BMW warming up new M4 for 2014 launch

BMW is getting set to split up its M3 family in the upcoming new generation due in 2014, with the flagship M-enhanced coupe and convertible variants of the 3 Series – and possibly all-new four-door Gran Coupe – all expected to come under the fresh M4 banner in future.

This means the M3 will come only in sedan format, in line with BMW’s new naming system that seeks separate identities for sedan and sports models.

The base 4 Series range – the replacement for the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible – is expected to land in Australia around the middle of 2013, armed with the same powertrains as the new 3 Series launched in sedan form early this year.

As usual, the flagship M models will land some months later, in this case in 2014.

The new naming system falls into line with the new 5 Series/6 Series nomenclature, giving BMW the opportunity to reposition the coupe and convertible models with a clearer identity and mimicking Audi’s A4/A5 and A6/A7 split.

Just as BMW’s 6 Series encompasses two-door coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe, the new 4 Series is expected to cover the same three body styles.

Ultimately, a 2 Series is expected, as BMW applies the new system to the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible.

Apart from the sedan, the only other 3 Series body style will be the five-door Touring wagon that is due to touch down in Australian showrooms in early 2013.

The Touring will be offered only with a pair of family friendly 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, in petrol and diesel forms.

However, BMW might offer an M Performance Automobiles enhancement pack for 320d Touring buyers who want a bit more sparkle from their diesel wagon.

As well, 520d customers might be able to power up their diesel engines with an M Sport kit that adds 10 to 15kW of extra power.

The next full-bore M car from the Munich marque’s 40-year-old hot shop will be the four-door M6 Gran Coupe in late 2013.

This will be followed in 2014 by the M3 sedan and M4 Coupe and Convertible, which BMW insiders suggest will arrive about the same time.

It is unclear if the M Division will turn out a full-house version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe that has been spotted in testing in Europe in recent months.