Double clutch semi-automatic gearboxes are finding their way into most supercars and high performance cars these days. The technology of course is very good, able to achieve gear-changes in only a fraction of a second thus creating a considerable performance advantage over a manual version of the same car. The purists amongst us, however, argue that ‘manual is best’ because it is more engaging and rewarding to the driver, demanding greater skill. It remains an unresolved debate with manufacturers keeping a close eye on its sway. So too are the pros and cons of spending an extra £6,000 or so (in this case) on equipping your car with carbon ceramic brakes (where it is an option).
Carbon ceramics are highly effective and efficient braking systems providing consistent stable friction from very high speeds. Whilst great for competitive racing, such as Formula 1, many drivers are asking is the investment really worth it for road use? The test We decided to find out by putting a BMW test car fitted with DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and ceramic brakes up against the same model fitted with manual transmission and the standard BMW M Compound factory supplied brakes, and drove them hard for over 200 miles through some of the finest drivers’ roads North Wales had to offer. We came to a confident conclusion. Both cars were driven with attitude to get the best out of them; there was no question, the DCT equipped car was quickest by quite a margin and certainly required less skill to drive it hard.
The ceramic brakes really came into their own simply because you could brake much later and grab a quick down change on the way allowing technology to sort out the down change and match the revs in mega quick time. By contrast you’d be working much harder in the manual car, the length of the gap between the manual and the DCT car up ahead being ultimately down to your skill as a driver. In the manual car ceramics were of much less significance as engine compression aligned to manual downshifting by default led to the need for less braking force, and the standard M4 brakes were more than up to the job required. The driver or technology? Conclusion? The DCT is the quicker car and works best with the fitting of ceramic brakes.
The manual car, however, is the real driver’s challenge suiting those who want to develop their own driving skill and go very quickly. We didn’t think ceramic brakes mattered all that much for the manual transmission car, due to added initial engine compression from manual down changes at speed and the necessary clutch induced gear changing sequence along with it. If your overriding priority is to maximise the performance of your M4 only then you should opt for DCT and ceramics, but if you want to hone your own skills and enjoy the amazing capabilities of this fabulous car, the manual has to be your choice.
BMW M4 manual with M Compound brakes – £55,635
BMW M4 DCT with ceramic brakes – £64,530
