Used car triple test
Fast four-seat coupés from Audi, BMW and Merc rated
Years: 2014 to date Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 444bhp Ins group: 43 Official econ/co2: 34.0mpg/194g/km Why? A hugely exploitable chassis makes the M4 easy to drive and rewarding in equal measure.
due to the BMW M4’s longevity, they start at a tempting £29,000 secondhand. however, we’re looking at the more resolved facelift introduced last year, equipped with the Competition Package available from 2016 onwards.
Power goes up to 444bhp, ensuring that while the M4 is the oldest car here, it’s still got lots of punch. As you’d expect of the badge, it’s extremely sharp to drive, but also immensely usable day to day. The BMW 4 series finished 54th in our driver Power 2018 satisfaction survey.
Years: 2017 to date Engine: 2.9-litre V6, 444bhp Ins group: 47 Official econ/co2: 32.5mpg/197g/km Why? The most modern car here, with excellent cruising capabilities and up-to-date technology.
Audi’s latest Rs 5 didn’t quite live up to the bill as a true driver’s car when it was introduced last year. The turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 certainly has enough power, and it’s fast as a point-to-point coupé.
The Audi lacks the true X factor needed to entertain, though, prioritising grip over rear-drive fun due to its all-wheel-drive system. it’s by far the most comfortable car of the three, however, and the most at home on less-than-perfect roads. in our driver Power 2018 poll, the A4 on which the Rs 5 is based finished 44th.
Years: 2016 to date Engine: 4.0-litre V8, 503bhp Ins group: 50 Official econ/co2: 32.8mpg/200g/km Why? The muscular choice. While Audi and BMW have six cylinders, the C 63 has a 503bhp V8.
The Mercedes-amg C 63 s Coupé is aimed squarely at customers wanting drama and a proper V8 soundtrack. it’s not as polished in everyday use as the Audi or the BMW, but the engine dominates the driving experience.
The box isn’t as snappy as the M4’s, the ride isn’t as settled as the Audi’s and with rear-wheel drive, the C-class isn’t the easiest car to get off the line quickly. But if you get hooked by the engine, this is soon forgiven. The Mercedes ranked 27th in driver Power 2018. it’s a close result, but the BMW M4 looks the best buy here given its relative value, sensational driving characteristics and balanced traits. All this means it’s a fine everyday performer. You could quite easily fall for the Mercedes instead, though. For a few thousand more you’ll get a driving experience that’s marginally less precise, but more than made up for by the engine. The Audi Rs 5 lags behind here. it isn’t helped by its higher price tag given that it’s the newest car of this trio. however, it’s the most comfortable choice.