BMW M4 review

Sports coupes don’t come much meaner looking than the BMW M4. They’re sleek and most definitely have that ‘BMW’ feel. The lengthy ‘kidney’ grilles do give the M4 a unique appearance that’s not for everyone. There’s an aggressive air about them, almost. They’re certainly more interesting to look at than the motorway they share their name with.  

Noticeably big intakes flanking the front bumper add to the snarling look at the front, while large wheel arches contribute to the sportier, more daring overall look. Earlier versions of the M4 are slightly safer looking but still cut quite the dash. 

Eye-catchingly unique and muscular German sports cars like the BMW M4 are always going to be quite incredible drives. To say these things are quick would be quite the understatement. Hitting 60mph in less than 4 seconds, these are exactly the kind of cars that Tracy Chapman sang about. 

A three-litre twin-turbo engine provides the power. The M4 isn’t a racing car, though. It’s brawny and quick, yet still silky smooth. It’s also incredibly quiet. Engage the Comfort mode and with the easier steering you get, we’re talking about seriously effortless cruising.  

This car is an absolute joy to drive anywhere. It’s probably best suited to long stretches of motorway, winding country roads and, we imagine, the Nürburgring. Although, the lower powered petrol and diesel engine cars are more suited for town use. 

Inside, there’s a similar feel to the rest of BMW’s 4-Series. The main difference being those recognisable little ‘M’ badges plastered here, there and everywhere. Oh, and carbon fibre. If you dig the lightweight polymer, you’ll love the interior of the M4. Other little details which make the M4 stand out from its rivals and BMW siblings include contrasting colour stitching and a shiny red starter button.  

There’s a rather racy feeling to the front cabin. Bucket-like seats and a substantial steering wheel add a real sporting air to your drive. The seating position is quite low, and both front seats are highly manoeuvrable. Sitting in the back isn’t quite as fun. This is a coupe, after all. That said, a couple of adults can sit comfortably (or three can sit quite uncomfortably).  

The M4 comes complete with BMW’s patented Professional Media System - a high-spec infotainment system that’s something of a class leader. The perfectly sized and situated responsive touchscreen gives the driver access to a high-quality sat-nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth options, all within easy reach. You can also use the screen to engage with the car’s rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors and its natty parking assistant function. 

Would you buy a coupe and expect a whole heap of room in the back? No. Yet as these cars go, the M4 actually excels. There’s a real level of maturity and practicality about the room afforded inside. You shouldn’t expect to be able to pack 4 suitcases into a sports car - in the M4 it’s actually not far off. 

The surprising functionality continues with storage throughout the rest of the M4. Door bins are deep and generous, the glovebox is roomier than you might expect and there’s a trinket tray and cubbyhole between the front seats. Frappuccino fans can rejoice too, there are plenty of integrated cup holders included. 

Now here’s a car that truly distinguishes itself. Effectively a coupe version of the German manufacturer’s hugely popular M3, these things are fast, powerful and yet still surprisingly practical. The BMW M4 is built for anyone looking for a sports car but who still lives a normal life. Think Hollywood glamour with a pinch of Milton Keynes’ functionality mixed in.

There’s no getting around the fact that the BMW M4 is a serious car. It’s a driver’s car. This isn’t a cheeky little run-around. This is a high-performance machine. BMW has made concessions that do make it quite practical. So, while the core target audience for the M4 is a Motorist with a capital ‘M’, this car is still suited to drivers with small families. You may prefer to test its capabilities around Monza, but it’s still a fun drive to the garden centre.