The letter ‘M’ is incredibly important to BMW NZ. We’re the world’s number one market, in percentage terms, for full-fat BMW M cars and M Performance models. That evocative ‘M’ logo appears on one in four new BMWs sold here. It’s a very big deal.
Such a big deal, in fact, that BMW transformed Hampton Downs Motorsport Park into ‘M Town’ to showcase the potential of the new M3 Competition alongside its M Division stablemates. Also making its debut was the M3’s two-door twin, the scalpel-sharp M4 Coupe.
To set the scene, our M3 was decked out in Isle of Man Green with Merino Kyalami Orange/Black leather. It’s a bold combination that reflects a strident personality. M Carbon bucket seats and carbon fibre trim finishers complete a super-sporting, figure-hugging cabin. Elsewhere, standard equipment includes a carbon fibre roof, staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged-alloy wheels, M compound brakes, and laser headlights.
So far, so delectable, but what about the driving? First things of note are the urgency of a 375kW straight-six engine upon start-up and the positivity of the 8-speed Steptronic Sport auto as you power out of pitlane. This conventional, slick-shifting transmission has replaced a twin-clutch unit and nothing is lost in the switch, as a scorching 3.9 second sprint time to 100km/h confirms.
To say the twin-turbo engine has pin-your-shoulders-back accelerative intent is an understatement. The muscular growl is no acoustic fabrication and is ever-present as you devour straights and power out of bends, taking advantage of track-specific M tech. Equally though, the M3 settles into a luxurious, smooth-riding saloon when the red mist clears and has all the on-board comforts and equipment to make everyday driving a joy.
Our intro, however, was performance focused and with pro instructors demonstrating the potential of TRACK mode on hot laps of Hampton’s National circuit. Activated by an extended press of the M mode button, this mode fully deactivates safety nets that are invaluable on the road and reveals how playful and controllable the new M3 can be at the snaking limit.
Of course, you can also have enormous fun with complete traction in ROAD driving modes by exploring the M3’s myriad configuration options. That’s something we’ll wait to enjoy beyond M Town’s borders.
In A Nutshell
- BMW M3 Competition
- 3-litre 6-cyl twin-turbo; 375kW/ 650Nm; 8-speed auto; 19in and 20in light alloys; 4.79m length
- 1,730kg weight; 0-100km/h 3.9 secs; 10.2L/100km; from $168,900; bmw.co.nz
