Three’s The Magic Number: 2015 BMW M3 Review

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For anyone who was hoping for a return to the straight-six engine configuration, the German’s have granted your wish with the 2015 BMW M3.

There have been tonnes of improvements for the 2015 BMW M3. Speed, intelligence, style and value have all been enhanced, whilst performance is as good as ever. Did we expect anything less? Indeed, performance and power seems to be in BMW’s blood, and ever since the M3’s debut back in 1986, these virtues have only got better. Let’s take a closer look at what the 2015 BMW M3 offers.

Three Pedals and a Stick

Many modern car manufacturers reject the notion that a sports car has to come with six-speed manual transmission as standard, but what if that’s what the consumers are crying out for? If they are, then the 2015 BMW M3 has answered a lot of prayers. Albert Biermann, BMW’s M Division engineering chief, was adamant that manual transmission was the way forward, and has thrown in the option of a seven-speed dual clutch box as a token option. But there’s no doubt that the hardcore enthusiasts will choose the manual. Naturally, the popular eight-cylinder package has been dispensed with, but we can assure you that the six-speed is a superb substitute – it’s also faster.

For the twin turbo 3.0-litre engine, you get 431PS and 550Nm of torque, which is 40% more torque than last time around. With the aforementioned dual-clutch gearbox, the 2015 BMW M3 can rocket to 62mph from rest in 4.1 seconds, an improvement on its predecessor, no doubt aided by a launch control mode. The Smoky Burnout setting increases speeds – if you really feel it’s necessary!

Faultless Design

Another welcome engineering improvement for the 2015 BMW M3 is the addition of a sleek carbon fibre roof that not only makes the car more attractive, but which also reduces the weight by 5kgs whilst simultaneously lowering the 2015 BMW M3’s centre of gravity.

Naturally, the new BMW M3 is a four-door and thus its looks will always be slightly compromised, but you really can’t fault the designers for what they’ve managed to achieve here. Slick and not too far removed from the sexy BMW M4.

Inside, execution is flawless, the bucket-seat inspired front seats a particular thing of beauty. Heating comes as standard, as does electric adjustment, whilst the upholstery is a result of some finely crafted and well-thought out stitching. Attention to detail is hugely rewarding, and if you need extra boot space, the rear seats can be folded 60:40.

Numbers and Figures

BMW M3 deals start at £56,000, which means that pricing is on par with its two-door counterpart, the 2015 BMW M4. In the past, BMW prices used to come up vastly different despite their vehicles sharing a very similar body underneath the skin. It’s refreshing to see that things have changed. More good news is that the 2015 BMW M3 seems like a bargain compared to the rival Mercedes C63 AMG.

The BMW M3 2015 also sees improvements in terms of efficiency too. Back in 2006, the M6 was pumping out 287g/km of pollution, but that figure has been dramatically reduced to just 194g/km. Moreover, despite its peak power of 431PS, the new BMW M3 returns fuel costs of 34mpg.

Final Thoughts

Before the new BMW M3 was released, many consumers and car scribes might have raised a few eyebrows at the fact that the eight-cylinder unit had been done away with, but the six-speed manual transmission improves speed and, coupled with a machine that is lighter than before, improvements are undeniable. It remains a car not for the feint hearted, but for anyone looking for bit of assurance, it’s more composed than before. Better overall, the 2015 BMW M3 is one not to be ignored.

If you want to get hold of the 2015 BMW M3 don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our BMW M3 lease deals.