BMW M3 Sedan vs. Cadillac CTS-V vs. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG vs. Lexus IS-F vs. Alpina B3

AutoBild, a German magazine, takes 5 of the most sporty cars in the luxury segment. The BMW M3 with Competition Package takes on the Cadilac CTS-V, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG with Performance Package, Lexus IS-F and the ALPINA B3. Let us proceed with a quick technical wrap-up of these vehicles.

The BMW M3 with Competition Package does not only sport cosmetic changes, it also has enhanced chassis response due to a 10mm lower suspension and 19” wheels with greater offset for a wider track. With its Remapped Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems, the BMW M3 with Competition Package easily becomes the best handling production M cars in history. It is powered by the S65B40 engine, a naturally aspirated, high revving 4-liter capable of 414 horsepower at 8,300 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm at 3,900 rpm. This increases power by roughly 22% than it’s predecessor.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG with Performance Package Plus boasts a whopping 487 hp, an AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology on the front axle, and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 13.9 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h.

The Cadillac CTS-V is features a 6.2L Supercharged V8, 556hp at 6100 RPM, and 551lb-ft of torque at 3800 RPM. It accelerates to 0-60 in 4.2 seconds.

The Lexus is equipped with a 5.0L V8 producing 416 horsepower and 371 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm, with which you could reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

The ALPINA B3 S features a 3.0-liter engine, 400hp at 6000rpm, and a maximum torque of 397lbs-ft at 4500rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is 186 mph.

The verdict? The BMW M3 wins. Followed by the ALPINA B3 S and MB C63 AMG. Here are the results:

1st place: BMW M3 Sedan DKG Competition Package

• 420 hp, 1670 kg
• 0-100 km/h: 4,5 s
• 0-200 km/h: 15,6 s
• Braking 100-0 km/h (warm): 34,3 m

2nd place: Alpina B3 S Biturbo

• 400 hp, 1637 kg
• 0-100 km/h: 4,5 s
• 0-200 km/h: 15,4 s
• Braking 100-0 km/h (warm): 34,8 m

3rd place: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Performance Package Plus

• 487 hp, 1795 kg
• 0-100 km/h: 4,4 s
• 0-200 km/h: 14,0 s
• Braking 100-0 km/h (warm): 36,3 m

4th place: Cadillac CTS-V

• 564 hp, 1964 kg
• 0-100 km/h: 4,6 s
• 0-200 km/h: 14,0 s
• Braking 100-0 km/h (warm): 35,8 m

5th place: Lexus IS F

• 423 hp, 1717 kg
• 0-100 km/h: 5,1 s
• 0-200 km/h: 16,6 s
• Braking 100-0 km/h (warm): 35,4 m

Sachsenring times:

1. 1:40,1 min – C63 AMG PPP (on Continental SportContact 5P M0, 18″)
2. 1:40,6 min – M3 Sedan CP
3. 1:40,9 min – B3 S Biturbo
4. 1:41,7 min – CTS-V
5. 1:42,1 min – IS F

Source: German Car Forum