By Otsile Kadiege

BMW M recently lifted the veils off the updated M3 Competition Sedan and the M3 Competition Touring. The duo get subtle yet noticeable exterior and interior updates, a bunch of new BMW Individual colours, new technology, increased rear wheel diameter and increased power.

Increased power

Starting off with the latter, underneath the hood of the updated M3 Competition duo is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The base models churns out 353 kW and 550 Nm, while the rear-wheel-drive Competition models boasts 375 kW and 650 Nm. Opting for the all-wheel-drive M3 Competition M xDrive takes it a step further, delivering an additional 15 kW for a total of 390 kW, with torque remaining unchanged at 650 Nm.

The updated M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds, and the new BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive completes the same sprint in 3.6 seconds – only a touch longer, despite its higher kerb weight. 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 Touring 12.4 seconds.

All variants of the LCI M3 Sedan and M3 Touring have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h as standard. However, if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified, this figure rises to 290 km/h for the sedans and 280 km/h for the Touring mode.

Subtle exterior updates

Outside, the updated M3 range gets subtle changes like newly designed headlights with two elegantly sculpted, subtly arrow-shaped and vertically arranged LED units. Adaptive LED Headlights with blue accents and non-dazzling matrix high beam are available as an option, and include the cornering light function and urban lights.

At the top of the M3 Competition Sedan, the CFRP roof gets two fins running in longitudinal direction as standard. The model badge on the boot lid of the Competition models is now accented by an elegant silver-coloured surround.

New tech, new trimmings

Climbing aboard, the updated M3 Competition range gets a redesigned flat-bottom steering wheel (avlso available in alcantara) with a centered red 12 o’clock marker, newly designed illuminated air vents and a massive BMW Curved Display comprising a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display with M-specific content. The large integrated displays run on BMW’s revised Operating System 8.5.

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 brings 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.

BMW M Performance Parts offer customers additional scope for tailoring the high-intensity driving experience and dynamic aura of the new high-performance sports cars to their personal tastes. The selection of model-specific retrofit options ranges from exterior components made from CFRP and M Performance forged wheels with centre lock to M Performance floor mats and M Performance steering wheel trim for customising the interior.

Availability and pricing

BMW South Africa is yet to confirm local availability but we should expect the M3 Competition Sedan around fourth quarter or maybe sooner. Pricing will be announced closer to local launch.