Hi guys, I was lucky to get a first hand track drive on the M3/4 Competition, just want to share some photos and videos.
Edit:
I'll try to be objective as there are lots of controversial debates over the design and weight.
We only had two sessions on the track so not much seating time to really dig every aspect of the car. My first session was in the G80 M3 Competition without all the performance options and second run was in the G82 M4 Competition with Carbon Bucket Seats.
Exterior Design: I have attended the G8x launch event last year and the display car were Isle of Man Green and Sao Paolo Yellow. To be honest, I'm not a type of fancy colour guy so it didn't strike my heart until I first saw the Black Sapphire and Dravit Grey today, probably because these colours make the grille not as obvious as other brighter colours. M3 looks more aggressive and have a better side proportion, I still think the missing Hofmeister Kink and lowered body line on the M4 feels a bit weird but that's just my opinion. Will definitely consider M3 in the future.
Drivetrain & Chassis: The G8x series definitely won't give you a huge step up feeling compared with the upgrade from the E9xM to F8x, mostly because the basic design is so similar with F8x series. I think it's more like the iPhone "S" upgrade. However, the S58 engine does pulls stronger and the exhaust sound more natural like N55 M2 with a deeper, less raspy tone which you can argue is the characteristic of the F8x. The exhaust volume are muffled even more with additional OPF and better sound insulation so you will be disappointed if you want a loud exhaust. We drove the M2 competition immediately after the track test and the G8x feels so much larger and heavier, this is considered that the M2 Competition already weighs almost the same as the F8x series.
The 8-speed ZF gearbox shift fast but not as crisp as the 7-speed DCT in the previous generations, but for daily drive it would be a perfect combination. I found myself always one gear taller compared with the DCT on the track. It's a bit annoying as you forget which gear you are in but I believe once you get familiarised it won't be an issue. The shift paddle looses the metal click feel but it does look cool with carbon fibre base and rubber area.
The whole car's traction is a big improvement over the F8x series with huge front end grip through the corner, it also improves rear end traction and not as easy to loose the grip when coming out the corner in the F8x M3/M4.
Steering feels lighter but more precise, I think the best words to describe are silky smooth.
Interior: The interior design is the biggest improvement, it feels premium and I love every colour except the all black one. The carbon fibre seats looks gorgeous and it hugs you well on the track. For daily use I still prefer the standard seats.
All in all, the G8x series is a whole update with small improvements over F8x in almost all areas, a perfect daily car it you don't mind the grille and weight. For enthusiasts, wait for the CS and GTS.
