2017 BMW M4 GTS first drive review

BMW chose the 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour as the location to let Drive sample the new M4 GTS.

It was a fitting event, as the GTS represents the most capable version of the M4 coupe, boasting plenty of racetrack derived hardware and know-how.

Unfortunately, the test drive wasn't on the Mt Panorama circuit. Instead we sampled the GTS on the roads surrounding the New South Wales country town. I say unfortunately because our test drive highlighted that while the M4 GTS is an excellent performance car, it is not at home dealing with the rough, imperfect surfaces that make up most of Australia's country road network.

Instead it is a car quite clearly designed with the racetrack in mind. Which is not surprising given BMW's M division history is looking after the company's racing projects.

That knowledge has been put to good use producing the GTS. M has looked at every detail of the M4 and given it a major racetrack-ready overhaul.

To save weight, the bonnet and roof are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, as is the front splitter, rear diffuser and large adjustable rear wing.

Underneath the new bonnet is a re-worked version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Using new water injection cooling system, first tested in the M4 MotoGP safety car, BMW has been able to increase the turbo boost pressure to generate more power and torque.

The GTS produces 368kW of power and 600Nm of torque, a significant bump on the standard engine's 317kW and 550Nm.

Another major change is the suspension that swaps the standard M4 set-up for an M-specific three-way coilover package, plus modified stabiliser bars. The new system is fully adjustable with both the damping rate and ride height able to be changed by the owners thanks to a speciality tool kit in the boot.

The M4's standard brakes have been replaced by carbon ceramic versions, boasting perforated discs and six-piston front calipers.

They are housed inside unique alloy wheels, which measure 19x9.5-inch front and 20x10.5-inches at the rear. The new multi-spoke forged wheels are wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Inside, the cabin feels directly inspired by BMW's racing machines. The seats are lightweight Recaro buckets, the door trims have been replaced with a lighter lining, there's fabric pull straps to close the doors and the rear seats have been completely removed.

Most Australian owners have opted to tick the option box for the Race Package, which adds a half roll-cage, six-point racing harnesses and a fire extinguisher for no extra cost.

The BMW M4 GTS is the brand's ultimate track day weapon. Photo: Supplied

It all adds up to a car that looks and feels more like a racer than a road car.

From the moment you fire it up the M4 GTS it feels aggressive. The engine barks into life with a raspy growl that has more appeal than the regular M4's artificial note.

Unleash the engine on the road and it feels like a race car, relentlessly pulling hard across the rev range. BMW claims it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.8seconds and from our experience that sounds realistic.

But it is the way the GTS handles that really defines the car. The suspension was set to the standard factory settings, not tailored to the road drive, and it was painfully obvious that it didn't suit rural Australian roads.

The ride was uncompromising, transmitting every imperfection in the surface directly to the driver. The standard M4 was already at the extreme end of stiffness for a road car and the GTS takes it to another level.

We didn't get to experience it on the track and it is a shame because it gives the impression it would excel on a smooth surfaces circuit. The grip from the Michelins is phenomenal and the steering is excellent, nicely weighted, direct and loaded with feedback.

It undoubtedly feels like a far more capable machine than the regular M4, elevating the car from a sports coupe to a sports car beater. But as a road car it is too focused on being a track weapon. After 45 minutes behind the wheel you need a break to give your body a rest.

Not that my assessment matters to BMW. Only 700 examples of the M4 GTS will be made globally and Australia managed to secure 25 of them. And they are already sold.

But they didn't come cheap, costing $295,715 plus on-road costs. Or, to put it another way, $146,100 more - almost double - than the standard M4.

That's the sort of money demanded by the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 (a new model is due in 2017 but the previous model started from $293,600), Jaguar F-Type SVR AWD (from $289,305) and Mercedes-AMG GT S (from $299,000). Those are proper sports cars and are capable of being enjoyed both on road and track.

However, the 25 Australian M4 GTS owners shouldn't feel like they've made the wrong choice. They should just make sure they enjoy their new wheels on a track, where they can exploit its full potential and where it is best suited.

2017 BMW M4 GTS pricing and specifications

On sale: Sold out

Price: From $294,715 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 368kW at 6250rpm

Torque: 600Nm at 4000-5000rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 8.5L/100km

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