ONE engine, two cars – and a whole lot of torque.

The new BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe have a lot to live up to, such is the weight of expectation on their Bavarian shoulders.

For years the cars of choice for the discerning thrill-seeker, M-badged BMWs have cemented their place in motoring folklore.

So do these cars live up to their billing?

Well, the first thing to mention is just what lies under their hoods.

Gone are the naturally aspirated engines to be replaced by six-cylinder M Twinpower Turbo units pumping out 431bhp and 405lbs/ft of torque.

Some will baulk at the introduction of the turbos, but BMW insists there’s no home for characteristic drawbacks – such as lag.

Despite all that power, BMW insists the new engine is more efficient and cleaner than those that have gone before, with a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25 per cent.

The use of lightweight materials – such as carbon-fibre reinforced roofs – have led to a weight-saving of more than 80kgs.

That enables both cars to go from nought to 62mph in 4.3 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph.

One major criticism of turbo cars over naturally aspirated examples is the noise – or lack of - created. BMW thinks it has solved the issue thanks to the cars’ high rev range, along with electronically controlled flaps in the twin-pipe exhaust system and the latest version of BMW’s Active Sound Design, which reproduces the engine’s noise through the car’s speakers, mirroring just how the car is being driven.

The result is an aural experience befitting of cars with such a sporting pedigree.

A six-speed manual comes as standard – more compact and lighter than the gearbox it replaces – it also features a throttle-blipping function, which is activated on downshifts and, according to BMW, improves the smoothness of the driving experience and enhances stability.

If you would rather, there is the option of a seven-speed M Double Clutch gearbox which, in manual mode, enables ultra-fast gear changes with no interruption in the power flow.

In addition, there’s a launch control function, which enables the type of lightning fast getaways that cannot be achieved by a manual box.

Inside, there’s no doubting what model of car you are in – M badging is visible in abundance. Bucket seats, inspired by racing cars, add to the overall image.

Both cars feature an extensive list of standard equipment, some over and above the outgoing mode, including Adaptive M Suspension, 19ins light alloy wheels, heated and electric seats and wing mirrors and the full BMW Professional Media package with upgraded Bluetooth system.

Both cars are now on sale and cost £56,175 for the M3 Saloon and £56,635 for the M4 Coupe.