BMW M3/M4 Pure announced from $129,900

BMW Australia has launched a shot across the bows of its German rivals, offering a de-specced Pure version of its current M3 and M4 with an eyebrow-raising price tag.

It's still too early even for official imagery - the photos here are the visually identical M3 Competition LCI - but the M3 Pure will hit showrooms in July 2017 at just $129,900, with its two-door twin asking for an extra $10K at $139,900. This is a $10,000 saving over the regular models' MSRPs.

The deal becomes even sweeter, however, as the Pure models are almost identical in mechanical specification to the $15K dearer Competition variants. In terms of its main competition, the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV starts at $143,900 and the Mercedes-AMG C63 $155,615.

This means 331kW/550Nm from the 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, a stiffer suspension setup and revised settings for the electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

The only Competition feature the Pure misses out on are the larger wheels and tyres, wearing the standard M3/M4’s 19-inch wheels – though in a slightly different design – and 255/35 and 275/35 rubber front and rear respectively.

To slice the price BMW Australia has mainly deleted luxury equipment such as adaptive LED headlights, premium audio system and full leather trim, though a nine-speaker sound system, keyless entry and go, carbon fibre interior trim, head-up display, LED headlights and satellite navigation all remain standard.

The Pure offering is unique to Australia. First introduced on the E90/E92 M3, it has since been rolled out on the M2 and M5.

“The BMW M3 Pure builds further on Australia’s successful Pure Edition models,” said BMW Australia CEO Marc Werner in a statement. “This model offers the full capability of our M3 Competition at a price point that is sure to attract a new core of enthusiast customers.”

We’ll bring you official imagery and a first drive of the M3 Pure shortly after its local launch.