With handling improvements, boosted power and relatively little additional cost, the new BMW M4 Competition Package sounds pretty impressive on paper. But how does it rate on the road?

Visual upgrades are subtle, and mainly limited to black Shadow Line trim and what the manufacturer describes as “forged, machine-polished, weight- and rigidity optimised” 20-inch wheels. These are inspired by those on the GTS and wear 10mm wider tyres. Our test car had simple five-spokes shod in winter rubber, however, which slightly blunted the newcomer’s dynamic edge.

Mechanically, there’s an extra 19bhp for the 3.0-litre 6-cyl twin-turbo, at 450hp, plus revised spring, damper and anti-roll bar settings, as well as upgrades for the DSC and Active M Differential. The upshot is a 4.0-second 0-62mph sprint time with the optional M Double Clutch auto – a tenth of a second faster than in the equivalent M4. Cost is a mere £3,000 over the standard M3 or M4, or £2,200 for the M4 Convertible.

The standard car has already been pulled up on its wayward damping on uneven surfaces and fierce power delivery, so does the Competition Package address these perceived shortcomings? Well the steering certainly has more weight in the initial turn of the wheel, while the stiffened suspension and tweaked damping improve handling and body control, with only a slight payoff in ride comfort.

Challenging winter conditions and those seasonal tyres didn’t allow our tester to push the M4 to its limits, but from what he experienced, the newcomer definitely inspires more confidence than its standard stablemate, from both the chassis and under the bonnet. The more powerful engine is accompanied by a throaty roar from a tweaked exhaust system, too.

The only slight question mark is over the M Carbon ceramic brakes, which felt somewhat wooden – but this may have merely been down to the cold, slushy test temperatures. The M4 Competition Package will only reveal its true character in the dry on its 'proper' wheels and bigger tyres, but first impressions are very positive. We have a feeling this is going to be an extremely popular option.

BMW M4 Competition Package

Engine: 2,979cc 6-cyl twin-turbo

Transmission: 6spd manual/7spd dual-clutch auto (M DCT), rear-wheel drive

Power: 450bhp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 406 lb ft @ 1,850-5,500rpm

0-62mph: 4.2 sec/4.0 sec M DCT

Top speed: 155mph

Weight: 1,572kg/1,612kg M DCT (EU, with driver)

MPG: 32.1/34.0 M DCT (NEDC combined)

CO2: 204g/km/194g/km M DCT

Price: £60,055/£62,550 M DCT