Marion GrahamThe Evolution of the BMW M4
Riddle test drives the latest vehicle to wear the coveted badge
Review by Marion Graham
The bold new BMW M4 is the all-new replacement for the M3 coupe. Based on the sleek 4 Series coupe, the high performance flagship is designed to go head-to-head with models such as the Audi RS5 and the Porsche Cayman. Like the new M3 Saloon, the M4 uses an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six that’s more powerful and efficient than the larger, naturally aspirated V8 unit it replaces.
As ever, the powerful motor is mated to a traditional rear-wheel drive transmission which maximises driver thrills, as do the six-speed manual gearbox and paddle shift-operated seven-speed twin-clutch unit.
The M4 is easy to identify due to its muscular bodywork with flared wheel arches, a distinctive power bulge in its bonnet, quad exhausts and deeper front and rear bumpers. Inside, figure-hugging sports seats, a chunky three-spoke steering wheel and numerous M badges are the prominent design cues, while eagle-eyed fans will spot the trademark grey-backed dials. There’s enough room for four adults and the boot has a decent 445-litre capacity.
All BMW M4s fitted with the dual-clutch gearbox come with Launch Control as standard. Engage with it, floor the throttle and ease off the brake and you’ll soon learn how ferociously powerful it is, hitting 62mph in just 4.1 seconds and quickly progressing to a limited top speed of 155mph (a standard feature on all BMWs). They’ll remove the limiter, for a price, allowing the car to go over 170mph, but unless you have a track in your back yard, visit an autobahn regularly or want to try it at the Nürburgring there isn’t much point in paying for the privilege.
Put the suspension and throttle in a performance-focused setting and the M4 is an absolute blast to drive. It grips so hard on corners that you’re constantly waiting for it to understeer, but it never does. You can also adjust the steering weighting to suit conditions, but it feels too heavy in the sportiest setting, so it’s best left in Comfort, which delivers more than enough refinement.
As with all BMW M models, you can use some of this car’s prodigious power to coax the back end into a slide – although you’ll have to be quick with your corrections because the rear tyres break away quickly.
The adaptive dampers deliver rock-solid body control and very little roll – although (as with most M cars) the ride is firm in Sports Plus. Set it to Comfort and the M4 is almost as refined as the standard 4 Series.
The most controversial aspect of the new M4 is its engine, which features turbochargers for the first time. However, diehard M car fans (including myself) have nothing to fear, as it’s sensational. The partly synthesised exhaust note in Sports Plus mode is slightly noisy and has an artificial sound, but performance potential isn’t in doubt.
Despite its turbocharged design, the 3.0-litre straight-six has the same insatiable appetite for hard work as its predecessor’s naturally aspirated V8. As there’s so much more torque, the M4 delivers major acceleration even when you keep the revs down. As before, you can specify BMW’s M-DCT seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. In auto mode this unit delivers silky smooth shifts, but use the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and you benefit from searingly quick manual changes. 