Even though the M4 nameplate is rather new in the automotive world, BMW made sure to infuse the fresh model with plenty of their know-how and characteristic features. As a matter of fact, they were bound to do so since the car is supposed to be the replacement for the M3 Coupe.
And since that is its purpose for now, there are plenty of cars aiming to take it down. Apart from the usual C63 AMG from Mercedes, it also has to deal with the newcomers that are better than ever. The list includes the Lexus RC-F and the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe.
The Japanese are not at their first attempt to rain over the M cars’ parade. They have been trying to catch up to BMW for quite some time now but, unfortunately for them, with a car like the RC-F Coupe, they are further away from doing it than ever.
When it comes to a track comparison, the Japanese car simply can’t keep up. It nearly 200 kg (440 lbs) heavier and has considerably less torque, no matter how much more power it holds. The 5-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the bonnet is a good mill to have and listen to, but it’s still no match for the twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder S55 engine from the BMW. With 467 HP and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque, the figures are rather ok but they are definitely not enough to compensate for the heavier construction.
Then there’s the transmission that’s definitely not as sharp as the 7-speed DCT unit on the BMW. Therefore, on the track, the M4 walks it and it doesn’t even break a sweat doing so.
The Cadillac ATS-V is closer and has an incredible powerplant under the bonnet. It’s a 3.6-liter V6 that’s twin-turbocharged as well and makes 470 HP as well together with 600 Nm (444 lb-ft) of torque. The numbers are considerably better than the M4’s.
However, the one the guys had for testing purposes was manual and that made it a bit slower. Furthermore, the car felt heavy and the suspension had way too much travel for comfort and those are two things that made the M4 the winner of this comparo.
It’s not all that surprising that the BMW won after having all that experience behind it, but it is surprising that the rivals came this close. Things are really heating up in the performance coupe segment.
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