[Bimmerfun82]

Perhaps I’m just in a good mood after a coffee run, but IMO there is no formidable competition.

And perhaps I’m biased having been an M3 lover for 30 years and owned 4 gens. But here’s my argument:

Cadillac: dealers are awful, interiors are cheap, V6 is powerful but not their V8 and not as satisfying as the S58. The M3 loaded is pushing into Blackhawk territory, and some videos are comparing that with the M3 - the M3 is just as quick around a track and lighter, too.

AR GQ - amazing thoroughbred, outstanding driving dynamics - but the Achilles heel is the reliability and availability, no manual and no AWD. I’ve seen a couple of these around here in green, and they are gorgeous. But the interior is average. Both M3’s I’ve had win- comp x drive and manual.

AMG: hybrid, heavy. Maybe when the V8 returns.

Audi: what the heck are they doing? Dated and overpriced. When the RS5 had a V8 it was desirable.

M3: amazing interior and exterior options. Has held its value. Still super high demand. Manual and AWD options. Incredible engine. Looks awesome.

[Needsdecaf]

For a 4 door agree. The Alfa is supposedly awesome but it’s too small for us, and I don’t care for the dated infotainment. Reliability is SUPPOSEDLY improved…as it should, this car came out when the F80 was still new!

Otherwise, there is no serious alternative. Used Panamera feels a lot bigger for not much more space (exec spec excluded). Forget Maserati, although if they make a new Ghibli it could be awesome. Audi has abandoned chasing M, even the RS is basically like the MPerformance.

[GolfCoyote]

I wanted high horsepower, 4 doors, and AWD. Kind of boiled down to BMW and Audi.

As already noted Audi just isn’t keeping up with tech or performance, couple that with the rave reviews the M3 has been getting and it’s a no brainer.

Aftermarket support is also much better for the M3 and that’s important to me as someone who likes to modify their car.

I do think the Audis look better however.

[robopp]

RS3 I5 is an absolute monster from a moding perspective, 4 doors, and AWD. No manual, unfortunately. And starts out at $61.7k new! Not a lot out there than can beat the I5 sound too.

[Game]

From a looks perspective, I think the RS5 wins...but that's where that ends.

G80 is king.

[christianb5s4]

Originally Posted by robopp

RS3 I5 is an absolute monster from a moding perspective, 4 doors, and AWD. No manual, unfortunately. And starts out at $61.7k new! Not a lot out there than can beat the I5 sound too.

For the last genation for sure, for the new gen not so much. No one has been able to crack the ECU yet so tuning is limited to piggy backs and basic hardware so the potential there remains to be seen.

I seriously considered the RS3 but the interior quality is not in the same hemisphere as the G8X, significantly less interior space, and even after riding in 800whp ones, was always underwhelmed. And I've been an Audi guy for the past 10 years.

[Juanero]

I've only bought Porsches. Until now...the G80 just hit the mark so I finally bought a BMW. No regrets after 7 months of ownership and closing in on 8k miles. Checked out Audi's and they just never quite did it for me (outside of the R8). Former experience w a GL450 made it that I never want to buy a MBz again.

[kiw1]

Originally Posted by christianb5s4

I seriously considered the RS3 but the interior quality is not in the same hemisphere as the G8X, significantly less interior space, and even after riding in 800whp ones, was always underwhelmed. And I've been an Audi guy for the past 10 years.

Agree, and when I was looking at them in April 22, they were going for a lot more than MSRP. Love Audi but their platform desperately needs a full refresh.

[Frosty_M4]

I've never owned a car where I feel the level of confidence the g8x xdrive gives me. If anyone was to pull up next to me and wanted to run it.... I know i'm ready.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by Juanero

Former experience w a GL450 made it that I never want to buy a MBz again.

I’ve had many problems with our Mercs in the past - thankfully all under warranty. All were electrical problems. Nothing in the Merc lineup interests me atm.

[robopp]

Originally Posted by kiw1

Agree, and when I was looking at them in April 22, they were going for a lot more than MSRP. Love Audi but their platform desperately needs a full refresh.

Audi IMO dropped the ball and is abandoning ICE and going full EV, which is readily apparent with their ICE offerings. Meanwhile one year old etron’s are selling for 50% off msrp with barely any miles.

I5 manual would be a forever car without question.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by Frosty_M4

I've never owned a car where I feel the level of confidence the g8x xdrive gives me. If anyone was to pull up next to me and wanted to run it.... I know i'm ready.

It’s insanely fast. I beat a model 3 performance once - from behind - entering an interstate onramp, but just barely. Pulled away at speeds that, allegedly, exceeded the 70 mph speed limit. I also timed 3.1 with LC and 3.7 without LC. In the manual I’ve clocked 4.5s without LC and without dropping the clutch. Car is a beast! I also had a model 3 performance and I’d say it’s about the same up to 70 or 80 mph.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by robopp

Audi IMO dropped the ball and is abandoning ICE and going full EV, which is readily apparent with their ICE offerings. Meanwhile one year old etron’s are selling for 50% off msrp with barely any miles.

I5 manual would be a forever car without question.

Get an RSQ8 for $140k or an RS6 Avant for $160k while you still can!

[Gottagofast]

RS6 Avant, also known as Savant. I can't even......

[Ashwin34]

Completely agree. I used to have a Model 3 and the acceleration is addicting but you get bored of it after a while. Interior quality also was just lacking.

I don’t like the direction Merc is going with their interiors. No doubt they are luxurious and high quality but feels like they’re trying too hard to imitate Tesla. Same could be said for BMW, but IMO the G80 interior cabin is a balance of practicality and modern luxury.

Audi’s have very sporty and aggressive designs, but their interior just looks so dated when you compare it to BMW and Mercedes.

And again, no Manual option in either. Also, this isn’t as important, but I feel like BMW’s M namesake evokes more emotion and appeal than RS and AMG. May be my bias as someone who prefers BMW over Audi and Mercedes, but the M3/4/5/8 badge definitely sounds cooler than RS 3/5 or AMG C63. Just my personal opinion!

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

It’s insanely fast. I beat a model 3 performance once - from behind - entering an interstate onramp, but just barely. Pulled away at speeds that, allegedly, exceeded the 70 mph speed limit. I also timed 3.1 with LC and 3.7 without LC. In the manual I’ve clocked 4.5s without LC and without dropping the clutch. Car is a beast! I also had a model 3 performance and I’d say it’s about the same up to 70 or 80 mph.

I know the X-Drive comp pulls like crazy, but how noticeable is the difference in your pulls with the 6MT without LC?

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by Ashwin34

I know the X-Drive comp pulls like crazy, but how noticeable is the difference in your pulls with the 6MT without LC?

The manual pulls hard in each gear and it’s easy to bury the needle.

Although I wouldn’t complain, the difference is noticeable….1) gearing is suboptimal relatively, but this is the case with all manuals as AT have mastered the art of too many gears and maximizing acceleration; 2) the pull 4k-red line is a bit less with the lower HP; 3) the lower torque makes it less likely to rupture an internal organ, although with these carbon buckets I’ve been able to adjust my back and save trips to the chiropractor.

[daza_gt]

Nothing in same class, unless Audi decides to put Daza in one of the bigger newer sedans.

[ztx84]

To my mind the S58 has very little competition. Great engine - lots of character and it pulls like a train! The G8X platform is superb. I will be keeping mine for a long time.

[FC4]

An M3 is an M3. As cringey and cliche as statements like that are, the sentiment holds true. It will always be the “Jack of all trades, master of none.” That is by design, and is not a dis in any way. It’s the best enthusiast’s daily money can buy.

[mieh100]

M3C xdrive is my first sport luxury sedan. I have loved all luxury automobiles but nothing as fast as the M3.

[xxyion]

I think in many ways the M3 can be argued that its the best in its class, but for an M4 there are quite a lot of alternatives. Which i think is kind of the downside of the car. While i do love my M4, and the fact that it does have usable back seats, i specifically got it due to it being a coupe (M3 B-pillar is actually in the way of my arm because i'm 6'3") and i never really cared about transporting people around. Thats what my Golf R is for.

If you just want a coupe, i think in some ways the M2 might be the better sports car, and i did have one on order, but i didnt want to wait 6 months for mine. Used 991.2s are about the same price or cheaper depending on your area, and then of course theres always the Supra and then the Cayman GTS which is about the same price.

As an M4 owner of 1 month. I'm already looking towards my next purchase. Its a fun car, its fast as hell and really comfy, but its too big for me and not sporty enough either.

That being said if i had gotten an M3 instead of the Golf R i think i'd be of a different mindset. I do actually think the M3 is the more special of the two and does double duty a lot better. And there really is no comparison for the price you pay vs the quality and performance that you get for a sports sedan.

I think my ideal garage would actually be an M3/4 as a daily and a GT4/3 as my weekend sports car. But i do hate how crappy our gas mileage is. I mean like cmon. Even my GT4 was getting 32 MPG at some points. Best i can do with my M4 is 23.

[SwankPeRFection]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Perhaps I’m just in a good mood after a coffee run, but IMO there is no formidable competition.

OK, so what car did you beat on that coffee run that put that smile on your face? Lol