KEY POINTS:
Is there a cooler way to carry the family around?
BMW has unveiled a four-door sedan version of the fourth-generation M3 V8 supercar, which has thus far only been offered in a two-door coupe form.
It's not the first-ever M3 sedan, though. Although a four-door version of the previous E46 M3 was never released, the second-generation M3 was available in both body shapes.
Naturally, the M3 sedan picks up the high-revving 4.0-litre V8 engine from the coupe, developing 309kW/400Nm. And the maximum engine speed is 8400rpm.
The M3 sedan can accelerate to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, and goes on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 12.4 litres per 100km.
As with the coupe, the M3 shares very little with the regular 3-series.
It has a "powerdome" in the bonnet to accommodate the V8 engine, large air intakes, dual tailpipes and widely flared wheel arches.
The M-specific side-sills are more widely flared towards the rear of the car, while a discreet spoiler lip reduces lift forces on the rear axle.
However, the M3 sedan misses out a few of the coupe's high-tech features: most notably the unpainted carbon fibre roof.
Although specific figures have not yet been released, the four-door will also be slightly heavier than the coupe - a fact reflected in its 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The two-door manages the benchmark sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The M3 sedan is expected to arrive in NZ early next year.
