The reason behind naming the cars differently now is because BMW has recently adopted a new nomenclature for its entire model range. As per that, all the sedans now come with odd-numbers in their name whereas all the coupe and convertible cars are even-numbered.
Apart from their different body forms, the new BMW M3 and M4 Coupe are mechanically identical under the skin. The only significant difference between the two is that the M3 has 4 doors and weighs 23 kilograms more than the 2-door M4 Coupe.
In real world it should not make any difference in the way the new models drive, perform or handle. The major highlight of the new M3 and M4 Coupe is their powertrain. BMW has ditched the old naturally aspirated 4.0 litre V8 petrol engine in favour of a more powerful and more efficient 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder petrol unit.
Even though the new engine loses out on 2 cylinders and 1 litre of cubic capacity than before, the power and torque outputs have been up as compared to the V8 in the previous model. The engine now churns out 437PS of power between 5,500-7,300rpm, along with a punchy peak-torque of 550Nm available from 1,850rpm to 5,500rpm.
Power reserves from the engine are transmitted only to the rear wheels via a 7-speed M-DCT (dual-clutch) automatic transmission. BMW claims the new M3/M4 Coupe can manage a 0-100km/h run in just 3.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
Another significant mechanical upgrade on the new BMW M3/M4 Coupe is the introduction of an electronic power steering that replaces the old car’s hydraulic unit. More than anything else though, BMW has a reputation of building cars that have balanced dynamics and offer sheer performance.
To ensure the same genes are retained in the new M3 and M4 Coupe, BMW has enhanced the dynamic stability of the cars by saving up to 80 kilograms of weight in comparison to the outgoing car. This is largely thanks to the addition of lightweight materials in the car’s construction. The roof on both the M3 sedan and M4 Coupe is completely made of carbon fibre, whereas, aluminium has been used for a number of chassis and body components. All of which combined make the BMW handle all of its firepower more effectively than before.
To ensure the same genes are retained in the new M3 and M4 Coupe, BMW has enhanced the dynamic stability of the cars by saving up to 80 kilograms of weight in comparison to the outgoing car. This is largely thanks to the addition of lightweight materials in the car’s construction. The roof on both the M3 sedan and M4 Coupe is completely made of carbon fibre, whereas, aluminium has been used for a number of chassis and body components. All of which combined make the BMW handle all of its firepower more effectively than before.
On the outside, the BMW M3 and M4 Coupe both exude a powerful and intimidating stance. Up on front, both the cars come equipped with adaptive LED headlamps with LED DRL rings as standard. Among other visual upgrades that confirm the M3/M4 Coupe’s brute intentions are three massive vertical air intakes at the front bumper, black painted kidney grille with M logo, stalk mounted side mirrors, M-performance power dome on the bonnet, integrated boot lid spoiler, polished rear spoiler etc.
Inside, the new M3 and M4 Coupe sport bucket-style M-Sport leather seats with an illuminated ‘M’ logo on the backrests, sporty steering wheel with paddle-shifters and a BMW M lap timer. You also get a 22.35 cm infotainment screen, satellite navigation, head-up display, automatic start-stop system and an optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system to soothe your senses. Safety systems are in abundance as well. Airbags, ABS, DSC (dynamic stability control) etc all come as standard fitment.
The BMW M-Division specializes is producing high-end performance cars, which go against the likes of Audi RS-models and Mercedes AMG range of cars. Currently, BMW also has the M5 sedan and M6 Gran Coupe on sale in India.