Modern performance BMW models are known for showing conservative output figures in the books. Or, in other words, there is a hidden potential that can be easily unlocked through simple software. But how much power can be added to the stock BMW M4 without hardware modifications? Can it beat a tuned M5? Let’s find out.
New video from Drag Time showed off the new BMW M4 xDrive Competition, which underwent software tweaks to release more power. The clip begins with a comparison between the car’s quarter-mile times with and without the new software. The more powerful version runs in 10.826 seconds versus 11.305 for the stock version. That’s a pretty nice improvement considering it only needed new software to achieve it.
Midway through the video, it’s time for a drag race against a modified BMW M5 Competition. The pink performance sedan has a new exhaust system, new intakes and software tuning for an estimated peak power of around 750 horsepower (559 kilowatts). As a reminder, that power is channeled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In contrast, the M4 Competition offers a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with Dahler software, producing around 620 hp (462 kW). Again, power is sent to both axles via the xDrive system, mated to an eight-speed ZF sourced automatic. The M4 is lighter but less powerful.
In a series of three races, the M4 Competition clinched its first round victory by narrowly beating the M5 Competition. However, in the second race, the pink sedan had a much better start, which gave it a solid advantage from the start and the M4 was unable to catch up. It’s 1:1.
Which car took the overall win? Of course, we’re not going to spoil the entire video with this information. As a small hint, we can only say that both cars had a great start in the last laps and it was power and weight that decided the race in the end, not reaction time.
