BMW dealers are gearing up to roll out the German prestige marque's latest models as the first examples of the new 3 Series and Z4 models arrive in the UK.

Dripping with the latest technology, fresh styling and a host of technical and engineering refinements these latest takes on two of the brand's most iconic models are set to start hitting the roads this month.

The seventh generation of the 3 Series Saloon is longer, wider and lighter and is available in a dramatically simplified range with a package and option list reduced to six main packages and around 10 single options.

Four diesel-engined and two petrol-powered versions are available initially with prices starting at £32,450 for the new, 150bhp 320d, rising to £39,630 for the 265bhp 330d with BMW's X-drive all-wheel-drive system. A hybrid version will be available later.

The entry level SE model features a substantially increased standard spec which includes adaptive LED headlights with cornering light and eyebrow indicators, ambient interior lighting with up to 11 colour settings, a parking assistant with reversing camera and latest generation reversing assistant, electric folding mirrors, three-zone air conditioning and enhanced acoustic glazing.

Like the 3 Series, the latest Z4 is longer, wider and higher than before and comes with a number of new design features including a distinctive mesh, honeycomb-patterned radiator grille, a sculpted front apron with massive air intakes and twin, vertical LED light units mounted above each other at the outer edges of a "clamshell" bonnet. At the rear there's a distinctive, boot-mounted spoiler.

There's no retractable hard top option this time round, the latest Z4 only being available with an electrically-operated, retractable soft-top - when folded it doesn't affect the available boot space which is 50 per cent bigger than before.

There's a choice of three turbocharged petrol engines all mated to an eight speed steptronic auto transmission. Two four cylinder units with either 197 or 258bhp are on offer and, in the top of the range M40i model, a three-litre, 340bhp straight six, the latter with a top speed of 155mph and a 0-60 sprint time of around 4.5 seconds.

Prices start at £36,990 for the Z4 sDrive 2.0i and top out at £49,050 for the 340bhp M40i.