Aussie M2 Competition confirmed “The chassis engineers admit that there’s still around 10 percent of the finishing work to be done”

BMW’S 302kw/550nm M2 Competition is set to arrive in Australian dealers in October. The $104,900 coupe gets a slightly detuned version of the current M3’s S55 twin-turbo lump and is offered with a choice of a manual or DCT transmission. A budget $99,900 Pure version is set to follow in early 2019. The Pure does without the Harman Kardon stereo, electrically adjustable sports seats, adaptive LED headlights and rides on 19-inch wheels. The Competition models replace the regular M2 variant in BMW’S line-up going forward.

That, say BMW insiders, was a key development goal, as the current 3’s interior lacks the quality look and feel of its key C-class and Audi A4 competition. The instrumentation in this upper-level 330i model is all digital, while lesser models are likely to feature a mix of analogue and digital displays, and an idrive that’s a development of BMW’S latest seventh-gen system.

With 50/50 weight distribution and a reduction in overall weight by around 55kg over the outgoing model, agility has been improved significantly. That’s been achieved without impacting ride comfort, those new dampers allowing a fine balance of control and a smooth ride – even on the scabby roads around the Nurburgring.

On track, at higher speeds, the 3 Series exhibits that perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the wider track aiding stability, the turn-in sharp, the steering being light, quick and precise with fine weighting – and what passes for feel these days. The chassis engineers admit there’s about 10 percent of the finishing work to be done, the tuning of the electric power steering being a key area.

The engine line-up will largely follow the current range, the 330i we sampled gaining around 5kw, for an output of 190kw, torque increasing by as much as 50Nm to a 400Nm maximum. Those improvements come with a five percent gain in economy from the outgoing car’s 5.8L/100km. Getting the new 3 Series ready for the latest WLTP standards mandated by the EU will see the new 3 fitted with a particulate filter in the exhaust for both petrol and diesel models.

At the entry-point to the range the 3 Series will continue to be powered by the 1.5-litre threecylinder turbo engine, also with a 5kw bump to 105kw, and will still be badged 318i. Above that BMW’S turbocharged 2.0-litre fourcylinder will account for the bulk of global sales and will be offered in various states of tune from an unchanged 135kw in the 320i, to 190kw in the 330i.

Above that the 340i will be the only six-cylinder petrol 3 Series, with power output expected to be around 272kw. Diesel choices comprise the 2.0-litre fourcylinder 316d, 318d and 320d, with a six-cylinder 3.0-litre in both 330d and 335d guises.

In line with the zeitgeist, a pair of plug-in hybrid models will be offered. They will use the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and the 2.0litre petrol turbo engines boosted by electric motors of differing outputs. Likely to be badged 320e and 330e, the electric-only range will be in the region of 50 to 80 kilometres.

Just as for the existing 3 Series range there will be the option of xdrive all-wheel drive (TBC for Oz), as well as M Performance versions to take on Audi’s S and Mercedesamg’s 43-badged competition. The M Performance models will be introduced shortly after the 3’s introduction in Paris and early 2019 on-sale date, giving BMW some wiggle room before it replaces the M3.