New BMW M4. DRIVEN. Four years in the making

First, the roads, and I’ll be experiencing both M3 and 4, back-to-back. First impressions, as with any modern BMW, are positive, thanks to a cabin and perceived build quality that continues to set the standard others try to follow. There’s a smattering of lacquered carbon fibre trim across the dashboard and plenty of plush, dark upholstered surfaces that will no doubt be looking good in a decade’s time.

The engine starts without any shouting and barely a rumble, which is initially a let down. But once on the move that does change, the engine note altering its character according to your revs and the driving mode you’ve selected. Speaking of which, these new M cars are the most adjustable yet. Using the buttons on the centre console, you can alter the steering, suspension, stability control and engine characteristics between Comfort, Sport and Sport-Plus, meaning you can have full-on heaviness and heft at the wheel while the suspenders are at their softest. You can engage the playful Sport-Plus when on track and have the rear getting a bit twitchy while bouncing off the rev limiter or you can do the daily commute grind in a benign and friendly super saloon – the choices are extensive.

Get on the gas and the M4 immediately responds with zero lag, those turbos spooling up from just 1,900rpm. The engine note turns sinister (it’s artificially pumped in via the speaker system but so what?) and the speed piles on with staggering rapidity. As the numbers from the head up display blur and the engine screams its lungs out, it’s entirely obvious that this is a worthy M car and a genuine contender against more singular in purpose fodder such as the F-Type or the Cayman GTS. That this tarmac shredder can provide ample accommodation for four adults should not be overlooked and BMW’s ability to develop an inoffensive saloon into something so raucous and capable is something to celebrate. Remember, four years they’ve been at this, and it shows.

The following morning is spent at the utterly bonkers 100,000-capacity Algarve International Circuit, a 4.692 km-long track located in Portimão, where blind crests lead straight into blind bends and brown trousers. An undulating, unforgiving track that takes no prisoners, I have to hand it to BMW: it’s a brave yet calculated move and shows there’s no fear on its part when it comes to highlighting the new M3 and M4’s capabilities in what should be its natural habitat.

Without a hope in hell of ever learning the terrifying circuit, I resign myself to just pushing the M4 and M3 as far as I’m comfortable with. And the resulting three hours now rank as some of the most entertaining I’ve ever spent in any car over the past 25 years I’ve been driving. Hammer into a corner, stand on the brakes, screw up the lines and try to get better next lap, pushing that bit harder every time, the M4 takes a hammering and then sneers back at you, as if to say, “is that all you’ve got?”

Boundless energy, fade-free brakes and a feeling of towering indestructibility – the M4 is a fine addition to the, err, M3 dynasty. And the actual M3 does everything every bit as well as its slinkier brother – seriously, you’d need to be a forensic detective to tell the differences between them – but with that added practicality that makes it a genuine contender for all the car you’d probably ever need.

My initial thoughts, that the M3 and M4 might be a bit irrelevant when the more civilised and almost as exciting 435i is available, have been banished. Yes, the new Ms ride stiffer than most, even in Comfort mode. Yes, the rear end will break free when the 435i’s will stay planted. And yes, the M will draw more attention from other drivers and the police, who will never believe your stories about “accidentally pressing the throttle instead of the brake”.

But the M will mark you out as a connoisseur of the vanishing art of driving, a bona fide petrolhead and an appreciator of the finest motorsport legacy available in any ‘normal’ road car. Ladies and gentlemen, whatever number you go for, either of these stonking machines will make permanent marriage material. With an M3 or M4 in the garage, you’d probably never dream of trading it in for a younger model and that, in my book, is as good as it gets.

Dear AMG, Jaguar, Audi, et al, a new leveler is in town. Over to you, but don’t forget it took four whole years to get these BMWs this good. Time well spent.