BMW made a significant change in its lineup with the ongoing M3, as the German manufacturer turned the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of its performance model into the M4. Munich’s finest has renamed the benchmark of the segment, but its capabilities have only been enhanced.
With one exception. The M4 has dropped the naturally aspirated engines once exclusively associated with the German brand’s performance division, including the superb 4.0-liter V8 of the E92 M3, for an inline-six engine that has been turbocharged.
Purists complained that BMW had ditched naturally aspirated engines even for this performance model, but everyone gathered a grip as they discovered it is faster than its predecessor in every aspect.
The transformation from 4 Series to M4 brought a new front bumper, different front fenders, modified rear quarter panels, a redesigned rear bumper, a set of side sills, and even new side mirrors. Evidently, a set of lighter alloy wheels was developed, and multiple styles and sizes are available for order.
The new design elements have been optimized for the best possible aerodynamic behavior, while some key parts have received modifications to improve cooling of critical components during spirited driving.
BMW’s M4 Coupe has a length of 184.3 inches (4,681 millimeters), a height of 54.4 inches (1,382 mm), and a width of 73.6 inches (1,869 mm). With the standard six-speed manual, it has a weight of 1,497 kilograms (3,300 pounds), while the seven-speed DCT unit brings a weight of 1,537 kg (3,389 lbs).
The BMW M4 is lighter than its predecessor, the M3 E92, by approximately 80 kilograms (176 pounds) in a comparable trim level. The diet consisted of fitting a lighter engine and optimizing numerous components.
From a design point of view, the M4 looks just like it is supposed to, and it showcases a performance version of the 4 Series Coupe, or Convertible, depending on model selection. BMW avoided flamboyant elements, like massive rear wings, but the aggressivity of this car is perceived from the first moment one takes a glance at it.
It all started with a multifunctional steering wheel, which has a new design and comes with the now-famous “M” buttons. Behind the wheel, drivers will observe an instrument cluster suited to the capabilities of the M4.
There are also a few changes concerning the design and placement of some gauges. The dash was also modified, as it now features different trim elements, which are not available in the regular 4 Series.
The seats are also different than the 4 Series’, as BMW’s M4 comes with a dedicated seat design, which features improved cushions and an anatomic shape to “hug” most drivers and front passengers during sharp turns.
The headrests have the “M” logo embossed on them, and the range of adjustments available for the seats has increased when compared to a standard 4 Series.
Other changes include a few more badges to remember the occupants they are sitting in the M4, and dedicated trim elements, which can be ordered in multiple versions (i.e. carbon fiber). There’s always the possibility of ordering a broad range of materials and colors through the Individual department.
Concerning passenger space, there’s seating for four passengers, but the ones in the rear seats will not enjoy as much room as those in the front. For short trips, four adults will fit, but things might become uncomfortable after a few hours in the back. Cargo volume is 445 liters, or 15.7 cuFT.
The M4 has a wide variety of active safety equipment, to ensure that the driver does not turn the expensive model into a heap of metal, but it also requires common sense to work, as well as to keep the systems active.
The most interesting gadgets on this model are accessible through the multimedia unit, which is commanded by the iDrive interface. It used to be cumbersome to use, but now it is almost as intuitive as an iPhone.
Customers can hook up their smartphone to the car with a snap-in adapter or a USB cable, and then access the vehicle’s dynamic monitoring systems.
It works through an app called “BMW M Laptimer,” and you can observe data like G-forces, engine revs, steering angle, and fuel consumption over a period. It can be stored on the phone, or even shared through e-mail.
The other notable gadget featured in the M4 is the ConnectedDrive set of services. BMW offers these on all of its modern cars, and it allows the driver to access services that were unthinkable a few years ago through the car’s multimedia unit.
The navigation system features 3D elements and quality graphics, while an Active Driving Assistant warns the driver of an imminent frontal collision.
Customers can also order a full-color head-up display that features M-specific functions, like a rev counter, an optimum shift indicator, and gear display. It also provides directions from the navigation system.
Instead of a naturally aspirated V8, the M4 and its M3 sibling got an inline-six engine that had a displacement of 2,979 cubic centimeters. It provides 431 HP at 5,500 rpm, while peak torque is rated at 550 Nm (406 lb-ft).
The coolest part about turbocharging is that the maximum torque is available from 1,850 rpm and up to 5,500 rpm, when peak output is achieved.
The engine has two single-scroll turbochargers, which feed air with the aid of the fully variable valve timing system and variable camshaft control. The air meets gasoline that has been directly injected into the combustion chamber, where the two are ignited with a spark and turned into power.
BMW offers the M4 in both six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions. The Manual version has a 0-62 mph time of 4.3 seconds, and a top speed that is electronically governed at 155 mph (250 km/h).
Fuel economy is rated at 8.8 liters/100 kilometers in a combined regime, while city traffic will drain 12 liters out of the tank for every hundred km. Highway driving brings an estimated 6.9 liters/100 kilometers. In US mpg, the values are 26.7, 19.6, and 34.1, respectively.
The Seven-speed dual-clutch M DCT transmission makes the M4 faster than its manual sibling, with 0,2 seconds ticked off its 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time. Top speed is limited to the same value.
Fuel economy is improved in all environments, as this version delivers 28.3 mpg US combined (8.3 liters/100 km), 35.1 mpg for highway driving (6.7 liters/100 km), and 21.2 mpg US (11.1 liters/100 km) for city driving. Your mileage may vary, mostly depending on how hard you press the “Go faster” pedal.
The driver has access to a configurable M-Mode, and the suspension, steering, and engine response can be modified. The DCT version also quickens the pace of the transmission once the M-Mode is activated.
There are two reasons for this. First of all, it would be incredibly expensive for EuroNCAP to buy a few M4 models just to crash them, and secondly – the model shares its components and platform with the 3 Series, which has been tested by the organizations mentioned above.
The BMW M4 builds on the safety elements of the 4 Series range, which provides ABS, traction control, stability control, and multiple driver assistance systems. The car has a pair of frontal airbags, side airbags for head and chest protection, and curtain airbags. The front seat belts have pre-tensioners and load limiters.
BMW fits the M4 with a system called BMW Assist Advanced eCall, which calls the BMW call center and automatically provides detailed information about the accident.
If the occupants are unable to communicate to the dispatch for whatever reason, the emergency services are contacted and sent to the location of the vehicle, with the information regarding the number of occupants in hand.
Purists might be offended that the sound of the V8 unit has disappeared for a turbocharged inline-six burble, but the car still delivers performance as expected of an M car.
Another thing purists might find offensive is the engine sound enhancement system, which plays a digitally generated engine noise through the speakers. It can be deactivated by the dealer if requested, so keep that in mind if you dislike it.
The Active Sound system was introduced to mimic the aural feel of older models, which has disappeared because of modern soundproofing. On the other hand, a longer journey is easier on the ears of the passengers.
While not the most powerful car in its segment or the fastest in the world, the BMW M4 still delivers thrilling performance and acceleration. Thanks to the latest safety and tech features, it has become the most advanced model from the M3 lineup, as well as the most fuel-efficient and easy to drive.
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