Summarize

As has become a Pcoty tradition in recent years, we have split our nine finalists up into three groups of three cars up against their most obvious rivals, with the winner of each shootout going through that hallowed final.

This year we’ll call them the Heavyweights, the Middleweights and the Lightweights with the defining call on Heavyweight qualification being all-wheel drive; something we’ve harped on for years as a super saloon prerequisite, and which this little dust-up will comprehensively once again prove a correct call.

Starting with BMW’s M5 Competition, not that there is anything at all wrong with the standard one, Munich clearly decided that it was time to stop the bickering and it fettled the basic car enough to not only see off all-comers, but enable this two-ton limo to break our all-time acceleration records too.

Traditional supercars have been thin on the ground of late, so it was inevitable that a saloon would soon steal that all-time Auto Bakkie Race! acceleration record and the M5 Competition has not only done that, but it is also the first car to ever break the 3-second 0-100km/h barrier on our test  run in a 2.97 second run to topple old champion R8 V10. Competition also managed 160km/h in a mesmerising 6.6 seconds and blitzed the quarter-mile in another record 10.9 seconds at 208km/h!

That’s partially due to M powering M5 up from 441kW to 460kW, while torque remains the same 750Nm, albeit now spreading to a 200rpm higher peak than before. That thanks to turbo boost hiking from 2.7 to 2.8 bar and stiffened engine mounts to make for a more direct response from the engine through to the transmission.

Other changes include a reprogrammed ECU, revised sport exhaust, a larger grille to gulp more air for better cooling and a petrol particulate filter, while subtle chassis improvements see Competition riding 7mm lower on improved suspension geometry with different toe and camber settings and a stiffer rear anti-roll-bar.

The more rigidly mounted engine also brings an improved chassis feel and a more ‘competition’ feel, albeit also making for a harsher feel over inferior road surfaces. Competition may defy its lightweight suggestion, but its 248kW per tonne power to weight ratio is ten up on the stock M5’s lightweight design concept thanks to an M carbon roof and an aluminium bonnet to do the business. 

Set apart by a unique high-gloss rear apron, black badging, M5 Competition logo, black front and side grills, the ultimate M5 is shod with 20” M light alloy Y-spoke Style wheels, looks the part too – and it packs all you would ever dream of in that sumptuous cockpit.

Moving on, in the Mercedes corner, we have something pretty different from AMG and the first-ever SUV to make it into this hallowed contest. 

Packing Affalterbach’s slightly less powerful 375kW 700Nm 3982cc biturbo V8, the GLC 63 S is no slouch – in fact it smashed Auto Bakke Race’s SUV acceleration records with 3.88-second 0-100km/h dash, devoured 160km/h in under ten seconds and destroyed the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds at 179km/h. Not bad for a 4x4, hey?   

Packing adaptive damping air suspension variable torque distribution, AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, a trick rear differential and high-performance brakes and you’d swear you’re cruising a docile beast. 

But turn it on and there’s no question what’s going down. AMG Dynamic Select with four drive programs guarantees incomparable handling and benefits from, while 45mm extra ground clearance also offers a wider range of road-use compared to a C63 sedan.

GLC 63 S is however sublime when pressed over a sinuous stretch of tarmac though, its electronically-controlled AMG locking differential and Race drive program with Drift Mode bring racetrack levels of performance. Most impressive are responsiveness, engine speed and shift times, while those uprated 390mm performance ventilated discs up front bring a sense of security to well temper this truck’s hoon abilities

A variety of driving modes allow the choice of configuring everything from steering weight to adaptive air suspension, exhaust note and stability control, while you know the kitchen sink is there when it comes to spec – from contrasting dashboard top-stitching and S-trim performance steering to splendid black Nappa leather and microfiber cloth.

As a performance all-rounder, not much holds a candle to this car, but that versatility also has its drawbacks and no matter how slight they are, this company exposes them.

We cannot help the suggestions of that Pink Floyd classic, but Subaru’s new SA-developed limited edition WRX STi Diamond Edition quite clearly Shines On! Just released, just 30 RSA citizens will get to own one of these individually numbered instant classics.

And not only is Diamond Edition the fastest and most powerful production STi ever released in South Africa, but it is also the fastest four-cylinder production vehicle we’ve ever tested in a quite sublime salute to those old STi and world rally ghosts in Subaru’s cupboard.

The revised 2.5-litre Boxer engine now produces 260kW at 4500rpm, a 17.7% increase over the standard WRX STi, while torque peaks at 464Nm at 4000rpm for an impressive 14% increase over the standard version. Dual Active Valve Control System ensures a flat torque curve over a wide rev range.

Subaru has not ignored dynamics – that Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive gains a 20mm wider overall track and the Diamond features include Brembo 6-pot front and 2-pot rear calliper braking. 

You also have three SI-Drive driver controlled centre differential options for differing levels of response and also allow you to tailor the torque split between the front and the rear wheels for greater handling response. Add an even quicker steering ratio and a lowered ride height (and so centre of gravity) for unparalleled level of agility and handling.

You won’t miss Diamond Edition in its classic Subaru blue with a petticoat in typical day-glo yellow body kit, black wheels and all the regular STi addenda, but not only is this manual rally rocket an absolute rip to drive, it also shines on, just as a crazy diamond should.

Sadly, only one of this delightful trio can qualify for the final a few pages anon – not an easy decision considering their diverse attractions. But no matter how good the AMG and the STi are, by the mere fact that this two-ton M sedan has obliterated our all-time performance record sets it apart as an obvious winner – even at that premium… - Mario Lupini

Performance car of the year 2019 Index