2016 BMW M3, M4 Competition pricing and specifications

Pricing and specifications have been announced today for the new 2016 BMW M3 Competition sedan, along with the M4 Competition coupe and convertible.

Arriving in local showrooms from mid-May, the new Competition versions of the M3 and M4 include a host of added features and performance improvements.

Headlining the Competition upgrades is a 14kW power bump for the 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, from 317kW in the ‘standard’M3 and M4 to 331kW in the Competition versions.

Thanks to the added power, the M3 sedan and M4 coupe can now sprint from 0-100km/h in four seconds flat, while the M4 convertible makes the dash in 4.3 seconds with the standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Also available as a no-cost option is a six-speed manual transmission for those who prefer three pedals, which sees the roofed M3 and M4 Competitions hit 100km/h from standstill in 4.2 seconds respectively and 4.5 seconds for the M4 convertible.

Adding to the Competition upgrade are new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, 20-inch star-spoke M light alloy wheels with 265/30 R20 front and 285/30 R20 rear tyres, and a re-calibrated differential for improved driveability and traction.

The standard adaptive M suspension adds new settings in each of its three driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+), while the stability control system has also been reconfigured to match these revisions. A sports exhaust system adds to the experience, providing a “race track-inspired acoustic”.

Inside, the M3 and M4 Competition models get new sports seats featuring weight-saving cut-out elements, with BMW’s M stripes stitched into the seat belts.

Rounding out the Competition upgrades is the BMW “Shadow Line” exterior package which adds a high-gloss black trim to the signature front kidney grille, side gills, tailpipes and rear model badging.

Shawn Ticehurst, head of product and market planning for BMW Australia, said: “Arriving hot on the heels of the M2, the M3/M4 Competition models prove the BMW M is on a roll in the company’s centenary”.

“With more power, enhanced suspension and bespoke settings for the differential and stability control systems, the Competition variants are aptly named,” he added.

Pricing starts at $144,900 for the M3 Competition sedan, $154,900 for the M4 Competition coupe and $165,900 for the M4 Competition convertible. All pricing is before on-road costs.

The M3 and M4 Competitions will arrive in showrooms mid-May.