With a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds, Nurburgring-honed ride and handling, and a reputation that spans more than 30 years, the BMW M4 has much to offer the enthusiast driver. The current generation, launched two years ago, picks up where the M3 Coupe left off, and adds more technology, sophistication, and performance to rivals cars costing tens of thousands more.
The M4 is available in two body styles, two-door coupe with carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof, and two-door folding hardtop convertible. The swoopy Gran Turismo four-door coupe body style is not offered.
M4s come powered by BMW's 3.0-litre TwinPower turbo straight-six which develops 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment; a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual is offered as an option with paddles for manual shifting. All M4s are rear-wheel drive and use an electronically controlled rear differential. Unfortunately for track-day enthusiasts and collectors alike, the hard-core 493-hp GTS model will not make a return for 2017.
While the M4 is equally happy functioning as a daily driver as it is at an autocross, buyers desiring a more harder-edged experience can opt for a variety of a la carte performance upgrades. The options list spans three-mode adaptive dampers, a lightweight sports exhaust made from titanium, unique star-spoke wheels as well as the ZHP Competition package which boosts power by 19 hp and adds sticky high-performance rubber. Carbon ceramic brakes are also available for those inclined to take their vehicles to the track. All M4s receive three-mode adjustable steering weight, throttle calibration, and when equipped with the M-DCT transmission, adjustable shift parameters.
New for 2017 is the Smartphone Connectivity Package which sees the M4 gain wireless device charging, WiFi hot spot with WiFi streaming audio, and dual USB ports. M4s built after September 2016 also include Apple CarPlay, too. The M4 also receives newly available emergency autonomous braking, lane departure warning and blind spot detection, which are bundled with speed limit information and automatic high beams for $1,500.
Another addition for 2017 is the arrival of the Ultimate Package, a $25,000 bundle which groups together select luxury, technology and performance features. Opt for this and the M4 gains the contents of the Premium Package, M Performance Carbon Package, Driver Assistance Package, and Smartphone Connectivity Package plus adaptive dampers. The Ultimate Package also opens up 10 exclusive colour choices including Java Green, Speed Yellow, Fashion Grey, Santorini Blue II and others.
All of the new features and options are available to Coupe and Convertible buyers.
The asking price for the M4 Coupe now starts at $76,500, while the Convertible climbs to $86,000 for 2017.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
