BMW M3 & M4: A power couple

BMW’s beefed up M3 and M4 take it to Mercedes-Benz.

PETER BARNWELL

3 min read

July 22, 2016 - 12:00AM

2016 BMW M4 Performance model

BMW is playing catch-up with arch rival Mercedes-Benz’s C63 S by adding power, equipment and sharpened dynamics to its M3 sedan and M4 coupe.

The “Competition Pack’’, an option on overseas models, is now a fixture on the M3/M4.

On the Competition sedan and coupe, the premium is $5000 and on the convertible $4000. The range kicks off at $144,615 for the sedan with dual-clutch seven-speed transmission. A six-speed manual is a no-cost option on all three models.

BMW’s substantial equipment upgrades last year haven’t been enough to dent sales of the bahnstorming Benz C63 S — it still can’t match the Benz‘s outputs, the top priority for high-performance European sedan buyers.

The M3/M4 retain the 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder twin-turbo (331kW/550Nm), trailing the Benz’s 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo (375kW/700Nm).

In terms of driveability, price and standard equipment, the Bavarian pair is sure to please.

The silky-running and raspy-sounding six delivers sensational performance, crowned by a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.0 seconds that matches Mercedes’ C63 S.

It also uses just 8.8L/100km — delivering near-supercar performance with the fuel economy of a medium sedan. Dress-up body components add to the new M car’s appearance, especially the black chrome quad-exhaust tips that now emit the obligatory bang and pop on decelerating.

2016 BMW M3 Performance model

Carbon ceramic disc brakes with gold, six-piston calipers add $15,000 but we doubt they’re necessary after driving the Competition models, including a racetrack stint. The large steel discs make light work of stopping.

As with all the recent M3 derivatives, this one is sharp as a tack, rewarding committed drivers with lightning-fast responses and a race-car feel.

Comfort mode is firm but not harsh. Ratchet it up to Sport+ through the four selection buttons or push the M button and it switches instantly from Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde.

BMW’s “active M differential” turns the fat rear tyres, distributing torque to individual wheels for maximum grip and locking up to drive as hard out of corners as physically possible.

The suspension is up for any task, smoothing rough roads and holding the M cars tenaciously on the road.

Then there’s the steering — firm, direct and with plenty of feel so you know precisely where the wheels are pointed.

Carsguide tried both transmissions and couldn’t make a call on which was better. The manual is more engaging but the dual-clutch makes super-snappy changes up and down the ratios while delivering swifter acceleration and better economy.

Engine performance is superlative but the exhaust note only pleases some of the time.

There is strong roll-on acceleration in any gear. As the straight six spins to the 7300rpm redline, a row of lights illuminates in the tacho to prompt gear changes.

The interior is top class, especially the new sports seats that hold occupants snugly in place even on track. Ample luxury kit includes premium leather, audio, infotainment and premium everything else. The rear seats are usable and the boot is large.

And we really like the looks with wide flaring front guards and even wider rears, super wide rubber and an imposing stance on the road.

VERDICT â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…

How far can BMW take this car? To another few levels yet apparently, with GTS and 30th anniversary models down the track — with more of everything. For now, few will be disappointed by the Competition M3 and M4.