BMW released the new M3 and M4 to a chorus of doubters. The controversial new grille design appears to be a sign that BMW plans to double down on the strategies that have cost the company so many fans over the past few years, choosing to build torquey straight-line sprinters instead of lightweight, nimble canyon carvers. And yet, it's hard to argue against the success of BMW's powerplants, so it only made sense that the UK-based YouTube channel CarWow had to pit a brand-new M4 in Competition trim against two other German super coupes, the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63 S, for a series of drag and rolling races.
Two Rear-Drive Coupes Versus An All-Wheel-Drive Audi
The new M4's powertrain sticks to rear-wheel drive, in something of a nod to BMW's past in contrast to all-wheel-drive higher-end models like the M5 and M8. It also eschews the twin-turbo V8 recipe in favor of a more traditional twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, in this case producing what CarWow reports as 510 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (it's rated at 503 horses here in the US). That grunt hits the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic (the six-speed stick shift relegated to only the "base" M4), much like the rear-drive Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The Audi, meanwhile, steps up to the plate with the potential advantage of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Design Details For Three German Coupes
Plenty of debate online surrounding the new M4's looks points to the huge grille up front and the similarities to an R35 Nissan GT-R all around. The AMG looks sleeker, belying its beefy twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that CarWow also claims puts out 510 horsepower, though the larger powerplant doles out an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque.
Down On Power But Big On Traction
The Audi's twin-turbo V6 displaces only 2.9 liters and produces power ratings of 450 horses (444 in the US) and 442 lb-ft of torque. But the Quattro all-wheel drive might help make up for that disadvantage out of a dig, though unfortunately for fans of the four rings, this day of filming looks to be one of the driest in any CarWow video throughout the wet British winter. Watch the footage to see which car reigns supreme among Germany's super coupes.
Sources: youtube.com and bmwusa.com.