sad news for some, but BMW is going all out to ensure it's one of the fastest cars in its class.

Hitting the scales at under 1500kg thanks to extensive use of light-weight body panels – including a carbon-fibre roof and boot, and an aluminium bonnet and front quarter panels -- the new model is tipped to be the fastest yet around the Nurburgring and will retain its ideal 50/50 front/rear weight distribution.

But although the M3 and M4 models are still likely to be the most focussed performance cars in the M garage, the new 2 Series Coupe could also provide an appealing angle of attack at a sharper price point.

Horton said there's a lot of buzz within the company about the 2 Series' proportions and just how suited it is to dynamic driving.

"There's a lot of excitement in the company around the 2 Series internally. People are comparing it to older M3s, because the size of the car is closer to 2002s and things like that in terms of driving enjoyment. There's a lot of excitement within the company in Munich about this car."

While the 2 Series Coupe line-up will be topped by the M235i, a hardcore M2 is unlikely -- but not impossible, said Horton.

"I wouldn't say never, but I don’t think an M2 is on the cards at the moment. As we have with the 1 Series there'll be an M Performance car," said Horton.

The 2 Series Coupe arrives in Australia in June – a month after the new M3 and M4 – and the range-topping M235i will be powered by a 240kW/450Nm version of BMW’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six capable of accelerating it to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

Based on BMW’s official performance claims, that will make it quicker than the 225kW/400Nm 435i Coupe and just one-tenth slower than the outgoing M3 Coupe.

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