Super-saloon megatest

<H2 class=articlestrapline>The new Mercedes C63 AMG and Lexus IS-F promise to shake up the super-saloon market. We pitch them against BMW’s latest four-door M3 and our current class leader, the Audi RS4, to see which delivers the most driver thrills..

A grand total of 32 cylinders, 14 exhausts, 16 seats, 27 gears, 19 litres of engine capacity and 1,696bhp. All split between four compact executive cars. Welcome to our super-saloon shoot-out.

What’s most surprising is that three of these models are brand new and previously unseen in the UK. Step forward the Mercedes C63 AMG, Lexus IS F and BMW M3 saloon. Our fourth contender needs no introduction. The Audi RS4 officially disappeared from price lists when the new A4 went on sale last month, yet it remains one of the best fast four-doors ever made, and sets a high benchmark for these three pretenders. It’s never been beaten – but has it now met its match? The Audi is no longer the most powerful machine around. That honour belongs to the 6.2-litre Mercedes, which develops a huge 451bhp. Historically, though, the company’s AMG tuning arm has struggled to deliver cars that cope with corners as well as they do straights.

The IS F is the wild card. Lexus products have never shown the slightest hint of sporting prowess, yet this model looks set to upset the establishment. And firmly in its sights is the BMW M3 saloon – the fourth generation of the car that started the hot saloon ball rolling in 1986. We have Cadwell Park race track in Lincolnshire at our disposal, so which super-saloon rules the roost?

Full Car Reviews



1st Mercedes C63 AMG

Flagship C-Class aims to set new benchmark.

• View Mercedes C63 AMG

2nd BMW M3 saloon

Does the performance 3-Series make more sense in four-door guise?

• View BMW M3 saloon

3rd Audi RS4

It’s the oldest car here, but the storming Audi remains a contender

• View Audi RS4

4th Lexus IS F

Japanese hope to take some big scalps with first offering in this class

• View Lexus IS F

Lexus IS-F vs rivals | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express

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awesome cars

Please Audi don't release the RS4 4 years from now

Am I seeing right? 1st place...

Haha, it can't be that surprizing?

Yes,ur eyes are perfectly functional,they also said it's more fun to drive than the M3 and it outperformed the R8

What's surprising is they gave the RS4 more star rating than the M3 in driving involvement and even the M3 with IS-F,a bit weird

This is Autoexpress. Autoexpress and BMW dont often go hand in hand so to speak. But hey, M3 cant win them all and satisfy everyone


Give me the Lexus please!

They like the 535d Touring better than the M3 so I would say that the biggest surprize is the M3 not ending up last.

Well, the 535d is a great car but I think it shows what kind of character AE are after.

well deserved win

That's funny coming from

But to be fair they also said alot of excllent things about the M3,did u read the review?

the rs4 may be the oldest but still has the best looking interior amongst the 4. I bust a nut everytime I see those seats!