The new generation E92 BMW M3 has just been officially introduced to the press in Europe and some European journalists have been lucky enough to spend a bit of time behind the wheel at the Spanish launch. The new M3 is expected in dealer’s showrooms during early September and will be wearing a sticker price of £50,625 in the UK.
Initially the E92 M3 will only be available as a manual coupe, with BMW looking to introduce a double clutch (DSG style) gearbox with flappy paddles in the near future. A cabriolet version of the M3 is also expected with recent spy shots of the E92 convertible M3 being featured on this site.
Initial reports suggest that the E92 M3 driving experience is more than worthy of the M badge if not as raw and precise as the E46 it will ultimately be quicker and perhaps more refined. We cannot help thinking that the E46 may be remembered more fondly over the course of time…
Thanks to Car Online who have spent some time behind the wheel of the new M car you can see the M3 being driven in anger at its debut. Plenty of tyre frying, oversteer action to be enjoyed by clicking play on the video below.
You can check out all the specs for the E92 BMW M3 as well as BMW’s April press release by clicking on the link. As soon as Australian delivery is confirmed we will provide further information on timing and price but our best guess at this point in time is around $164,000 or virtually line-ball with Audi’s RS4.
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I really like the look of the new E92 generation. They (BMW) did right by this super tuned coupe in so many ways.
I think we can thank the moderate design pen of Mr. Van Hooydonk for that.
The new M’s design achieves two things - it looks at once more graceful than its shorter predecessors thanks to a slightly elongated body.
And that hawkish front airdam with angry headlights achieves a menacing appearance that’s sure make any Porsche driver do a double take in the rearview mirror.
One of the wonderful things about car enthusiasts is that they all have different opinions which is what makes car blogs so interesting!
I prefer the E46… To me the E92 doesn’t stir my emotions on the styling front. I have always preferred cars with a few ‘lumps and bumps’ like the flared guards on the E46 whereas it all just seems to blend on the E92.
Seeing one in the flesh may change my opinion though.
Thankfully they kept Bangle away from it…
Not so fast, Steane! We’re about to be in agreement.
I adore the E46 generation 3-Series. Indeed, I had a life affirming experience in one special edition, Napa leather clad 330Ci. One might say it was a religious awakening of sorts - not kidding. That car was that good.
I’m no fan of BMW’s contemporary styling. Most of the models fell off the Bangle tree and hit every last branch on the way down. Some say the styling is revolutionary - I think it will destroy the appeal of a generation of BMWs 10 years from now.
The beauty of the E46 was that every line had a purpose and was perfectly placed. No flame surfacing. No gimmicks. If there was one fault, it was those Honda-esque taillamps on the sedan. A minor quibble for what was a generation of really sharp ‘n taut sports sedans/coupes/convertibles.
Gunnar - I’m glad I’m not the only one to have religious experiences in cars. I always thought I was rather odd growing up but now it seems I may have been normal, just in the minority…
My first drive in a BMW was back in 1992/3 when I drove a manual 325i. Aside from slightly vague steering it was a revelation.
I drove a manual 1996 540i a few weeks ago and it would put some current model cars to shame.
IMO Chris Bangle has a lot to answer for. Perhaps the only current model BMW that makes me go a little weak in the knees is the Z4 Coupe.