Behind the wheel of the
● 503bhp in Competition trim ● We’ve driven the prototypes
FAMILIAR and immediately grininducing: that’s exactly how the first few corners in the new BMW M3 feel, and that’s precisely what we’ve come to expect over five generations of this performance saloon icon. This is despite the prototype we’re driving – alongside a similarly near-finished M4 – being only 90 per cent complete, according to BMW M Development Manager Dirk Häcker.
It’s powered by a 3.0-litre, turbocharged straight six. This is the S58 motor used in the X3 M and X4 M SUVs, but its proper home is in the M3, developing 473bhp – or 503bhp in the flagship M3 Competition (expected to be the only version sold in the UK).
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, while Competition variants are equipped with an eight-speed automatic, not reliant on dual-clutch tech but instead using a torque converter. That’s unconventional in modern performance cars.
Häcker can’t reveal fully details of the chassis yet, but teases some of the changes. Compared with the regular 3 Series, the M3 has a stiffer front axle, new electronically controlled dampers and a reworked locking rear differential; carbon-ceramic brakes are optional.
Both the M4 and M3 Competition prototypes are rear-wheel drive. And how about the oftrumored four-wheel-drive version? “An M xDrive is coming,” Häcker says, “but later.”
We try the M4 first. The driver’s seat is much lower than in the old car, and makes everything feel more purposeful. With Sport Plus mode selected, turn-in is noticeably better; the nose of the car is far more aggressive and keen to fire into the apex.
We’re already familiar with this engine, and its linear power delivery right the way to 7,200rpm is all the more enticing in a lower, more focused car, with a proper six-speed manual gearbox only adding to the sensation. Gentle oversteer is easily controllable, and while the new M4’s weight hasn’t been confirmed, it feels lighter.
The M3 will probably be around 100kg heavier than the M4, but it feels very similar, with no trace of additional weight detectable on turn-in. Naturally, the slickshifting six-speed manual gearbox will appeal to keen drivers, but the eight-speed torque converter auto is also a revelation, with wonderfully rapid upshifts and seemingly no loss of drive between gears.
Despite the demands of regulators, and the petrol particulate filters fitted to the new exhaust system, the M3 hasn’t lost its voice. The trademark six-cylinder bark is there, but looking at the size of the tailpipes, we’d expect a bit more volume and crackle. Perhaps that will come when BMW completes the final 10 per cent of
the development programme.
ONSALE
£76,000 (est) 3.0-litre 6cyl turbo petrol 503bhp/600Nm
Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
3.9 seconds 174mph 28mpg (est) 250g/km (eat)
Late 2020