Nestled in the Spanish mountains at the Ascari Race Resort, the stage was set for a thrilling showdown. Our mission? To rigorously test the mettle of three automotive titans: the BMW M3, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and the Audi RS4. Ascari, a circuit masterfully crafted by Klaas Zwart, mirrors iconic corners from legendary tracks, offering the perfect crucible to assess these performance vehicles. Under the constant Spanish sun, we were ready to uncover the definitive champion.
The air crackled with anticipation as we walked through the pit lane. A glimpse under a garage shutter revealed the aggressive lines of Ascari’s Le Mans prototype, a stark reminder of pure racing pedigree. The allure of the track was palpable, but the day’s focus remained on the road cars before us. Inside the Ascari’s luxurious facilities, a world away from the spartan Dunsfold, the team prepared. The presenters were deep in discussion, debating the merits of each car, setting the scene for their on-camera commentary.
Clarkson’s initial assessment was direct: ‘Have you driven the Merc yet? You’ll love it. It’s got loads more power.’ The raw numbers seemed to back this up – the Mercedes boasted 450 horsepower, eclipsing the Audi’s 420 and the BMW’s slightly lesser figure. Statistically, the Mercedes seemed poised to dominate. However, track performance is about more than just raw power.
The initial filming involved capturing each car at full throttle around the circuit. The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG was first. Stepping into the Merc, the sheer size and weight were immediately apparent. Its 6.2-litre engine promised immense power, yet on the track, the experience was less refined. Entering the first corner, the weight shifted awkwardly, the suspension feeling soft and yielding.
Alt text: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG in action on the Ascari race track, showcasing its powerful presence during a performance test.
The front end washed out, and the chassis rolled excessively. Applying throttle induced a dramatic, yet uncontrolled slide. The abundance of power overwhelmed the rear differential, resulting in inconsistent power delivery to the wheels. Overpowered, with underwhelming brakes and imprecise suspension – the Mercedes, despite its brute force, felt cumbersome.
Then came the BMW M3. The contrast was immediate and striking. Hammond’s M3 sat confidently, its suspension taut and responsive. The brakes were sharp and communicative. The power delivery was exquisitely sensitive and controllable. The BMW M3 danced through corners, drifting with precision and ease. Every aspect, from the tactile steering wheel to the seamless gear changes and balanced weight distribution, felt meticulously engineered for performance. It was, simply put, a revelation.
Alt text: BMW M3 demonstrating exceptional cornering ability on the race track, highlighting its balanced chassis and responsive handling.
Finally, the Audi RS4. As an Audi enthusiast, expectations were high. The quattro four-wheel-drive system promised grip, but on the track, it translated to a bogged-down feeling on acceleration and an unsettling kangaroo hop. Despite the rear-biased torque split, the inherent nature of four-wheel-drive in a sports car felt compromised, lacking the agility of a rear-wheel-drive setup.
At speed, the engine’s torque was undeniable, but the suspension felt jarring, and cornering became predictable and ultimately, mundane. Understeer plagued every turn. It was clear that in terms of outright track performance, the Audi RS4 was lagging.
The time attack confirmed the initial impressions. The Mercedes, struggling with its weight and handling, clocked a lap time of 2:43.5. The Audi, hampered by understeer and electronic interventions, managed a time just 0.4 seconds faster than the Mercedes, despite a dramatic spin-out incident caused by electronic braking system malfunction.
Then, the BMW M3 took to the track. Its poised chassis, balanced handling, and aggressive braking allowed it to carve through each corner with precision and speed. The result was undeniable: the BMW M3 obliterated the competition, posting a lap time a full five seconds faster than both the Mercedes and the Audi.
Alt text: BMW M3 accelerating powerfully on the race track, showcasing its speed and dynamic performance capabilities during the test.
The evening debrief at a tapas bar in Rhonda only solidified the day’s findings. The presenters, particularly Clarkson, grappled with the BMW M3’s clear superiority. The BMW M3 had not just won; it had dominated. In a playful attempt to discredit the results, Clarkson challenged the driver’s skill, leading to an apple-on-apex challenge. The outcome? The BMW M3, with its inherent balance and precision, nailed the apex on the first attempt, leaving no room for doubt. The BMW M3 was the undisputed track champion.
Conclusion
The track test at Ascari Race Resort unequivocally demonstrated the BMW M3‘s superior performance capabilities compared to the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Audi RS4. While the Mercedes boasted raw power and the Audi offered all-weather grip, the BMW M3 excelled in the crucial aspects of track driving: balance, handling, braking, and overall driver engagement. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate track day experience, the BMW M3 emerges as the clear and compelling choice.
