Putting pedal to the metal on the F1 track in BMW’s new M3 and M4, its not-so-shy tearaways, turbocharged
Testing a car on the road is one thing, but, if it’s something on the sporty side, not being able to give it the beans because of speed limits can be frustrating. Driving around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, then, essentially eradicates this issue. The gloves, as they say, are off (or on, if they’re those nicely stitched leather ones donned by the vintage-vehicle brigade as they hoot horns at many a classic car fest).
What was under the spotlight? That would be BMW’s new M3 and M4, those not-exactly-shy-and-retiring tearaways. Wisely, the manufacturer’s Middle East team realised letting a pack of testers loose around Abu Dhabi’s Formula One track was probably a solid call if the assembled posse was to get a good idea of what the cars are really like.
The unveiling, as is commonplace, was akin to a curtain being pulled slowly aside to reveal a great work of art on a museum tour, and while this might be over the top for, say, a new family runabout, this seemed apt for bona fide modern classics such as the M3 and M4. The sun shone on all the shiny metal in a variety of less-than-subtle colours as the cars were revealed in the pit lane, the electric doors rising achingly slowly to show the new vehicles.
The manufacturer has added a daunting kidney grille to the fronts, there are newly sculpted wheel arches and they’re a few millimetres wider than their predecessors, but it’s still obvious these are BMW M models. The subtle design changes don’t dampen their allure, though, rest assured.
These kinds of car flatter you as a driver. You’re unlikely to be as fast as Lewis Hamilton (if you are, you’re probably in the wrong job), but even if you don’t have the nerve to brake as late as Yas instructors suggest, you certainly feel like you’re on the edge in these cars, albeit in a controlled manner.
You can get from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.2 seconds in the M3 and M4, but that goes down to 3.9 seconds in the special Competition versions, which makes tearing up the North Circuit straight at Yas distinctly cheek-wobbling.
The power comes courtesy of a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine that howls in a suitably exhilarating fashion when you really need it to. It’s all very power-orientated, and that
You can get from zero to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds in the M3 and M4, and 3.9 seconds in the special Competition versions
is exactly what fans of these vehicles are after. There is an M Race Track Package now available as well, which will really up the ante.
The M3 is referred to as a sedan, while the M4 has coupe status, but, such distinctions aside, these are both comfortable cars to get into.
There’s no sense of being thrown about as you tear in and out of the corners, either. The seats cosset you nicely, and that gentle cuddle the safety belt gives as it sucks you gently into the seat is always comforting.
Enthusiasts, then, will not be disappointed by the new M3 and M4. BMW continues to make minor adjustments that add up to an improved driving experience. This is certainly the case if you get these newbies on to a track, which is what a lot of buyers will do.
Another lap around the circuit, you say? Well, alright then. You probably won’t need those stitched leather gloves, though, as there’s little that could be described as old-fashioned around here.