Hot on the heels of the arrival of a new M3 Coupé, BMW UK has announced details of the four-door M3 Saloon. 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. With the added practicality of the four-door bodyshell, the new M3 Saloon will appeal to an even broader audience.

Class-leading engine and drivetrain
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.

BMW UK has announced the first details of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible, the world’s first premium convertible in the compact segment.  Powered by four- and six-cylinder engines, from the entry-level 143hp 118i Convertible to the ‘bahn-storming 306hp 135i Convertible, the open-topped 1 Series uses elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme to deliver high-performance, economical and low-emission, roof-down motoring.

The Convertible is the fourth derivative of 1 Series to be launched and will carry over much of the styling and technology from the recently-announced Coupé model. The obvious addition is an electro-hydraulic fabric roof that opens or closes in 22 seconds, and at speeds of up to 25mph.  The convertible roof is available in classic black, beige or, as a world first, an innovative anthracite silver fleck which is a fabric material interwoven with fine shiny metallic fibres.