We recently just posted our review of the brand-new BMW M4 Competition Package, a car that sets out to remedy all of the problems with the standard M4. For the most part, it works. It’s a much better car than the regular ‘ole M4. But is it better than its main competitor, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe?
BMW and Mercedes have been battling in this segment since the days of the E30 BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth. So this is nothing new. This is just the newest generation of cars that the two German Giants have thrown at each other. So, to find out how they compare, Drive tested them head-to-head.
How they managed to test them is actually quite simple. They took a few different categories, tested each car in them and then determined which car had the advantage. The categories were as such: Value, Inside, Engine, How it Drives and Kerb Appeal. All of those categories add up for the verdict. So let’s see how they got on.
In terms of Value, the BMW beats the AMG. They both have about the same level of as-standard kit, but the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe ended costing about $7,785 AUD ($5,886 USD) more. So that gives the M4 Competition Package a price advantage. This is interesting considering both cars are the most expensive variant of themselves, with the M4 being the Comp Pack and the C63 being the ‘S’ variant.
Inside, it’s the AMG that takes the win. While both come with basically the same interior amenities, Drive felt that the AMG’s seats were better, as was its dash design and layout. They felt that the M4’s interior was nice but a little more boring. Plus, the AMG has more interior space, even if it comes at the cost of a horrible column shifter.
The engine advantage also goes to the AMG. Admittedly, it isn’t hard to understand why. AMG has always made absolutely brilliant V8s and the 4.0 twin-turbo unit in the C63 S is no different. It’s 503 hp is 59 hp more than the BMW’s 444 hp. It also has a lot more torque, 516 lb-ft compared to the M4’s 406 lb-ft. That, plus it has an awesome V8 soundtrack. While the M4 Comp Pack’s 3.0 liter twin-turbo I6 is a brilliant engine, it just can’t match the excitement of the AMG’s sledgehammer V8.
You’d think the BMW M4 Competition Package might regain some ground in the How It Drive Category. However, you’d be wrong, as Drive claims the AMG takes the win again. While they admit that the Comp Pack does make the M4 sharper and more agile, it’s still less engaging to drive than the AMG. It’s also less comfortable, which makes it less enjoyable on everyday roads. Drive felt that the Mercedes was more fun in a broader set of circumstances, whereas the M4 Comp Pack is only fun when pushing it.
Kerb Appeal is another advantage for the Mercedes-AMG. The BMW M4 Comp Pack is a very good looking car and incredibly striking. But Drive felt that the AMG matched its muscularity while also adding some elegance and more presence. So they gave the win to Mercedes, here.
So it’s a lopsided victory for the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe. The BMW M4 Competition Package is far better than the standard M4 and one of the better sports cars on the road. But Drive felt that the AMG C63 S is the better car all around, with a more comfortable ride, more enjoyable driving dynamics and better looks, inside and out.
[Source: Drive]
