BMW M4 (2014 – 2021) Review
BMW M4 (2014 – 2021) At A Glance
The BMW M4 is the hardcore version of the 4 Series. It’s the sister car to the BMW M3, and is available as a Coupe and Convertible. Launched in 2014, the BMW M4 rivals the likes of the Audi RS5 and Porsche Cayman, offering thunderous performance from its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. For the ultimate M4 experience, opt for the Competition pack, which became the core model later in the car’s production run. It’s brilliant to drive, although some of the options make it look very expensive. Still, it’s better looking than the new M4…
The BMW M4 Coupe and Convertible are the sister cars to the BMW M3 saloon. Launched in 2014, the M4 outsold its M3 sibling, primarily because buyers prefer the styling and image of the two-door coupe. Early models are becoming increasingly affordable.
Power is sourced from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine, with BMW ditching the V8 found in the earlier M3. In many ways, this makes the M4 a more authentic BMW M model, and it’s not as though it’s short on power. In standard guise, the 3.0-litre ‘six’ produces 431PS, but Competition models boast an impressive 450PS. Rare models like the GTS and DTM Champion Edition provide even more muscle.
It’s a terrific engine, delivering smooth acceleration, low-end torque and redline fun. It’s also reasonably economical, although this won’t be a big priority for many M4 buyers.
Okay, so 25mpg to 30mpg isn’t exactly brilliant, but it means that you can complete the commute to work without visiting a petrol station on a daily basis.
This is a great-looking car. It helps that the regular 4 Series is sleek and low-slung, but the M4 treatment makes it look even more desirable. The Competition pack is a particular highlight, with the 20-inch alloy wheels filling the muscular arches. It’s a modern classic in the making, especially when you consider the challenging styling of the latest M4.
Inside, the M4 is more luxurious than ever. Soft-touch materials, fine leather, a superb leather-trimmed steering wheel and wonderful sports seats are the highlights. It’s comfortable for those dull stretches of road between your favourite B-roads.
Some will argue that it’s not as engaging as M cars of old, but others will love its refinement and fluidity. Besides, it can feel a bit edgy when you’re really ‘on it’, so such antics are best reserved for the track.
An early M4 Coupe could cost as little as £25,000. When you consider that this was a £60,000 car when new, that seems like a small price to pay. We’d recommend budgeting for £35,000, as this is enough to secure the superior Competition package. It came as no surprise when BMW decided to ditch the entry-level M4, making the Competition the core model.
There isn’t a huge amount of choice when it comes to performance coupes. The Audi RS5 is the M4’s chief rival, but beyond that, you’re looking at performance saloons and two-seater sports cars. The M4 Coupe is arguably the best of both worlds.
It’s reasonably practical, thanks to a large boot and a surprising amount of rear-seat space. It’s also well-equipped and rich in quality. The fact that it looks better than the new M4 is an added bonus.