There’s been a little contention over the identity of the BMW M4 2018 – indeed, we can effectively call the M4 coupé an M3 coupé.
What we have is an evolution of the BMW two-door 3 Series in an M variant, taking what was traditionally a racing model and bringing it to the road.
This time around, we have turbochargers, strapped to a six-cylinder engine which is back with a bang.
So what else is on offer? Following on from the release of the limited-edition BMW M4 GTS, we have a lot to expect in the performance department. The BMW M4 engine certainly delivers, with a top speed of 155MPH and a BHP of 424.
In terms of models, we have the above-mentioned BMW M4 GTS, a CS model and the very alluring BMW M4 Competition Package, plus a convertible model for those who feel like having the wind sail through their hair.
We’re particularly taken with the Competition Package, which pushes the BHP up to 444, (10 more than the CS model), and also adds larger 20-inch tyres for a superior grip on the road.
These come in use particularly when we’re zooming off from 0 to 62MPH in just 4.1 seconds (4.3 seconds in a manual, if we’re being really picky).
Another bonus with the Competition Package, which also comes as an upgrade on its own, is the sports exhaust. This is especially effective for petrolheads for whom a bombastic growl is of utmost importance.
Exhausts aside, all models come with a manual six-speed gearbox, and surprise surprise, there’s an upgrade option there too – a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. So, what’s it like to drive?
The latterly mentioned twin-clutch gearbox has accounted for the majority of M4 sales so far – and we suspect this is down to the Launch Control feature.
Once this is activated, the M4 fires like a bullet, something which is all the more exemplified in the now sold out GTS model.
This might be a blessing rather than a curse – its 493BHP and 0-62 MPH in 3.8 seconds are enough to make even the biggest of speed-seekers tremble, while it costs twice as much as the standard models.
The M4 comes with a variety of driving settings including Sport, Sport+ and Comfort, all of which adjust the steering weighting to ensure the grip on the road is never compromised, apart from if you are really pulling off quickly.
Said grip may come across a little too weighty if you are in Sport mode, so as the name suggests, Comfort is probably the best way to go for a pleasant cruise. In a strange twist of fate, for all its power, the GTS is actually the best for avoiding the dreaded rear-tyre breakaway.
BMW haven’t exactly been adventurous when it comes to the interior design – it’s got the same feel to it as any standard 4 or 3 Series.
That said, there’s plenty of room in the front cabin and the M4 is made all the more attractive with the carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof.
For those who prefer the sportier colours, the red interior will set pulses racing.
The latest M4 comes with the standard iDrive infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch display and shortcut buttons for the DAB tuner, Bluetooth and satellite navigation. These shortcuts keep distractions to a minimum, including a very handy pair of buttons on the steering wheel, labelled “M1” and “M2”, which allow you to manually change settings.
Despite its power, the M4 is relatively economical to run, particularly when we consider its competitors like the Audi RS5, or indeed, even the M3. It offers CO2 emissions of 194g/km, making it roughly £200 cheaper to tax than some of its competitors.
All of this makes it pretty attractive – its UK for-sale price is considerably less than the M3 at £56,385.
Alternatively, BMW M4 lease deals start at £195.17 per month, though the price will be pushed up once you start adding on the upgrades.
With such a vast spectrum of pricing, you’ll be glad that the GTS is sold out. Indeed, it could be fun to rocket up to 190MPH, but at £120,500, this is one that’s best reserved for racing drivers.
For everybody else, this speedy two-door offers both safety (bar some slight sliding) and power that makes it ideal for a variety of settings – just leave the family trips for the M3 instead.
7/10
