BMW M3 and M4 Pure editions for Oz

BMW is expanding its range of stripped-out, performance-focused and more affordable M-cars with an Australia-specific M3 and M4 Pure.

Priced from $129,900 and $139,900 respectively, they will join the existing, and equivalent, M2 and M5 Pure models in July.

M Power fans will delight at the more accessible price, which undercuts the ‘standard’ M3 and M4 by $10,000 apiece, but the news gets even better. Unlike the M2 and M5 Pure, the new Pure pair gain the power upgrade, chassis and interior of the more pricey Competition variants.

That means the brace of more affordable M-badged siblings get a power upgrade from 317kw to 331kW, reconfigured adaptive M suspension settings with 15 percent stiffer springs, and 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels in black, although they can be upgraded to the 20-inch version fitted to the Competition.

Inside, the purist pair gets a scattering of alterations to highlight a minimalist focus, including M Sport seats that feature weight-saving cut-outs, and seatbelts decorated with the classic M colours.

Externally, the Pure is identifiable by gloss black treatment applied to the boot badge, kidney grille, side gills and upgraded sport exhaust, which is also borrowed from the Competition M3 and M4.

When fitted with the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the M3 and M4 Pure do the zero to 100km/h dash in 4.0 seconds (a tenth faster than the next most expensive option), while the no-cost optional six-speed manual drops that time back to 4.2 seconds.

Despite the performance enhancements, BMW has managed to slash the cost of the M3 and M4 by deleting some of the standard car’s equipment – things not likely to be missed by drivers focused on dynamics and the pleasure of hitting their favourite road.

Adaptive LED headlights with main-beam assistance, leather-upholstered instrument cowl, top-spec Harman Kardon stereo, full leather, heated seats and rear roller sunblinds are all relegated to the options list in return for the $10,000 saving.

Like previous Pure packages, the specification of the latest version applied to the M3 and M4 was specifically developed by BMW’s Australian team to appeal to our performance enthusiast drivers and their unique requirements.

The Pure editions will arrive as part of the M3 and M4 ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ update, which includes the arrival of the new M4 CS variant, as well as a number of enhancements for all M3 and M4 versions such as the latest iDrive6 version of BMW’s information and entertainment system. It brings a larger 8.8-inch screen with new touch-sensitive function.

Both the “LCI” – read equipment-adjusted – M3 and M4 also get new illuminated M badges set into the sports seats, adaptive LED headlights, a leather upholstered dash, and electroplated interior details.