The BMW M4 is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine that makes a whopping 420 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. The latter number is particularly impressive and really shows off the power of turbocharging. The previous M3 coupe made nearly as much horsepower, but 111 fewer foot-pounds of torque.
Power is sent to the rear wheels only, through either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. Acceleration is, as expected very rapid, with sixty miles per hour achievable in less than five seconds with either transmission.
BMW have spent plenty of time on the chassis as well, ensuring that it's both stiff and supple, giving the car the ride and handling compromise that BMW are so famous for, with of course a little bit of extra emphasis on the handling thrown in for good measure. The chassis has been substantially beefed up from the rest of the 4-series coupes through the addition of extra bracing and the firmer bushings.
The BMW M4 is available in just one trim level that comes appropriately loaded for a car of this price. Standard items include rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, 10-way power adjustable and heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system, BMW's iDrive system, a leather steering wheel and dynamic cruise control.
Options on the BMW M4 include leather seating surfaces, a variety of 19-inch wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, a moonroof, a Harman/Kardon sound system and adaptive suspension.
In addition, there are several packages available for the M4. The driver assistance package includes a blind spot detection system as well as side and top view cameras. The lighting package includes full LED lighting along with automatically dimming high beams. Finally, the executive package features retractable headlight washers, a heads up display, satellite radio, a heated steering wheel, a rear view camera and parking sensors in the rear bumper.
Supercar Levels Of Speed And Handling
Usable Back Seat
Sleek Styling
BMW Levels Of Refinement
BMW recently split its 3-Series line of coupes and sedans. Two-door coupe variants have been renamed as the 4-Series; while the 4-door sedans continue to soldier on as the 3-Series. The BMW M4 then, is a replacement for the previous generation M3 coupe. In addition to getting a new name, the M4 gets a total redesign. It actually shares very little with the previous generation of M3, receiving a whole new body and a brand new engine, this time with addition of two turbochargers.
While nobody would describe the BMW M4 as cheap, it does represent a solid value for buyers who want both serious performance with a healthy dose of practicality. Unlike a strict two-seat sports car like the Chevrolet Corvette, the BMW M4 has very usable back seats. It also features the kind of interior and high quality feel that should be expected from a BMW that starts at over $60,000. BMW's move towards smaller, turbocharged engines extends to the performance-oriented M4. The M4 still makes more power than its predecessor while returning better gas mileage along the way.
