BMW's crowded model line results in nomenclature that can be a bit confusing at times. The 4-Series consists of a 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible and 4-door hatchback, which is tagged Gran Coupe. This review will focus on the M4, a rear-wheel drive 2-door that's designed to be the line's flagship performance car. Like all 4-Series models, the M4 was completely overhauled for 2021 with new styling, fresh interior, more features and additional power. As before it's based on the 3-Series, but with a sportier take. Competitors include the Audi A5, Lexus RC and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe.
Two models are offered the M4 Coupe and M4 Competition. Both are powered by a twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. In the coupe it makes 473 horsepower and 406 ft-lb of torque in the coupe and in the Competition it makes 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard in the Coupe. Standard on the Competition and optional on the Coupe is an 8-speed automatic. Coupes come only with rear-wheel drive. Competition models are offered with rear- or all-wheel drive (xDrive).
The Coupe starts at $72,995 with the Competition coming in at $75,895. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with brake intervention, blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning and front and rear parking sensors. Available features include 10.25-inch touchscreen, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system with automated steering on the highway, 19-inch wheels, variable assist steering, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and adaptive suspension.
The M4 is Corvette quick. Stomp the gas and it will accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in about 4 seconds. Stay in at and the Bimmer will trip the quarter-mile traps in 11.6 seconds at 120+ MPH. All the while, the sweet straight-six makes glorious sounds and the 8-speed automatic snaps off quick and crisp shifts. And, thanks to an available all-wheel-drive system, power is quickly and smoothly delivered to the wheels with the most traction.
EPA fuel economy numbers for the Coupe come in at 16 MPG city, 23 MPG highway and 19 MPG overall. As you might expect, premium-grade fuel is required. What you might not expect is the M4's ability to meet or exceed it's EPA estimates. If you drive with a light throttle foot, it's quite likely that you'll average close to 30 MPG overall. Impressive indeed.
Where things get a bit tricky in assessing the 2022 M4's homage to M-series of the past is in handling dynamics. Not that It's not up to snuff -- which, in fact, it is more than up to the challenge. The let down is in how this new M model goes about its business on twisty roads. The steering, while impeccable in its accuracy, is devoid of road feel. The brakes, which provide impressive stopping power, are hard to modulate. And the all-wheel-drive system has to be tricked into providing anything but modest understeer when rushed into a corner. Driven at 8-tenths, the M440i is unflappable and impressive if, dare I say it, dull. There's an amazing overall competence that almost drowns of the visceral driving experience.
Conversely, the M4 doesn't beat you up when the pavement gets bumpy. The suspension has enough travel and does a good job of smothering harsh impacts. Of course, the occasional expansion-joint jolt thunders through, but, compared to others in this class, the M4 thankfully floats across potholes with its thumb in the air.
Noise levels, what matters! The sweet straight six is glorious when you get on the throttle. Unless you have six figures to spend on an exotic or like the bombastic guttural growl of an American V8, you won't find any other engine that produces more a pleasing aural assault than a BMW straight six.
Inside, the M4 might be BMW best attempt to date at creating an interior that's tech-forward and still upscale. Thankfully, button-assault is set to minimum here and the materials are price appropriate and there's enough brightwork and color to stave off the Teutonic blandness that dominates the design of past iterations. The integration of wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play are also quite refreshing for BMW.
The magnificently sharp 12.3-inch digital display makes you forget all about readable dials and the large 10.3-inch touch screen system goes a long way to helping you cope with a much-improved iDrive infotainment system. (BMW still offers its ubiquitous jog dial for those so inclined.) Switchgear is perfectly placed and enhances the driving experience, rather than getting in the way as it does on some competitors.
The austere front seats are straight out of a race car and force a proper driving position. Comfort is at a premium for sure. Surprisingly, the rear seats are actually somewhat usable. There's plenty of comfort, dedicated air vents and even enough leg room for average-size adults. Though getting back there is a bit troublesome. BMW also provides USB ports and storage cubbies for both front and rear-seat riders.
With 15.5 cubic feet of storage space, the trunk is positively cavernous. And, believe it or not, the rear seats fold to increase capacity even further. (Are we sure this is a BMW?) Alas, interior storage is scant with just a few open and covered bins. The nicely-sized wireless cell-phone charger is a nice touch, but its forward location in the center console makes it a bit of an awkward reach.
Bottom Line - As BMW's "affordable" ultra-performance model, the M4 succeeds quite succinctly. It can run all day with a Corvette or Porsche 718. The M4 is so polished and nearly perfect in the way it dispatches with its duties. But for some reason, in all of its goodness, it gains an antiseptic quality. Conversely, all of its direct competitors lean too far to the "sport" side to be practical daily drivers, so perhaps BMW is on to something here.
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