New BMW 3 Series and flagship M3 models to launch in Q4

The new BMW M3 Sedan and M3 Touring, along with the 330i and M340i xDrive, will launch in Australia in Q4 this year. In the case of the former, there's a host of enhancements, headlined by an increase in output for the M xDrive variants.

The M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder unit aboard these all-wheel drive offerings now puts out an impressive 390kW, up from the 375kW of their predecessors. This brings the M xDrive M3 models into line with the M4 high-performance Coupé and Convertible.

Those are due down under later this year as well. The torque figure of the M3 Competition with xDrive variants remains the same at a lofty 650Nm, while drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

Acceleration figures for the BMW M3 AWD variants remain at supercar-like pace. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive can achieve the standard sprint in 3.5-seconds, while the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive notches up the milestone in just 3.6.

The increased output of the AWD models leads to even faster 0 to 200 km/h times. The Sedan now hits that mark in 11.8 seconds, while the Touring achieves it in 12.4 seconds. This is 0.5 seconds faster in both cases.

Power and torque figures remain the same for the rear-wheel-drive BMW M3 Sedan, at 353kW/550Nm. This variant also continues to offer a segment-unique, enthusiast-focused six speed manual transmission.

All models offered in Australia – with the local line-up to be revealed in due course – will carry changes to the styling package and digital offering. They all feature newly designed headlights, as well as new alloy wheel designs.

A new steering wheel with a flat-bottom design – derived directly from motorsport – will feature in the revised interior, alongside new trim elements and BMW Operating System 8.5.

The latter serves as the underpinning of the latest generation of BMW iDrive to further elevate the user experience. Announcement of the new models comes as BMW M continues to power ahead in sales volume in Australia.

Full specifications and pricing will be announced in July, with customer deliveries expected before the end of this year. Equally as significant as the M3 announcement is news of the launch of the full 3 Series range, which in 2025 will include the 330i and M340i xDrive.

To be offered in sedan and Touring configurations, the 3 Series will also launch in Q4, and has scored a fresh package of updates (on the back of a major refresh in 2022), that includes the integration of BMW Operating System 8.5.

A raft of interior enhancements complement the new digital offering, including a new flat bottom M leather steering wheel, and new air conditioning vents with newly designed adjustment knobs.

Additional ambient lighting elements are also included to further lift interior ambience, while the M340i xDrive will feature the BMW glass application ‘CraftedClarity’ as standard equipment for the local market.

M Sport seats will also remain as standard equipment for all Australian-delivered BMW 3 Series variants, providing both optimum support and comfort. Three new 19-inch alloy wheel designs are available to elevate the exterior styling package.

The M340i xDrive will retain its double spoke, 19-inch M light alloys shod with sport tyres. Pricing and specification for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring will be announced in July, with customer deliveries set to begin in Q4.

For further details on either the M3 or the new 3 Series, in Sedan and Touring, contact your local BMW dealer.

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