Fallen M Power

I’ve just finished reading Adam Towler’s drive story with the BMW M4 CS [pictured above] in issue 245 (my word, has it really been 245 issues already?) and felt compelled to write.

I wanted an M- car and an ‘ evo’ car since your first year of publication, and I am now the lucky owner of a delightful E90 M3, the engine of which Mr Towler admits to missing during his drive of the more modern car. In fact, the feature left me with no incentive whatsoever to swap my older car for the newer model, even if I could afford the frankly ludicrous price tag. The more mainstream £60k+ Competition Package (a horrible name) version is admittedly more affordable, but like the CS, it also warranted ‘only’ four-anda-half stars, whereas the E90 got the full fist of five.

My local dealer has an M2 in the showroom and I am tempted by that car’s smaller dimensions, lighter weight and more sensible price tag. But apart from the modern interior conveniences such as the entertainment system, what aspects would make me forget the E90? Certainly not that the M2 feels unsettled on broken tarmac.

It would be interesting to see a three-way group test of an E92 M3, F80 M4 and an M2 to see which car best delivers the thrill of driving. But for now – sorry BMW – I fear the M division peaked some years ago and is in terminal decline. What are the chances I will be seduced by a hybrid or even full eco M- car in the future? C Davies, Crowborough, East Sussex