I am actually after an M3 but as they are supposed to be very similar to drive I took the chance to try out the M4 instead. Prior to my test I was set on an M3 with a manual box and possibly the ceramic brakes, the M4 I tested was DCT and standard brakes, in white with the black option wheels.
First impressions were it looked much better in the flesh than in any photo's I had seen, although the M3 in the showroom (not available for demo) looked better although not in the black colour. The M4 had the orange interior which is not my cup of tea but I could live with it I had to, though I would choose black.
Now onto driving the thing... the salesman drove first and went through some of the plethora of option available via the i drive and we set off. The first thing I noticed was the sound, I actually liked it and it was certainly louder than I expected after hearing some other reviews. After a couple of miles we swapped and I got behind the wheel and had my first ever experience of a DCT 'box. In full auto first as we tootled out of the city towards some pretty narrow country roads I was impressed with how smooth it was and how good the ride was even in sport plus. Now off the gridlocked road into the country, a firm press on the gas and we are away, very good throttle response and fast smooth changes using the paddles.
I was really impressed with the HUD and hardly ever looked at the actual dials. The power was very progressive and there is a huge amount of torque available from low down the rev range, corners which would normally be taken in 2nd can be easily negotiated in 4th with immense speed on the exit. The rate at which the speed piles on is impressive although the car is deceptive as it feels so planted, you don't realise how quickly you are into 3 figures and how fast you are cornering as the available grip is superb. I had everything in sport plus and the traction was lovely, just the odd flash of the TC light on exits and great feel through the steering.
The brakes were really powerful and I never needed more than a light dab to scrub speed off and the body control on cornering and braking is lovely, no nose diving or roll here!
On the way back I tried it in comfort / efficiency mode and you can feel the difference right away, it is much softer and more relaxed for tootling around or town driving.
In conclusion.. very fast, great handling, the modes and DCT auto almost give you 2 cars in one.
If I had any criticism it would be that it flatters your driving and you need to be really pushing the car to feel that you are driving it, almost too good!
I am sure once you are used to it this would soon wear off as you try to explore the limits, though this would be difficult on the road without risking sharing a room with Rolf Harris.
Yes I will be buying one, but most likely still an M3, but I will be buying it with DCT and standard brakes. Delivery will be on July 1st 2015, a long way away yet I know, but it will be worth the wait, and there may even be some discount available then.
Simply superb
Poor phone photo...
