Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M4 vs Audi RS5: video track battle

We test the new BMW M4 against the benchmark fast coupe, the Audi RS5, on track

M4 vs RS5

The arrival of a new BMW M car is always big news for performance car fans, and the new M4 is no exception.

The replacement for the legendary old BMW M3, the M4 has moved away from the V8 power plant in the old car and is now powered by a 425bhp twin-turbo straight-six engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Meanwhile, the Audi RS5 is propelled by a 4.0-litre V8, which produces 430bhp, mated to the Audi quattro four-wheel drive system. Like the BMW, it also features a dual-clutch gearbox, the Audi S tronic system.

There's no denying the Audi lacks the fun factor of the BMW - the quattro four-wheel-drive system prevents the lurid powerslides than you can really go for in the M4. You can also feel the weight of the engine over the front axle in the RS5, but it certainly doesn't feel slow at all.

Overall then, the RS5 feels very punchy, and the gearshift is also really nice - the same can be said for its V8 soundtrack. It's not a track machine though, and the car is more of a very stable and very rapid cruiser.

Meanwhile, the BMW M4 feels very raw and very serious, especially when all the settings are put at their sportiest using the switch on the steering wheel. This also turns the traction control and stability control off.

With no electronic aids, the M4 is always trying to get its tail out. The body control is amazing, but there is a feeling that it's all a bit artificial. The same can be said for the engine note, which has been enhanced.

The M4 is a proper M car though, and something BMW can be truly proud of. It set a lap time of 1m09.9s, compared to the 1m12.2s set by the Audi - that's 2.3s quicker.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best four-seat sports cars to buy 2025
Best four-seat sports cars - header

Best four-seat sports cars to buy 2025

If you want a sports car but need the practicality of four seats, there are some great four-seat sports car options out there right now
Best cars & vans
29 Apr 2025
New BMW M4 Edition Nurburgring arrives, but you won’t see it in Germany
BMW M4 Edition Nurburgring - front static

New BMW M4 Edition Nurburgring arrives, but you won’t see it in Germany

Just 53 units will be built to pay tribute to BMW’s M division
News
24 Apr 2025
New BMW M4 CS Edition VR46: exclusive special honours MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi
BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 - front

New BMW M4 CS Edition VR46: exclusive special honours MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi

Rare special edition of BMW’s hardcore M4 CS coupe revealed in honour of Valentino Rossi
News
24 Feb 2025
Best sports cars to buy 2025
Best sports cars - header image

Best sports cars to buy 2025

Fun and thrills by the bucketload, these are the best sports cars for your money
Best cars & vans
5 Feb 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025