M4 = Glorified 4 Series
Just kidding
But seriousluy the Gap is getting narrower between Bimmers these days
Power:
spend about 2k on a 435 you can get equivalent or more power of the engine
Looks:
M sport looks very similar to the M4 body kit (to the untrained eye), especially the M-performance body parts looks almost identical
Tranny:
ZF8 on 435/335 F30 etc is almost as fast and precise as a DCT. And now it even has launch control.
Price:
Still a HUGE Gap, while all other gaps are narrowing
Back in the day, an M3 was light years ahead of the 335. Engine, tranny (DCT vs regular garbage 6 speed auto), etc
Now the gap is so narrow in looks, power, transmission etc
Again we all get it, its not just engine HP numbers, the handling bla bla bla but still, alot of people who purchase an M3/M4 do so for the differentiation/exoticness vs a regular 3 series or 4 series. I think very few track the car.
Now that the GAP is this narrow, I think only truly hardcore enthusiasts/track drivers would go for an M4.
Just my $.2