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Overview
Get behind the wheel of the M4 and prepare for explosive acceleration and razor-sharp handling. This two-door variant of the legendary BMW M3 sedan is offered as either a coupe or a hardtop convertible but retains its rear seats and uses the same running gear as the M3.
Engines, Ride, and Handling
Power comes from a 425-hp twin-turbo inline-six, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and rear-wheel drive. The Competition package increases power output to 444 ponies but it adds nearly $5000 to the bottom line. Our M4 Competition test car with the seven-speed automatic zipped from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, the same time it took its main rival, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S coupe. The ride is firm but the driver is paid back for the abuse with genuine agility on twisty roads. At the track, the M4 can be dropped into the Sport+ mode where it will devour corners and blast down straightaways with the best of them.
Interior and Technology
The M4 shares its interior with the decidedly less racy and far less expensive 4-series two-doors and the 3-series four-door sedan. That means good build quality but a relatively uninspired design that looks particularly dour in all black. Luckily, BMW offers three two-tone interior options—Sonoma Beige, Silverstone, and Sakhir Orange—to spice things up a bit. The rear seat is less spacious than the sedan but can still fit two adults in a pinch; the trunk space is generous for a coupe and fits four carry-on suitcases. The M4's sport seats are supportive and comfortable, and the driving position is perfect for spirited motoring. All M4 models come with BMW's iDrive infotainment system, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and several driver-assistance features including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection; automatic high-beam headlamps, a head-up display, a 360-degree exterior camera system, and a self-parking feature are also available as part of the optional Executive package.
