While the BMW M4 GTS has been reviewed under a microscope for what seems like ages now, the Australian publication Drive.com.au just recently got their hands on it. As BMW’s most hardcore the brand currently sells, the M4 GTS has high expectations. It also has a big reputation to live up to, considering how great its predecessors were, like the E46 M3 CSL and E92 M3 GTS. So how does the M4 GTS fare with the Aussies?

Well, they unfortunately tested it on public roads with no track time to unleash the true potential of the M4 GTS.

On some of the back country roads of New South Wales, the M4 GTS proved many things about itself. It’s certainly fast, with 493 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, the M4 GTS can get from 0-60 mph in about 3.8 seconds. It also makes a crazy noise, through its titanium exhaust, that assures its driver they’re driving something special.

However, it can actually become quite difficult to drive on public roads, especially the sort of imperfect roads of New South Wales’ countryside. While its fantastic adjustable suspension is incredibly competent on the track and makes it very quick, it’s just too harsh on public roads. Admittedly, Drive’s car was set up with the factory suspension setting, so it was quite low and firm, ready for track use, making it difficult on the road. It can be adjusted to be more comfortable, with a higher ride height, but that requires quite a bit of prep time, as each shock has to be adjusted manually.

Because of the uncompromising ride, it was just not as enjoyable on the road as you’d imagine it to be. Which is unfortunate, as Drive notes how good the steering and handling dynamics are, proving how good it would be at a track.

Thanks to the fact that they can be driven quite easily on both road or track, Drive claims that cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 and Jaguar F-Type SVR are better hardcore sports cars.

[Source: Drive.com.au]