Ten Second Review

This second generation BMW M4 Competition is one of the last combustion engine BMW M models of its kind, so it'd better be good. This updated version of the G82 model, which we look at here in Coupe form, ups the ante in a number of regards. It's quicker, more responsive and a little better looking than the original and offers more equipment. AWD is now mandatory and as usual with an M4, one thing's guaranteed: a proper driving experience.

Background

If you're seriously interested in this model, then you'll probably be well aware that its heritage lies in an unbroken line of M3 coupe models dating all the way back to 1985. The M4 badge dates back to 2014 when BMW separated out the coupe versions of its 3 Series model with a '4 Series' designation. That first M4, the 'F82'-series design, swapped the previous 'E90' M3 Coupe's thirsty high-revving 4.0-litre V8 for a 3.0-litre twin turbo straight six, a format that continues on here though, inevitably, with a little more power.

In 'G82'-series form, the M4 (only offered in our market in this top 'Competition'-spec form) has evolved from hairy-chested racer to cultured street supercar. It's a matured, though still magnificent prospect. Does that make it fit to wear this famous badge? One that evokes a rich history of competition, tyre smoke and unremitting motorsport development. Let's find out.

Design and Build

There aren't too many visual changes to the updated version of this G82-series M4. The headlights and tail lamps have been tweaked, the latter using the same 'glassfibre bundle' technology that first featured on the M4 CSL. As before, the car is offered in both Coupe and Convertible forms, both of which as before feature a large vertical grille featuring seven double horizontal louvres and a front number plate mounting point. This appendage differs from that on an ordinary 4 Series by being two separate elements, rather than a single frame design. The classy carbon fibre-reinforced plastic roof has two lengthwise 'rails' that optimise airflow back to the boot-mounted spoiler and the multi-channel rear diffuser, which incorporates a pair of chrome tailpipes on either side.

Inside, the cabin screens (14.9-inches for the infotainment and 12.3-inches for the instruments) look the same but have software updated from version 8.0 to 8.5, which means extra features and enhanced voice control for the climate functions. As before, you get figure-hugging M Sport seats which can be cooled. And there are M-specific graphics for the big head-up display. If you're wanting this M4 Competition, then rear seat space is possibly not very important to you because otherwise you'd probably have chosen the alternative M3 saloon version of this car. Getting into the back isn't the easiest task in the world, but once you're inside, you'll find a slightly strange combination of surprisingly decent legroom but slightly compromised headroom. Still, assuming they're not sat behind a couple of basketball players, most adults will be fine back here on all but the longest trips, aided by the 41mm increase in wheelbase enjoyed by this 'G82'-era design. Out back, there's a 440 litre boot.

Cost of Ownership

BMW has made great strides in improving the M4's economy and emissions and to put those figures into perspective, let's wind the clock back a bit to the E46 generation six-cylinder M3. That car, which was only retired in 2006, emitted 287g/km and managed a combined fuel economy figure of 23.7mpg; this from an engine that developed 340hp. This current G82 generation M4 Coupe xDrive develops a massive 530hp yet can see 28.2mpg and 226g/km (the same as the M3 version). The figures for the xDrive Convertible variant are 27.7mpg and up to 231g/km. The M4 Competition's BiK Benefit in Kind taxation rate is a lofty 37%.

Insurance is as expensive as you'd expect from a car with that sort of potency under the bonnet, so younger drivers ought to ensure they can get halfway sensibly priced cover first. Residual values should hold up well too. This isn't a tired old platform that's being rolled out for one last hurrah. Used demand for this generation M4 should prove very healthy indeed. On to the warranty package. BMW's warranty only lasts for three years but it includes an Emergency breakdown service and at least it isn't mileage limited - unlike the comparable package you'd get as standard with a rival Audi. You can of course extent the warranty with either monthly or annual payments. There's a three year paintwork warranty and the usual 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.

Driving Experience

There are a few engineering headlines with this revised G82 model. First, you can no longer have it in rear-driven form - but most customers want the xDrive version anyway. Second, BMW's S58-era twin turbo 3.0-litre straight six gains 20bhp - up to 530hp. That's for the M4 Competition variant, which as before is the only M4 variant our market will get. Peak power is now delivered at higher revs - 6,250rpm, rather than 5,600rpm. Torque is still rated at a prodigious 650Nm, but is held for an extra 230rpm. The performance figures look little different, with 62mph from rest taking 3.5s en route to a limited top speed of 155mph (mainly to give BMW an opportunity to sell an optional 'Drivers Package' which lifts it to 180mph in combination with Z-rated tyres).

The UK still doesn't get the manual gearbox option you can have in Europe. So as before, the M4 Competition has to be had with a paddleshift 8-speed torque converter automatic with M Drivelogic software. The standard AWD system certainly makes this BMW more seasonably usable; it offers three driving modes - '4WD', '4WD Sport' and (with the Dynamic Stability Control system disabled) '2WD', in which form most of the torque goes to the rear.

Three characteristic maps are available via the M Setup menu for individual adjustments of the Adaptive M suspension, which comes as standard. Further components of the suspension technology include M Servotronic steering and the integrated braking system, which is utilised in conjunction both with the standard M compound brakes and the optional M carbon-ceramic brakes.

Market and Model

The M4 Competition xDrive retails at around £84,000 in Coupe form, which is fractionally cheaper than its four-door M3 stablemate. The car can also be had in Convertible form for around £88,000. An eighty five grand budget might seem quite a whack for a fast BMW 4 Series and some will ask whether this M4 is really worth all the extra over the quite extravagantly talented M440i xDrive model.

Of course, you get a lot for the asking figure, particularly inside where signature M details include red accents for the M buttons on the M leather steering wheel and the start/stop button on the centre console. The selector lever with-Drivelogic switch is leather surfaced with an embedded M logo and stitching in M colours. An anthracite-coloured BMW Individual headliner and interior trim strips in Carbon Fibre High-gloss are standard. Fine-grain Merino black leather trim is standard as are M sport seats, which are electrically adjustable and heated. These seats have pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and an illuminated model badge.

A highlight of the options list are the M Carbon bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, which include CFRP in their construction and save 9.6kg over the standard M sport seats. These can be specified on their own or within the M Carbon Package.

Summary

There's not actually a lot of commonality between early M3 coupe models and this modern day M4 interpretation of the same street racing formula. The focus has changed from a raw, track-tamed screamer to something a lot more measured.

Don't get me wrong; the M4 is still hugely thrilling - even if you invoke just 50 per cent of its capability. Its agenda though, changed in this G82 form and has further evolved with this update. If you were one of those who had a poster of an E30 M3 on your bedroom wall back in the Eighties, then the mature adult in you would probably find that car too wearing now. Instead, you'd want something like this. That's where the M4 is so clever. It's taken its customers with it, understanding that people spending this sort of money on a sports coupe don't necessarily want something that'll bite back, give them the shakes and necessitate a trip to the chiropractors.

Are there drawbacks? Well, steering and throttle response aren't quite as sharp as they were in the old F82-era M4. Nor is the engine note quite as memorable. Many will feel though, that these are small prices to pay for the much bigger benefits offered elsewhere. And the fact that this still remains the most exciting and involving car of its kind. Even its closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S 4MATIC+, can't come close to this M4's agility and driver feedback. So yes, if this is progress, I'll take it. I'd better start saving.