BMW's improved M4 Competition Coupe carries an illustrious badge but that doesn't appear too big a burden for this 530hp powerhouse. Jonathan Crouch reports.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Heated washer jets

Acoustic laminated side glass

Front electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Hill start assist

Brake energy regeneration

Brake fade compensation

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Dry braking

Compound structure brake discs

Electronic differential lock control (EDLC)

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats in velour

Chassis/Suspension

M Drive Professional including track mode, laptimer, traction control & Drift analyser

M Adaptive suspension

Double joint spring strut front axle

Driver Aids

Park distance control

Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic

Speed limiter

Variable sport steering

Cruise control with braking function

Active Guard

M drive buttons

Driver Convenience

Automatic start/stop system

Pull away assistant

Start/stop button in red

Driver Information

On board computer

Lights on warning

Service interval indicator

Oil temperature gauge

Door/boot open warning light

On board diagnostics

Outside temperature display

Run flat indicator

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

BMW Teleservices

Smartphone integration

Optimum shift indicator

BMW legal emergency call

Condition based service

Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Language version English

Shifting point display

BMW Live Cockpit Pro with Head up display including 12.3" instrument display and 14.9" high resolution control display with navigation function

Driving Mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors

Auto dimming driver's door mirror

Door mirror integrated indicators

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Mirror glass aspheric on driver's side, convex on passenger side

Automatic parking function on front passenger's exterior mirror

Electrochromic interior rear view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function

Electrochromic exterior driver side mirror

Embellishment Trims

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Engine

Safety battery terminal clamp

Entertainment

Auxiliary point for auxiliary devices

Personal eSim

Harman kardon surround sound audio system

DAB radio with bluetooth music capability

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Rear reflectors

Shark fin roof aerial

Black model designation badges

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system

Black chrome exhaust tailpipes

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof

M designation

BMW high gloss shadow line with extended contents

Rear boot

High gloss black lower bumper edges, side sills and diffuser edge binding

Entry sills with aluminium inserts and model badge

Front door sill strips in aluminium inlays with M4 inscription

Bonnet and tailgate badge

BMW radiator grille, frameless, with horizontal double blind slats, black high-gloss, with model badge

Strakes in front side panel, black matt/high-gloss black, with model badge

Roof fin and roof trim strips in Black high-gloss

Front and rear plastic apron in vehicle colour

Extended Stroage

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Day time running light

Third brake light

Follow me home headlights

Automatic headlights + automatic windscreen wipers

Welcome lighting

Dynamic brake lights

Rear fog lights

Headlight beam throw control

LED tail lights with 3D L-shaped LED light design

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Front door storage bins with bottle holder

Rake/reach adjustable steering wheel

Lockable/illuminated glovebox

Front/rear door armrests

2 cupholders in front centre console

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Storage compartment in rear doors

Multifunction steering wheel

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

English handbook

Battery in luggage compartment

Through loading system

Centre console armrest with storage compartment

Wireless charging tray

2 cupholders in rear armrest

2 x 12 V Power sockets (luggage compartment and front centre console)

2 x USB Type C ports for charging and data transmission in front centre console

Driving experience mode switch

Illuminated bow-type door handles in vehicle colour, driver's side with door lock

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Front reading light

Front interior light

Front and rear door exit lights

Ambient lighting front and rear

Ambient lighting for storage compartment

Front footwell ambient lighting

Dynamic ambient interior lighting

Interior mirror lighting

Ambient inside door handle light

Contour lighting for door trim

Waterfall lighting for central air vent

Packs

Connected package professional - M4

High gloss shadowline exterior trim pack - M4

Extended storage pack - M3/M4

Safety

Front seat side impact airbags

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

Seatbelt warning

4 x 3 point seatbelts

Tyre pressure sensor

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Front and rear head airbags

Curtain airbags

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Crash sensor

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

M Sport seat belts

Seats

Electric front seats + driver memory

Heated front seats

2 rear head restraints

Height adjustable front headrests

Front isofix attachment + airbag deactivation

Isofix on 2nd row seats

Front seat backrest width adjustment

Single front passenger seat

40:20:40 split folding rear 2 seat bench with loading system

Security

Remote central locking

Locking wheel bolts

Centre lock switch

Electronic immobiliser

Thatcham cat 1 remote alarm

Closing system with central locking

Vehicle Key with 4 buttons including the integrated key

Transmission

M Sport differential

Sport automatic transmission with gearshift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with ticket holders + illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 358

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 233

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 197

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 216

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 232

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 233

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 232

Emissions - Lifecycle

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.6

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 11.1

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 26.3

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 14.6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

CC: 2993

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.3:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: S58B30T0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 17.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 27.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 32.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 29.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 27.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 27.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 27.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 15.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 8.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 9.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.3

General

Coin Series: M4 Comp M [M Carbon]

Coin Description: xDrive [530]

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 45E

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 530

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.7

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 530

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 390

Engine Power - RPM: 6250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 479

Engine Torque - NM: 650

Engine Torque - RPM: 2750

Engine Torque - MKG: 66.3

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 275/35 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 285/30 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE - 826M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4801

Width: 1887

Wheelbase: 2857

Width (including mirrors): 2081

Height: 1399

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1925

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2345

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 59

Max. Loading Weight: 420

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 385

No. of Seats: 4

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.6

Brakes

M brakes with black calipers

M Carbon ceramic brake

M brakes with red calipers

Driver Aids

Parking assistant plus with 360 degree surround view camera system and remote 3D view

Driver Information

BMW Drive recorder

Embellishment Trims

Luxury instrument panel

Carbon Fibre M interior trim finishers

Exterior Body Features

Model designation deletion

Metallic paint

Additional solid paint

BMW Individual Metallic paint

BMW Individual Frozen paint

BMW Individual special request paint

Exterior Lights

BMW Individual shadowline lights

High beam assistant

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Warm air collar

Interior Features

M Alcantara steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

Anthracite silver fleck soft top

Individual extended Merino leather upholstery

Individual full Merino leather upholstery

Full Merino leather upholstery

Full bicolour Merino leather upholstery

Bicolour Merino leather upholstery

Packs

Technology pack - M4 Convertible

M Carbon exterior pack - M4 Convertible

M Race track pack - M4 Convertible

M Drivers pack - M4 Convertible

Technology pack in combination with Driving assistant professional - M4 Convertible

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Aventurine red

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Toronto Red

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Isle of Man green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Solid - Sao Paulo yellow

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Individual paint - Frozen brilliant white

Individual paint - Frozen Portimao blue

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey

Individual paint - Frozen pure grey

Safety

Active protection

Seats

Active seat ventilation in the front seats

M Carbon bucket seats

Trim - Leather

Individual full Merino leather - Fiona red and black

Full bicolour Merino leather - Kyalami orange and black

Full Merino leather - Black

Merino leather - Black

Full bicolour Merino leather - Silverstone and black

Bicolour Merino leather - Yas Marina Blue and black with yellow accents

Bicolour Merino leather - Silverstone and black

Bicolour Merino leather - Kyalami orange and black

Individual extended Merino leather - Tartufo

Individual full Merino leather - Fjord blue and black

Individual extended Merino leather - Fiona red and black

Individual extended Merino leather - Fjord blue and black

Full bicolour Merino leather - Yas Marina Blue and black with yellow accents

Individual extended Merino leather - Ivory white

Individual full merino leather - Ivory white

Individual Full Merino Leather - Tartufo

Wheels - Alloy

19" front / 20" rear double spoke forged alloy wheels 825M with mixed tyres in Silver

19" front / 20" rear double spoke forged alloy wheels 826M with mixed and TRACK tyres in black

19" front / 20" rear double spoke forged alloy wheels 826M with mixed and TRACK tyres in black in combination with M race track pack

19" front / 20" rear double spoke alloy wheels 826M with TRACK tyres in Bicolour black in combination with M race track pack

19" front / 20" rear double spoke alloy wheels 826M with TRACK tyres in Bicolour black

19" front / 20" rear double spoke alloy wheels 825M with mixed tyres in Bicolour black

19" front / 20" rear double spoke alloy wheels 826M with mixed tyres in Bicolour black