[MCM4]

Had this about 2.5 weeks now. Somewhat of a random purchase, as I have a CT5-V Blackwing and M4 Comp xD on order. The M4 finally got a VIN 1 week ago. I have never previously owned a Cadillac or BMW, but I have had many GM trucks.

The Cadillac is indeed nothing short of spectacular. Starting at under 60k, I feel it is in its own league at that number. It has been so much fun to drive, especially the last 200 miles. The manual gearbox is so solid. Very rewarding to operate.

My M4 is ordered exactly as I want. Obviously, it is a 2 door automatic versus a 4 door manual, and most probably would not cross shop these two. But the M3, obviously w/ the CT4-V Blackwing.

I have test driven a M4 Competition on 3 different occasions, the last time being 30+ minutes alone. The car is such a beast, to think the xDrive is even more, hard to imagine. Here would be the things I like better about each, obviously knowing the BMW less than the Cadillac:

Advantage Cadillac
- Steering wheel, the thickness is perfect and it looks way better for me.
- Driver gauge cluster. I like the display options much more than the BMW. You can also dim the panel at night and it shuts off every light in the car except a small center gauge with gear, RPM, and MPH. Way cool.
- Audio system, no doubt about this one
- Exhaust and motor sound - also no doubt. The X4 Comps I tested were nauseating with the amplified sound. I would never use it. I hope it is not automatically enhanced with sportier modes in the M4. I guess using the M1/M2 buttons, I can keep it off. The Blackwing is deeper and throaty. The BMW higher pitched and sort of whiny.

Advantage BMW
- Acceleration. Much faster than the baby Blackwing.
- Fit and finish - not a strong point of any GM brand.
- Interior - not even close. I see these current pre-large screen BMWs as as good as it gets. I don't love the shiny black plastic around the shifter and buttons, and the same for that awkward piece around the driver side air vent. But small nitpicks. The Cadillac has everything you need, and probably easier to navigate than the BMW, but wow does it look unexciting.

Draw
- Aesthetics. I happen to love the large beaver teeth kidney shape whatever you call it. And the tail is awesome too. The hood, killer.
The Blackwing has a more menacing appearance, especially in the dark color I have. I do like the streamline lights, although feel the CT5-V Blackwing looks better.
- Seats - I was able to sit in carbon buckets and they are not for me. But the standard BMW M seats are terrific. So are the Cadillac upgraded seats. Small nod to the Blackwing for including a very effective massaging function. I love it.

Driving dynamics
- The Blackwing is awesome. Absolutely awesome. When you change the car parameters - engine, suspension, brakes, exhaust - you notice distinct differences. The turn in and front end is so precise, and you feel it all in the wheel. The LF4 engine is not an equal to the S58, but coupled with that Tremec manual transmission, the experience is quite rewarding.
- When I last drove the M4, I thought "it is too fast". No such thing, right, but in some sense a slower car gives you more time to enjoy it. I did feel the ride is somewhat numb in the BMW. I'm hopeful it is just "different", and that with more seat time I would come to enjoy it.
- The AWD system with winter tires will make it a real 4 season car for me. I would get winter tires for the Blackwing to drive it when cold, but probably avoid snow days.

2 very different cars with different personalities. Not sure where the dust will settle for me, but getting to that point sure is fun.