The cabriolet has additionally been given a raft of styling upgrades to match its AMG billing. Its flared entrance wheel arches accommodate a entrance monitor that is 58mm wider than the usual CLE’s and there may be an AMG-specific entrance grille, deeper entrance and rear bumpers, enlarged air intakes, quad exhausts and new alloy wheel designs – obtainable in 19in or 20in sizes.
Elsewhere, the automobile will get rear-wheel steering as customary, twin-chamber dampers configured to minimise physique roll and bigger brakes. An elective AMG efficiency package deal provides purple brake calipers, a drift mode, a ‘race start’ perform that lowers the 0-62mph time to 4.2sec, and specialised engine mounts for smoother efficiency.
Specific to the cabriolet, the motive force can configure the automobile with Mercedes’ Aircap system, which makes use of a wind deflector to direct airflow away from the heads of the motive force and passenger.
The cloth roof will be raised or lowered in 20sec, and the automobile’s leather-trimmed seats include a coating that is mentioned to maintain them 12deg C cooler than its untreated equal when in direct daylight. As with the SL, it receives an 11.9in touchscreen, which will be adjusted between 12deg and 32deg of inclination from the vertical.
Mercedes has remained tight-lipped on pricing, however the coupé begins from £72,990 and we anticipate the cabriolet to command a premium of round £5000.
Conditions were favourable on the day of our performance tests and, while the A110 R didn’t quite match its acceleration claims, it certainly went quicker than any other derivative we have timed previously.
Launch control is engaged in either Sport or Race driving mode. With electronic stability control set to ESC-Track, you simply hold the car on the brake pedal and give both shift paddles a long pull. The car governs its revs at about 3500rpm, feeding the clutch out quite progressively as you lift off the brake, and making for a getaway that feels brisk but not rapacious, and – thanks to those warm Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres – is always delivered under control, with a surfeit of grip over grunt.
Averaged in two directions, our test car managed 60mph from rest in 4.2sec (half a second quicker than the A110 Première Edition we tested in 2018), and a standing quarter mile in 12.5sec (13.2sec for the standard car).
In broader terms, of course, that’s not particularly quick for a near-£100,000 sports car (BMW M4 Competition: 3.9sec, 12.1sec; Porsche Cayman GT4 RS: precisely the same). So the question you soon come to acquaint yourself with when driving the A110 R is: how much do I really want a lot of power in my track-ready sports car? How much do I need to accelerate really quickly, or to hear a really appealing, free-revving, multi-cylinder engine?
It isn’t that difficult to answer at least one of those questions, because the A110 R is certainly quick enough to get your pulse racing – on the road or on the track. It responds with a little bit of softness and latency when you apply power from middling revs, but then pulls cleanly and purposefully to well beyond 6000rpm.
So, for a four-cylinder turbo, this motor is strong enough, and it’s well matched to a dual-clutch gearbox of well-chosen ratios that shifts crisply in manual mode.
But, although Alpine has put in plenty of effort to better tune the R’s exhaust, intake resonator pipe and engine cover to give that engine a deeper, more dramatic audible character than it has elsewhere, it does lack some richness and distinguishing mechanical appeal, as well as really big-hitting firepower. For this price, other sports cars give you significantly more of both, leaving the A110 R’s chassis plenty of ground to make up.
Track Notes (Millbrook Proving Ground, Hill Route)
Alpine estimates that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres on the A110 R are worth between one-half and a full second of lap time at most circuits, compared with the Pilot Sport 4s on an A110 S.
They certainly give the car a powerful hold on dry asphalt, and its tautly controlled body, stability-minded chassis tuning and huge stopping power give you huge confidence to go barrelling into braking zones, and to challenge yourself with how much speed you can carry from apex to apex.
You have to drive the car harder still to tease any adjustability at all from what is a pretty serious-feeling handling balance – and, for the most part, in vain.
The four-cylinder engine typically can’t overwhelm the driven axle’s grip level when accelerating out of tighter bends, and it takes a lot of corner-entry speed to start to move the rear of the car around on a trailing throttle.
Can the German duo match the performance of the slightly more powerful Kia Seltos? Let’s find out…
The Kia Seltos received a midlife refresh in July 2023, including the introduction of a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in place of the previously available 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit. With the Seltos now being the most powerful SUV in its segment, we decided to compare it against the other two performance-oriented compact SUVs – the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq – to see how they perform in a real-world performance test.
Disclaimer: We are only comparing the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol DCT variants of all three models here.
Powertrains
Specifications
Kia Seltos
Volkswagen Taigun
Skoda Kushaq
Engine
1.5 Turbo-petrol
1.5 Turbo-petrol
1.5 Turbo-petrol
Power
160 PS
150 PS
150 PS
Torque
253 Nm
250 Nm
250 Nm
Transmission
7-speed DCT
7-speed DCT
7-speed DCT
The table clearly shows that the Kia Seltos, equipped with its new turbo-petrol engine, is 10 PS more powerful than the compact SUV duo from VW and Skoda. Although the torque figures are nearly the same, the Seltos edges the Germans by 3 Nm. All three SUVs feature a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with their turbo-petrol engine.
In terms of the acceleration tests, all SUVs performed very closely, with less than a 1-second difference between each of them. The Seltos emerges as the quickest in the 0-100 kmph run, boasting a marginal lead of under 1 second each over the Taigun and the Kushaq. The Kushaq outpaced the others, completing a quarter mile around 0.5 seconds faster. It’s worth noting that the Skoda Kushaq was tested in wet conditions, unlike the other two SUVs.
The Volkswagen Taigun demonstrated the best braking performance in the 0 to 100 kmph test, achieving a stopping distance of 38.80 metres, which is almost the same as the Seltos but nearly 4 metres less than the Kushaq’s stopping distance. However, in the 0 to 80 kmph braking test, the Kushaq outperformed the other two SUVs with a stopping distance of 22.37 metres.
The Kia Seltos in its top-spec trim gets 215/55 R18 alloy wheels, while both Taigun and Kushaq come with smaller 205/55 R17 alloy wheels.
The 1.5-litre DCT variants of the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are more affordable by almost Rs 2 lakh than those of the Kia Seltos. Which turbo-petrol DCT model would you choose between them? Let us know in the comments section below. You can also check out our comparison page for all three SUVs mentioned here for more details.
+++ First competitive match at BMW Park on high-tech, glass video sports floor +++ Every dunk counts for SOS-Kinderdorf and promotes educational equality +++ 3,000 euro raised at first home match at BMW Park +++
Munich. The partnership between BMW Munich and FC Bayern Munich Basketball kicked off with a bang on Friday evening. The opening round of the season took place at BMW Park, where an official league match was played for the first time on a state-of-the-art glass video sports floor, presented by BMW. In addition to this groundbreaking event, the joint initiative called ‘Dunks for Tomorrow’ was launched. Throughout the season, BMW will donate 1,000 euros to SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. for every dunk scored by an FC Bayern Munich basketball player at BMW Park. The team, which includes world champions Andreas Obst and Isaac Bonga, as well as NBA champion Serge Ibaka, won their opening match in the Basketball Bundesliga with a score of 96:87 and made three dunks, raising the first 3,000 euros for the cause.
“The social commitment and contribution to better prospects for the future are important elements of our partnership with FC Bayern Munich Basketball. With our ‘Dunks for Tomorrow’ initiative, we are supporting SOS-Kinderdorf and its commitment to educational equality and equal opportunity throughout the entire season,” said Bernd Döpke, head of BMW Munich. “Every dunk now has a double impact – on the scoreboard and for this good cause. We are eagerly looking forward to a fantastic and successful season in every aspect.”
Marko Pesic, CEO of FC Bayern Munich Basketball GmbH, added, “BMW has truly delivered an outstanding experience as the presenter of our first match – from the spectacular glass floor for the fans to the magnificent dunk campaign in support of SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. and the community. The social aspect is a crucial foundation of our new partnership, and this campaign is perfect, especially with the addition of dunk specialist Serge Ibaka. This incredible appeal will undoubtedly motivate our players to slam dunk as frequently as possible.”
SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. is a charity that aims to break the cycle of poverty and limited opportunities by supporting children and young people from underprivileged families in various ways throughout their school lives. The organization provides services such as school social work, afternoon care, and social group projects to create a comfortable learning environment and offer additional support to children in need.
“Young people deserve the best possible opportunities for development to shape their own futures. This is a core belief of SOS-Kinderdorf. That is why we encourage and support young people in all aspects of their lives. For almost seventy years, we have been committed to helping them in Germany and around the world. The ‘Dunks for Tomorrow’ campaign launched by BMW and FC Bayern Munich Basketball will help us achieve our goals in a generous and sustainable manner. We are grateful to have strong partners like BMW and FC Bayern Munich Basketball by our side and are excited for an eventful season,” said Anna Pönisch, Head of Marketing at SOS-Kinderdorf e.V.
Munich. On Friday, September 29th, FC Bayern Munich Basketball and Mitteldeutscher BC will kick off the Basketball Bundesliga season with a game that will take sports presentation to a whole new level. BMW Munich, the mobility partner of FC Bayern Munich Basketball, is set to make a statement by introducing a world-first: a league match played on a high-tech, glass video sports floor.
The ASB GlassFloor, capable of displaying visually stunning animations and graphics, will cover the entire court. In addition, real-time data such as player and ball tracking systems can be seamlessly integrated, enhancing the spectator experience.
Yesterday, the innovative floor at BMW Park was unveiled, showcasing its impressive capabilities. Below are media images available for editorial use, as long as BMW Group is credited as the source.
The 2024 BMW M4 lives up to its DNA of delivering heart-thumping performance with an eye-catching style to match. The three-liter TwinPower Turbo Inline-Six engine under its hood can unleash enough power to push you back to those sculpted and highly bolstered seats while ensuring maximum traction in various driving conditions.
BMW offers the 2024 M4 coupe in several trims:
M4
M4 Competition
M4 Competition XDrive
The base BMW delivers 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque and can go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.4 seconds. The more potent M4 Competition cranks out 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque and goes a blink faster to hit 60 MPH in just 3.8 seconds.
The top-of-the-line BMW M4 Competition XDrive delivers the same power as its mid-tier sibling but reaches the 60 MPH mark in 3.4 seconds. Meanwhile, you can also get your hands on a convertible version of the M4 Competition XDrive, which gets to 60 MPH in 3.6 seconds.
The new BMW M4 specs are impressive, and this machine is undoubtedly a beast. However, not everyone’s ready to spend their hard-earned cash on the BMW M4 starting price of $79,095. If you’re in the same boat, there are cars that deliver M4-level excitement for a fraction of the cost. If you are looking for the best BMW M4 alternatives, you’ll also be able to find worthy examples from the Bavarian stable.
We collected information from BMW and reputable sites such as KBB,Edmunds, and Car And Driver to come up with a list of used BMW vehicles that are great alternatives to the M4.
It is a practical ride that you can take for your daily commute that offers that nimbleness and responsive chassis that’s worthy of praise. The 2012 iteration of the 3 Series is the first for its sixth generation.
Performance
0-60 MPH
5.4 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
3,571 Pounds
Horsepower
300 Horsepower
Torque
300 Pound-Feet
The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine of the BMW 3 Series 335i cranks out a decent 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Step on the pedal and this ride will bring you from a standstill to 60 in 5.4 seconds.
On average, you’ll consume about 3.8 gallons of fuel per 100 miles with the 2012 BMW 335i, or that’s a 26/23/32 combined/city/highway fuel rating. The BMW sport sedan comes standard with 17-inch alloy rims, automatic headlights, adjustable drive settings, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and more.
92010 BMW 1 Series 135i Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $11,450
BMW
Another affordable BMW M4 alternative is its older cousin, the 2010 BMW 1 Series 135i Coupe. Offering a solid German build, the two-door 2010 BMW 135i gives you the power and pace while sacrificing the generosity of interior space.
The 135i is aptly positioned on top of its brood with premium features such as a suite of safety technologies, dual-zone climate control, auto-on headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, and more.
Performance
0-60 MPH
5.1 Seconds
Top Speed
149 MPH
Curb Weight
3,373 Pounds
Horsepower
300 Horsepower
Torque
300 Pound-Feet
On the spotlight of the 2010 BMW 1 Series 135i spec sheet is its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six block, the same engine that powers the 335i and the BMW Z4 sDrive35i.
The performance of this Munich-made machine is incredibly smooth. When you step on the gas pedal, you get that oh-this-is-really-a-sports-car vibe because of the instantaneous thrust. As expected, it can swiftly bring you from a full stop to 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 149 MPH.
82014 BMW 5 Series 550i XDrive
Fair Purchase Price: $16,016
BMW
If you are looking at pre-loved BMWs as a good reason not to spend too much on a new BMW M4, the 2014 BMW 5 Series, particularly the top-tier 550 XDrive sedan, will not disappoint. This vehicle has aged well, and you can expect a robust performance from the 4.4-liter V-8 twin-turbocharged engine under its hood.
With its performance, the 2014 BMW 550i XDrive will humiliate other vehicles at the stoplight. The German-engineered powerplant produces 443 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters as standard. It can zoom from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.3 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
4,519 Pounds
Horsepower
443 Horsepower
Torque
479 Pound-Feet
The cabin of the 5 Series is elegant and spacious. It gives you that generous space where you can be comfortable while using practical features such as parking sensors, rearview cameras, and power front seats, among others.
The 2017 BMW 4 Series 430i Gran Coupe delivers stout performance, an upscale interior, and a well-balanced ride. Don’t get with the Gran coupe branding, as this vehicle is actually a four-door hatchback. That means you’ll have that fun driving dynamics with the practicality of a hatchback.
You’ll have enough seating for five compared to four for its siblings. The entry-level 430i’s turbocharged inline-four engine is not the most potent engine you can get, but it still offers quick acceleration when overtaking and is pretty much a good all-rounder. It gives you the BMW agility you’d expect with the better balance that comes with its wider stance.
Performance
0-60 MPH
5.5 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
3,668 Pounds
Horsepower
248 Horsepower
Torque
253 Pound-Feet
The 430i’s engine produces 248 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. These output numbers are enough to bring the car from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds and cruise to a top speed of 155 MPH without any issues.
62011 BMW M3 Sedan
Fair Purchase Price: $20,622
BMW
The 2011 BMW M3 sedan is another vehicle that has an alluring proposition if you are looking for a cheaper BMW M4 alternative. It is a true sports car that is fun to drive with superior handling, poised handling, and beautiful styling. It sports a roaring V-8 with four liters of displacement.
The 2011 BMW M3 is a well-rounded option if you are on the hunt for used vehicles that will give you the best value for your money.
52015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Roadster
Fair Purchase Price: $26,486
BMW
You can snag a decent example of the 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Roadster between $24,600 and $28,400, with a typical listing price of around $27,000. This sporty BMW M4 alternative gives you a good blend of power, handling, comfort, and, yes – the open-air joy of driving.
It is a satisfying car to bring to the office on a daily basis or every weekend when you want to head to the beach or to some winding roads to enjoy mountain views. Just don’t expect any cargo room.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.9 Seconds
Top Speed
165 MPH
Curb Weight
3,527 Pounds
Horsepower
300 Horsepower
Torque
300 Pound-Feet
With a turbocharged 4.0-liter engine that outputs 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, the BMW Z4 can blaze from a full stop to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 165 MPH. Inside the 2015 Z4, it is roomy for two occupants with good headroom and legroom, even for tall drivers or passengers.
On the lookout for a 2024 BMW M4 alternative that’s below $40,000? The 2019 BMW 2 Series M240i coupe is an attractive proposal that comes in a small but appealing package. Under the hood of this coupe is an inline-six mated to an eight-speed shiftable automatic that transfers all the power of the engine to the rear wheels.
The 3.0-liter powerplant outputs 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, which can easily bring the car to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds. It’s the same engine that powers bigger siblings of the 4 Series, so you have a better power-to-weight ratio to expect.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.4 Seconds
Top Speed
168 MPH
Curb Weight
3,519 Pounds
Horsepower
335 Horsepower
Torque
369 Pound-Feet
Aside from being eager and quick on the road, the BMW M240i comes with a big trunk, considering it is a small car. It has a total cargo space of 13.8 cubic feet. The interior is also well-designed, with comfortable seats and good outward visibility.
Derived from the M3, its DNA boasts of a satisfying all-around capability, be it on the track for weekend warriors or on the streets for those who want a potent daily driver. Under the hood is a 3.0 inline-six turbocharged block that cranks out 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.1 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
3,530 Pounds
Horsepower
425 Horsepower
Torque
406 Pound-Feet
The interior offers front passengers generous space while those at the back will still have adequate room. The design of the cabin is driver-centric, with controls easy to reach and systems simple to navigate. On the outside, you still have that subtle but cool BMW styling. That’s a plus if you are not a fan of the quirky design and kidney grille of the new M4.
22017 BMW M2 Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $41,914
BMW
The 2017 BMW M2 is a fast and fun ride that comes with a smaller footprint and a less hefty sticker price. You can get this M-badged ride between $40,000 and $44,000 today, with some examples at just around $30,000. The 2017 M2 boats of impressive power from its 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that produces 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque.
The six-cylinder block, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, sends the power to the rear wheels and can bring the car from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds. It can hit an unlimited top speed of 168 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.3 Seconds
Top Speed
168 MPH
Curb Weight
3,505 Pounds
Horsepower
365 Horsepower
Torque
343 Pound-Feet
The compact BMW four-seater comes with heated seats, traction control, forward collision warning, variable speed window wipers, and multi-zone climate control, among other practical features.
The 2020 BMW 7 Series 750i xDrive is a perfect combination of performance and luxury. You’ll get a refined beast that relies on a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
That’s a lot more horsepower than the new M4 trims while saving at least $30,000 at the same time. There’s no tip-toeing when it comes to the 2020 BMW 750i xDrive. Step on the pedal, and you’ll get no hesitation, achieving 60 MPH from a complete stop in 4.0 seconds and ultimately achieving an unlimited top speed of 162 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.0 Seconds
Top Speed
162 MPH
Curb Weight
4,722 Pounds
Horsepower
523 Horsepower
Torque
553 Pound-Feet
Inside the vehicle, you will be treated to quilted leather, brushed aluminum trim, ambient lighting, and a good dose of options that will make life more comfortable. While it might be unthinkable to drive this BMW on the tracks, you’re assured that you have a capable vehicle that has enough grunt if the need arises. No wonder BMW keeps producing the 7 Series. It’s one of the only truly successful big beemers out there.
The 2024 BMW M4 lives up to its DNA of delivering heart-thumping performance with an eye-catching style to match. The three-liter TwinPower Turbo Inline-Six engine under its hood can unleash enough power to push you back to those sculpted and highly bolstered seats while ensuring maximum traction in various driving conditions.
BMW offers the 2024 M4 coupe in several trims:
M4
M4 Competition
M4 Competition XDrive
The base BMW delivers 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque and can go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.4 seconds. The more potent M4 Competition cranks out 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque and goes a blink faster to hit 60 MPH in just 3.8 seconds.
The top-of-the-line BMW M4 Competition XDrive delivers the same power as its mid-tier sibling but reaches the 60 MPH mark in 3.4 seconds. Meanwhile, you can also get your hands on a convertible version of the M4 Competition XDrive, which gets to 60 MPH in 3.6 seconds.
The new BMW M4 specs are impressive, and this machine is undoubtedly a beast. However, not everyone’s ready to spend their hard-earned cash on the BMW M4 starting price of $79,095. If you’re in the same boat, there are cars that deliver M4-level excitement for a fraction of the cost. If you are looking for the best BMW M4 alternatives, you’ll also be able to find worthy examples from the Bavarian stable.
We collected information from BMW and reputable sites such as KBB,Edmunds, and Car And Driver to come up with a list of used BMW vehicles that are great alternatives to the M4.
It is a practical ride that you can take for your daily commute that offers that nimbleness and responsive chassis that’s worthy of praise. The 2012 iteration of the 3 Series is the first for its sixth generation.
Performance
0-60 MPH
5.4 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
3,571 Pounds
Horsepower
300 Horsepower
Torque
300 Pound-Feet
The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine of the BMW 3 Series 335i cranks out a decent 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Step on the pedal and this ride will bring you from a standstill to 60 in 5.4 seconds.
On average, you’ll consume about 3.8 gallons of fuel per 100 miles with the 2012 BMW 335i, or that’s a 26/23/32 combined/city/highway fuel rating. The BMW sport sedan comes standard with 17-inch alloy rims, automatic headlights, adjustable drive settings, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and more.
92010 BMW 1 Series 135i Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $11,450
BMW
Another affordable BMW M4 alternative is its older cousin, the 2010 BMW 1 Series 135i Coupe. Offering a solid German build, the two-door 2010 BMW 135i gives you the power and pace while sacrificing the generosity of interior space.
The 135i is aptly positioned on top of its brood with premium features such as a suite of safety technologies, dual-zone climate control, auto-on headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, and more.
Performance
0-60 MPH
5.1 Seconds
Top Speed
149 MPH
Curb Weight
3,373 Pounds
Horsepower
300 Horsepower
Torque
300 Pound-Feet
On the spotlight of the 2010 BMW 1 Series 135i spec sheet is its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six block, the same engine that powers the 335i and the BMW Z4 sDrive35i.
The performance of this Munich-made machine is incredibly smooth. When you step on the gas pedal, you get that oh-this-is-really-a-sports-car vibe because of the instantaneous thrust. As expected, it can swiftly bring you from a full stop to 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 149 MPH.
82014 BMW 5 Series 550i XDrive
Fair Purchase Price: $16,016
BMW
If you are looking at pre-loved BMWs as a good reason not to spend too much on a new BMW M4, the 2014 BMW 5 Series, particularly the top-tier 550 XDrive sedan, will not disappoint. This vehicle has aged well, and you can expect a robust performance from the 4.4-liter V-8 twin-turbocharged engine under its hood.
With its performance, the 2014 BMW 550i XDrive will humiliate other vehicles at the stoplight. The German-engineered powerplant produces 443 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters as standard. It can zoom from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.3 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
4,519 Pounds
Horsepower
443 Horsepower
Torque
479 Pound-Feet
The cabin of the 5 Series is elegant and spacious. It gives you that generous space where you can be comfortable while using practical features such as parking sensors, rearview cameras, and power front seats, among others.
The 2017 BMW 4 Series 430i Gran Coupe delivers stout performance, an upscale interior, and a well-balanced ride. Don’t get with the Gran coupe branding, as this vehicle is actually a four-door hatchback. That means you’ll have that fun driving dynamics with the practicality of a hatchback.
You’ll have enough seating for five compared to four for its siblings. The entry-level 430i’s turbocharged inline-four engine is not the most potent engine you can get, but it still offers quick acceleration when overtaking and is pretty much a good all-rounder. It gives you the BMW agility you’d expect with the better balance that comes with its wider stance.
Performance
0-60 MPH
5.5 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
3,668 Pounds
Horsepower
248 Horsepower
Torque
253 Pound-Feet
The 430i’s engine produces 248 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. These output numbers are enough to bring the car from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds and cruise to a top speed of 155 MPH without any issues.
62011 BMW M3 Sedan
Fair Purchase Price: $20,622
BMW
The 2011 BMW M3 sedan is another vehicle that has an alluring proposition if you are looking for a cheaper BMW M4 alternative. It is a true sports car that is fun to drive with superior handling, poised handling, and beautiful styling. It sports a roaring V-8 with four liters of displacement.
The 2011 BMW M3 is a well-rounded option if you are on the hunt for used vehicles that will give you the best value for your money.
52015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Roadster
Fair Purchase Price: $26,486
BMW
You can snag a decent example of the 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Roadster between $24,600 and $28,400, with a typical listing price of around $27,000. This sporty BMW M4 alternative gives you a good blend of power, handling, comfort, and, yes – the open-air joy of driving.
It is a satisfying car to bring to the office on a daily basis or every weekend when you want to head to the beach or to some winding roads to enjoy mountain views. Just don’t expect any cargo room.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.9 Seconds
Top Speed
165 MPH
Curb Weight
3,527 Pounds
Horsepower
300 Horsepower
Torque
300 Pound-Feet
With a turbocharged 4.0-liter engine that outputs 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, the BMW Z4 can blaze from a full stop to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 165 MPH. Inside the 2015 Z4, it is roomy for two occupants with good headroom and legroom, even for tall drivers or passengers.
On the lookout for a 2024 BMW M4 alternative that’s below $40,000? The 2019 BMW 2 Series M240i coupe is an attractive proposal that comes in a small but appealing package. Under the hood of this coupe is an inline-six mated to an eight-speed shiftable automatic that transfers all the power of the engine to the rear wheels.
The 3.0-liter powerplant outputs 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, which can easily bring the car to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds. It’s the same engine that powers bigger siblings of the 4 Series, so you have a better power-to-weight ratio to expect.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.4 Seconds
Top Speed
168 MPH
Curb Weight
3,519 Pounds
Horsepower
335 Horsepower
Torque
369 Pound-Feet
Aside from being eager and quick on the road, the BMW M240i comes with a big trunk, considering it is a small car. It has a total cargo space of 13.8 cubic feet. The interior is also well-designed, with comfortable seats and good outward visibility.
Derived from the M3, its DNA boasts of a satisfying all-around capability, be it on the track for weekend warriors or on the streets for those who want a potent daily driver. Under the hood is a 3.0 inline-six turbocharged block that cranks out 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.1 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
3,530 Pounds
Horsepower
425 Horsepower
Torque
406 Pound-Feet
The interior offers front passengers generous space while those at the back will still have adequate room. The design of the cabin is driver-centric, with controls easy to reach and systems simple to navigate. On the outside, you still have that subtle but cool BMW styling. That’s a plus if you are not a fan of the quirky design and kidney grille of the new M4.
22017 BMW M2 Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $41,914
BMW
The 2017 BMW M2 is a fast and fun ride that comes with a smaller footprint and a less hefty sticker price. You can get this M-badged ride between $40,000 and $44,000 today, with some examples at just around $30,000. The 2017 M2 boats of impressive power from its 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that produces 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque.
The six-cylinder block, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, sends the power to the rear wheels and can bring the car from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds. It can hit an unlimited top speed of 168 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.3 Seconds
Top Speed
168 MPH
Curb Weight
3,505 Pounds
Horsepower
365 Horsepower
Torque
343 Pound-Feet
The compact BMW four-seater comes with heated seats, traction control, forward collision warning, variable speed window wipers, and multi-zone climate control, among other practical features.
The 2020 BMW 7 Series 750i xDrive is a perfect combination of performance and luxury. You’ll get a refined beast that relies on a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
That’s a lot more horsepower than the new M4 trims while saving at least $30,000 at the same time. There’s no tip-toeing when it comes to the 2020 BMW 750i xDrive. Step on the pedal, and you’ll get no hesitation, achieving 60 MPH from a complete stop in 4.0 seconds and ultimately achieving an unlimited top speed of 162 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH
4.0 Seconds
Top Speed
162 MPH
Curb Weight
4,722 Pounds
Horsepower
523 Horsepower
Torque
553 Pound-Feet
Inside the vehicle, you will be treated to quilted leather, brushed aluminum trim, ambient lighting, and a good dose of options that will make life more comfortable. While it might be unthinkable to drive this BMW on the tracks, you’re assured that you have a capable vehicle that has enough grunt if the need arises. No wonder BMW keeps producing the 7 Series. It’s one of the only truly successful big beemers out there.
Performance trucks are known for their impressive features and capabilities. While most pickup trucks are used for off-roading or heavy-duty tasks, there are some that offer both luxury and performance. One such remarkable truck is the Hennessey Venom 775, which is based on the popular Ford F-150. In a recent YouTube video, Hennessey provides a detailed overview of what makes the Venom 775 so special.
The truck is built on the foundation of the F-150 Lariat, equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine. Its main highlight is a supercharger upgrade that significantly enhances its performance. However, even before that, several unique modifications can be observed while the truck is stationary. The impressive Brembo brakes with drilled rotors and red calipers can be spotted behind the black wheels, adding to the truck’s intimidating appearance.
Red accents on the front and special emblems indicate the truck has received a Hennessey makeover. The interior also features red accents and signature Hennessey touches, adding to its uniqueness. With the supercharger upgrade, the truck’s power skyrockets to an impressive 775 horsepower. Hennessey offers a warranty for this upgrade, showcasing their commitment to quality and giving owners peace of mind to fully enjoy their luxury performance pickup. The Ford F-150 Hennessey Venom 775 is a truly exceptional truck, boasting looks, luxury, and a powerful engine. Whether on or off the road, this truck is sure to impress any driver with its distinctive character.
These compact sedans match the similarly priced SUVs in terms of size, performance, and features, while delivering the elegance of owning a sedan
In a budget of Rs 20 lakh, there are a plethora of upmarket SUV options available, but far less sedans to choose from. In fact, even if you increased your budget cap to Rs 30 lakh, you will not have any new choices for a sedan. While these cars are a dying shape in the mass market, they are still the primary choice of some due to their comfort, big boot, driving dynamics, and elegant styling.
So, these are the five premium sedans priced below Rs 20 lakh that you can get instead of something with added seats or more ground clearance:
Honda City
Price
Rs 11.57 lakh to Rs 16.05 lakh
Rs 18.89 lakh to Rs 20.39 lakh
Engine
1.5-litre petrol
1.5-litre strong-hybrid
Power/Torque
121PS / 145Nm
126PS / 253Nm
Transmissions
6-speed MT / CVT
e-CVT
Feature Highlights
8-inch touchscreen system, 7-inch digital driver’s display, wireless phone charger, electric sunroof, ambient lighting
Safety Feature Highlights
Up to six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, TPMS, rear camera, lane watch camera, ADAS
Honda City is the oldest running nameplate in this space and is well known for its reliability. Currently in its fifth-generation, the City is still the benchmark when it comes to in-cabin quality and comfort.
It’s the only sedan in its segment to get the option of a strong-hybrid powertrain, which claims an efficiency of up to 27.13kmpl. The top-end hybrid option is costlier than the top-end variants of rivals by up to Rs 3 lakh, but the high mileage will keep the daily running costs significantly lower.
Interestingly, the Honda City is equipped with basic ADAS features from the lower-level V variant, which is priced just at Rs 12.45 lakh (ex-showroom), and a lot more affordable than any ADAS-equipped rival.
Volkswagen Virtus
Price
Rs 11.48 lakh to Rs 18.77 lakh
Engine
1-litre turbo-petrol
1.5-litre turbo-petrol
Power/Torque
115PS / 178Nm
150PS / 250Nm
Transmissions
6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
6-speed MT / 7-speed DCT
Feature Highlights
10-inch touchscreen system, 8-inch digital driver’s display, electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless charger
Safety Feature Highlights
Up to six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, TPMS, rear camera
The Volkswagen Virtus is a more feature-rich and larger successor to the Vento. The sedan is classy and sporty to look at, packs the punch for a spirited drive, and flaunts a premium in-cabin experience, delivering the expectations you would have from a German auto brand.
Virtus offers the best-in-class safety with a 5-star crash test rating for both adult and child occupants. However, it does miss out on ADAS, which is available on the Honda City and Hyundai Verna.
Skoda Slavia
Price
Rs 11.39 lakh to Rs 18.68 lakh
Engine
1-litre turbo-petrol
1.5-litre turbo-petrol
Power/Torque
115PS / 178Nm
150PS / 250Nm
Transmissions
6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
6-speed MT / 7-speed DCT
Feature Highlights
10-inch touchscreen system, 8-inch digital driver’s display, electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless charger
Safety Feature Highlights
Up to six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, TPMS, rear camera
The Skoda Slavia came in as a bigger and more powerful and premium replacement to the Rapid. It is a sibling offering to the Virtus with many commonalities under the different metal skin. The premium quotient here is much in line with the Octavia, which was positioned a segment-above.
It shares the stage with the Virtus in being the safest car of India, securing high scores and five stars each for child and adult occupant protection as tested by Global NCAP. However, this sedan also lacks the option of ADAS on any variant.
Dual 10.25-inch screens for touchscreen system and instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting, electric sunroof, ventilated and heated front seats, wireless charger
Safety Feature Highlights
Six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, TPMS, ADAS, rear camera
The new Hyundai Verna undercuts the German sedans for entry pricing but it is a more feature-rich and spacious offering. Its turbo-petrol option makes it the most powerful sedan in its class.
While the safety features are at par with its rivals, Verna is the only car after the City to get the ADAS safety suite.
Maruti Ciaz
Price
Rs 9.30 lakh to Rs 12.29 lakh
Engine
1.5-litre petrol
Power/Torque
105PS / 138Nm
Transmissions
5-speed MT / 4-speed AT
Feature Highlights
7-inch touchscreen system, automatic LED headlights, automatic AC, push button start, cruise control
Safety Feature Highlights
Dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear camera, ESP, hill hold assist
The Maruti Ciaz is the most affordable compact sedan right now, but also the most outdated one. However, don’t let its affordability trick you into thinking of it as a sedan compromised by pricing. It gets a humble 1.5-litre petrol engine with the option of an age-old 4-speed torque converter automatic. This powertrain is not exactly punchy, but certainly quite economical.
Compared to its rivals, the Ciaz is slightly smaller in terms of length and width but still has a fairly spacious cabin. While being equipped with necessary features, it misses out on many feel-good elements like an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a wireless charger. Safety is also low with the absence of six airbags and tyre pressure monitoring system.
However, in terms of design, the Ciaz has aged gracefully without any major updates to the outside and it still offers a great value proposition as a comfy and accommodating sedan.
Earlier, there were a lot more premium sedans to choose from. Without having to enter the luxury space or spend north of Rs 30 lakh, you could go for the likes of Toyota Corolla Altis, Hyundai Elantra, Skoda Octavia, and Honda Civic. However, none of these monikers remain today and only one is expected to return (the Octy).
In today’s mid-size sedan segment, the compact sedans have filled in their shoes by offering a similar experience. The performance, dimensions, features, and the premium quotient of these compact sedans are now somewhat at par with sedans a segment above.
