The third edition of the BMW M3 range arrives in Cairns in December.

BMW is importing a limited number of sedans for the first time in Australia.

It will go up against the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG as well as the forthcoming Lexus IS-F sedan.

Prices are yet to be confirmed but expect it to be around the $139,500 mark of the Benz, which is about $17,000 cheaper than the M3 Coupe.

BMW Australia corporate communications manager Toni Andreevski said the M3 sedan was always intended for Australia but the delay was to take advantage of the mid-life updates to the 3-Series range.

He estimates at least 100 sales of the M3 sedan next year.

The sedan should reach 100 km/h from rest in 4.7 seconds with fuel consumption of 11.9 litres of fuel per 100 km.

The M3 sedan will be offered in Australia with both a conventional six-speed manual gearbox and the all new seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic.

The exterior of the sedan will carry over many of the M features seen on the coup and convertible models such as the aggressive front mask (albeit subtly modified), bulging bonnet with air intake grilles, mudguard gills, sport side sills, rear air diffuser and of course the trademark quad-pack exhaust pipes.

There are 18in light alloy M design wheels and big brakes.

The M3 sedan chassis carries over only one component from the standard E90 sedan, and in all, between 70 and 80 percent of the M3 sedan is unique when compared with the E90 sedan range.

The new V8 will also be the first M3 model of the current generation to offer seating for five.

BMW will announce pricing closer to the launch of the car in Australia but the M3 Sedan is expected to be priced in line with 3-Series family policy, that is, at a level slightly below that of the comparable coup or convertible models.

The new E90 generation car is the first M3 four-door to be sold in Australia but the model has been exceptionally popular in other markets where it was previously available in the 1990s in its E36 generation guise.

"The arrival of the BMW M3 Sedan in Australia will make Christmas really special for an exclusive band of our enthusiastic customers this year," BMW marketing general manager Tom Noble said.

"The M3 Sedan is a dynamic, muscled and toned machine that sets hearts pumping,'' he said.

"We have been asked for some time to bring this car in so we are delighted we are now able to deliver on the wishes of our most ardent supporters.

"The refined, engaging performance and handling, the five-seat practicality, and the unique visual appeal of the M3 are sure to make it a winner. Of course, the concept of a light-weight V8 engine in the already agile and perfectly balanced 3 Series Sedan guarantees a stimulating drive.''

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