‘M TO THE FOUR’

Added 11^th August, 2021 , updated 10^th August, 2021

By Jonathan Crouch

So. How can we sum all of this up? Well, it’s certainly interesting to note that, unlike its direct M3 predecessors, this M4 was built in exactly the same factory on Munich’s Preussenstrasse that was used to construct the car that started this iconic model line back in 1985, the E30 M3 coupe. That fact apart though, there’s not actually a lot of commonality between that original and its modernday interpretation. The focus here changed from a raw, track-tamed screamer to something a lot more measured. Don’t get us wrong; this ‘F82’ M4 is still hugely thrilling - even if you invoke just 50 per cent of its capability. Its agenda though, was changed. 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 this M4 is so clever. It took 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 this model’s M3 predecessor. 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 from this period. Even its closest rival, the V8 Mercedes-AMG C 63, can’t come close to this M4’s agility and driver feedback. So yes, if this is progress, we’ll take it. In Austin Yellow metallic, with the twin-clutch gearbox, the head-up display and a set of carbon brakes. We’d better start saving.

‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’

Added 29^th June, 2021

By Jonathan Crouch

Like many of its owners will be, BMW was quietly satisfied with this 4 Series Convertible. While you sense that the Munich engineers might have preferred a soft-top configuration, they certainly made this one work very effectively and if you can live with a smaller boot, the metal hard-top roof layout offers upsides in security and refinement, without too much impact on efficiency. Would this car be a more engaging driving machine without its weighty roof mechanicals? The extra sharpness of its 4 Series Coupe stablemate certainly suggests that. We sense though, that most buyers of this open-topped version will be quite happy with a more relaxed, comfortable demeanour. That is, after all, as much as competitors from Audi and Mercedes offer - and those brands can’t deliver the engine choice BMW provided here. In fact, a lot of boxes are ticked by this car if you can afford its asking price. You get impressive safety systems, high residual values, above average rear seat legroom and a sheer depth of engineering that rarely fails to impress. As a result, in many ways, it’s probably the most complete contender in this segment from this era and, best of all, it looks as striking and expensive as a convertible of this kind should when the sun’s out and all is right with the world.

‘4 TO THE FORE’

Added 17^th August, 2020

By Jonathan Crouch

If you’re looking for a mid-sized premium badged executive sports coupe from the 2017 to 2020 period, this BMW 4 Series Coupe is still the car in this class that does it all, the sector benchmark, the go-to choice in its segment. Especially if you’re the kind of driving enthusiast this model has traditionally appealed to. Can it be criticised? Perhaps. Some have found it a rather overly mature proposition, but we think that these are people who would probably be better suited by BMW’s smaller 2 Series two-door model. What’s not up for debate is that here, BMW built a benchmark contender in this class. That sounds rather clinical doesn’t it, so let’s allow the Munich maker’s marketing men to have the last word. This car, they reckoned, was more than just a ‘love letter to performance’. Instead, it offered something deeper than that: the promise of a passionate affair. It still does.

‘BAVARIA'S BEAST’

Added 21^st July, 2017 , updated 2^nd March, 2018

By Jonathan Crouch

So is this BMW 4 Series the coupe that does it all, the class benchmark from its era, the go-to choice in its segment? The answer’s probably yes. Overall, there’s a sustained level of excellence shot throughout this car that Audi A5 and Mercedes C-Class Coupe rivals can’t quite match, something especially evident when it comes to handling dynamics. There’s a levity about this 4 Series, a certain joy you get in driving it that the others can’t quite match. Great then, that it does all the sensible stuff really well too. You get impressive safety systems, a big boot, plenty of rear legroom, excellent day to day running costs and residual values that are markedly superior to this model’s two key rivals. Which all helps your conscience. Why? Because this is a car that, exactly because of those attributes, you can buy and use - and use hard - without that nagging sense of guilt that you may have over-indulged yourself. Can it be criticised? Perhaps. Some have found it a rather overly mature proposition, but these we think are people who would be better suited by Toyota GT86-style coupes more aimed at hot hatch folk - an approach that wouldn’t really work with the target demographic here. Otherwise, assuming you can afford the asking price, just about the only thing that’s perhaps open to complaint is that the interior isn’t quite as exciting as maybe it ought to be. But a carefully specified version of this 4 Series can still be pretty special in that respect. What’s not up for debate is that here, BMW built decisively the best car in its class.

Independent Reviews of BMW M4 New and Used Cars

‘M TO THE FOUR’

‘RIDE LIKE THE WIND’

‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’

‘THE DEUTSCHLAND OPEN’

‘M TO THE POWER OF 4’

‘4 TO THE FORE’

‘BMW'S GOT YOUR NUMBER’

‘BAVARIA'S BEAST’

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