BMW Australia has taken a knife to the prices of its mid-size M models, with the M3 sedan, M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible all now $16,140 cheaper at a respective $139,900, $149,900 and $161,900 plus on-road costs.
Significantly, the M3's new price sees it now undercut — by almost $15,000 — its most direct rival, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 sedan, which arrives this month priced from $154,510.
Meantime, at less than $150,000, the M4 Coupe now costs almost $10,000 less than the Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe, which will be replaced next year by an all-new model, and about $8000 less than Audi's RS 5 Coupe.
Further sweetening the deal, the hefty price cuts — which come just a year after the launch of the latest M3 and M4 — are accompanied by an increase in standard equipment.
When they arrive here in October, the updated M3 and M4 models will be distinguished by revised full-LED headlights and tail-lights, twin-round LED daytime running lights and a light bar connecting the headlights and grille.
Also added to the standard equipment list are Adaptive LED Headlights, Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant with Lane Change Warning and Approach Control Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitor, Internet access and ConnectedDrive Freedom, offering users access to ConnectedDrive Services, Remote Services, Real Time Traffic Information and Concierge Services.
Cabin upgrades for all three models include extra chromed interior highlights, ambient surround illumination of the centre stack and full Merino leather trim — including the instrument panel, door trims and glovebox as no-cost BMW Individual options.
There are no changes to the M3 and M4's 317kW550Nm twin-turbo straight six, which takes the sedan and coupe to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds (4.4 for the convertible) via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
“More value, more technology and more refinement. That is what we are delivering with this update to the BMW M3 and BMW M4,” said BMW Group Australia Head of Product and Market Planning, Shawn Ticehurst.
“The BMW M3 and BMW M4 are expressions of motorsport-inspired technology and innovation, and have attained iconic status. These changes will only broaden that appeal.
“The growth of the BMW M range has been a fantastic success story for our brand, particularly in 2015. And over the first seven months of this year, we have already surpassed our total sales result for 2014.”