A flying four-door version of the BMW M3 has been announced.

While four generations of M3 have been built, this is only the second time an M3 Saloon has been offered.  Thirteen years after the launch of the original M3 Saloon, the new car offers the same levels of scintillating performance as the latest Coupé. 

Like the Coupé, the engine in the new M3 Saloon develops 420hp at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm.  The 3,999cc V8-power unit red-lines at 8,400rpm but to highlight the real-world driving flexibility of the engine, 85 per cent of torque is available over an engine range of 6,500rpm. 

Power is transferred to the road by BMW M’s six-speed manual gearbox and variable M differential.  This conveys up to 100 per cent of available power to the wheel with most grip.

The M3 Saloon completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, only 0.1 seconds slower than the Coupé, before going onto a limited top speed of 155mph.  BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme, however, ensures that these supercar levels of performance do not compromise economy with the car delivering 22.8mpg on the combined cycle. 

In common with all new BMW models launched in 2007, the new M3 Saloon features Brake Energy Regeneration.  This technology uses an Intelligent Alternator Control and Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recognise when the engine is on over-run and activates the alternator to charge the battery with what would previously have been wasted energy.

Another aspect of BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme is lightweight technology.  Although not featuring the carbon-fibre roof panel from the Coupé, it does use other lightweight, but high-strength, materials.

Using a light-alloy engine block manufactured alongside F1 engines at BMW’s foundry at Landshut, Germany, the new V8 powerplant weighs a mere 202kgs.  To put this achievement into context, this is 15kgs less than the six-cylinder engine in the previous-generation M3. 

To further highlight the weight advantages, the crankshaft in the new engine is made from one complete forging and weighs only 20kgs.  Additionally, the front axle components are built entirely from aluminium.  Even the five-link rear axle, normally constructed from high-strength steel, has aluminium components to save weight. 

Like the M3 Coupé, the Saloon variant also features an M Drive Manager that brings together numerous personalised functions of the car. 

Although visually similar to the 3 Series Saloon, almost all the bodyshell parts are different with the emphasis on the sporting dynamics of the car.  So much so that the M3 Saloon features the same, sleek front end design from the Coupé. 

Like the Coupé, the new M3 Saloon features 18-inch Dark Graphite double spoke light-alloy wheels an aerodynamic diffuser emphasises BMW M’s trademark twin double exhaust pipes protruding from beneath the valance.  The bootlid also features a discreet lip spoiler.

Details and pricing of the M3 Saloon will be announced in the future.