4 BMW M2021 Review: Competitive Coupe

Will this, uh, striking new BMW be remembered as the most controversial car released in the 2020s?

That's quite possible. After all, there is no other car in recent memory that makes enthusiasts' blood boil so quickly and so often.

Yes, the second generation BMW M4 is in danger of being remembered for the wrong reasons, and it's all due to that huge, attention-grabbing grille.

Of course, the new M4 is more than just a "beautiful face" or a rather remarkable face. In fact, as our test of the Competition coupe showed, it sets a new standard in its segment. Read more.

BMW M 2021 models: M4 competition
Safety Rating
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	—L / 100km
Landing	4 Places
Price from	$120,500

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Starting at $159,900 plus on-road costs, with automatic transmission only, Competition currently sits atop the "regular" manual-only option ($144,990) in the 4 rear-wheel-drive coupe lineup with xDrive all-wheel drive and a range of options with folding top. become available in the future.

In any case, the second-generation M4 Competition coupe costs $3371 more than its predecessor, although buyers are compensated for a much longer list of standard equipment, including metallic paint, dusk sensors, adaptive laser headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights. . headlights, rain-sensing wipers, mixed alloy wheel set (18/19), power and heated folding side mirrors, keyless entry, rear privacy glass and power trunk lid.

The new M4 Competition coupe has a fairly large mouth.

10.25" touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation with live traffic feed, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, 464W Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers, 12.3" digital instrument cluster, headgear . display, push-button start, wireless smartphone charger, adjustable heated front sports seats, three-zone climate control, extended Merino leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim and ambient lighting.

Inside is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Being a BMW, our test car was equipped with a range of options including remote engine start ($690), BMW Drive Recorder ($390), mixed set of black alloy wheels (19/20 inches) with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires (2000 $26,000) and the $188,980 M Carbon package (carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fiber exterior trim and carbon fiber front bucket seats), bringing the price to $XNUMX in testing.

Our test car was fitted with 19/20-inch black alloy wheels.

For the record, the M4 Competition Coupe keeps pace with the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe ($173,500), the Audi RS 5 Coupe ($150,900), and the Lexus RC F ($135,636). It's better value for money than the former, and the latter two are covered in next-level performance.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

Let's get down to business: the new M4 Competition coupe has a rather large mouth. It's certainly not for everyone, but that's the point.

Yes, if you don't understand why the M4 Competition coupe now looks the way it does, then the BMW designers clearly didn't have you in mind when they went about their business.

Sure, an oversized version of BMW's signature grille has been seen before, most recently on the large X7 SUV, but the M4 Competition coupe is a completely different beast in shape and size.

The M4 Competition coupe has a profile similar to the sixth generation Ford Mustang.

Now I know I'm in the minority here, but I really appreciate what BMW has tried to do here. After all, aside from the similarly styled and perhaps more attractive M3 Competition sedan, the M4 Competition coupe is literally unmistakable.

And for what it's worth, I think the tall but narrow grille looks best when fitted with a small, thin number plate like our test car. The European style alternative plate just doesn't justify it.

Either way, there's clearly more to the M4 Competition coupe than its face, including equally adventurous paint options with our test car painted in São Paulo's searing yellow metallic. Needless to say, this is a show stopper.

The rear of the M4 Competition coupe looks its best.

The rest of the front is punctuated by deep side air intakes and sinister adaptive laser headlights that incorporate hexagonal LED daytime running lights. And there is also a badly dented hood, which is also hard to miss.

On the side, the M4 Competition coupe has a profile similar to the sixth-generation Ford Mustang, which is the least noticeable angle. However, it's still attractive, albeit a little too sleek, even with the sculpted carbon fiber roof panel.

Our test car looked better thanks to an optional 19/20-inch mixed black alloy wheel set that also tucked optional gold carbon-ceramic brake calipers. They pair well with black side skirts and non-functional breathers.

There are non-working "breathing air".

At the rear, the M4 Competition Coupé is at its best: a spoiler on the trunk lid is a subtle reminder of its capabilities, while the four tailpipes of the sports exhaust system in a massive diffuser insert are not. Even the LED taillights look great.

Inside, the M4 Competition coupe continues to be a knockout level depending on how it's listed, with our test car sporting extended Merino leather upholstery with Alcantara accents, all of which were very flashy Yas Marina Blue/Black.

Inside the M4 Competition is a knockout.

What's more, carbon fiber trim is present on the chunky sports steering wheel, dashboard and center console, while silver accents are also used on the latter two to elevate the sporty and premium vibe, along with M tri-color seat belts and anthracite headlining. .

Otherwise, the M4 Competition coupe follows the 4 Series formula with a 10.25-inch touchscreen floating above the center console, controlled by an intuitive jog dial and physical quick access buttons on the center console.

Inside is a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system.

Thanks to the BMW 7.0 operating system, this setup is one of the best in the business (with the exception of occasional Apple CarPlay wireless outages).

In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, the main feature of which is a rear-facing tachometer. It lacks the functionality of its competitors, but there is also a very large head-up display that can be comfortably projected onto the windshield.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

Measuring 4794mm long (with a 2857mm 1887mm wheelbase), 1393mm x 4mm wide, and XNUMXmm high, the MXNUMX Competition Coupe is pretty big for a midsize car, which means it's good in terms of practicality.

For example, trunk cargo volume is quite good, at 420L, and can be increased to an unknown volume by removing the 60/40 folding rear seat, an action that can be performed by manual opening main storage compartment latches. .

Trunk volume is estimated at 420 liters.

However, we're dealing with a coupe here, so the trunk opening isn't particularly high, although its cargo lip is large, making it difficult to haul bulky items. However, two bag hooks and four attachment points will help secure loose items.

The M4 has a 60/40 folding rear seat.

Things are also mostly good in the second row, where I had a few inches of headroom and decent legroom behind my 184cm driver's seat, although there was little to no headroom and my head was scratching the roof.

The second row is also mostly good.

In terms of amenities, there are two USB-C ports under the vents at the rear of the center console, but no fold-down armrest or cup holders. And while the baskets in the tailgate came as a surprise, they are too small for bottles.

Rear seat passengers get two USB-C ports and air vents.

It's also worth noting that there are two ISOFIX attachment points and two top cable attachment points for the (uncomfortable) installation of child seats in the rear seat. After all, the M4 Competition is a four-seater.

Up front, there's something going on: the center stack compartment has a pair of cup holders, a USB-A port, and a wireless smartphone charger, and the center compartment is a decent size. It has its own USB-C port.

There is a wireless smartphone charger in front of the cup holders.

The glove box is on the smaller side, and the fold-out compartment on the driver's side is large enough to hide a wallet or some other small items. And there are also door drawers, in each of which you can put a regular bottle.

But before we move on, it's worth noting that the carbon fiber front bucket seats found on our test car aren't for everyone. When you are seated they support you very well, but getting in and out of them is a real challenge due to their very high and stiff side bolsters.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 10/10

The M4 Competition Coupe is powered by a stunning new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six petrol engine codenamed S58.

With a huge peak power of 375 kW at 6250 rpm and an even greater 650 Nm of maximum torque in the range of 2750-5500 rpm, the S58 is 44 kW and 100 Nm more powerful than its predecessor S55.

A versatile eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission (with paddles) is also new, replacing the previous seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six develops 375 kW/650 Nm of power.

And no, there is no longer a six-speed manual for the M4 Competition coupe, it is now only standard on the regular M4 coupe, which puts out 353kW and 550Nm “only”.

However, both variants are still rear-wheel drive, and the M4 Competition Coupe now sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds, making it 0.1 seconds faster than before. For reference, a regular M4 coupe takes 4.2s.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

Combined fuel consumption of the M4 Competition Coupé (ADR 81/02) is 10.2 l/100 km and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 234 g/km. Both results are more than worthy given the level of performance on offer.

However, in our actual tests we averaged 14.1/100km over 387km of driving, with plenty of time in bumper to bumper traffic. And if that wasn't the case, the M4 Competition coupe handled "vigorously" so much better returns are possible.

For reference, the M4 Competition coupe's 59-litre fuel tank can hold at least the more expensive 98-octane premium gasoline, but that's no surprise.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

Neither ANCAP nor its European counterpart, Euro NCAP, has yet given the M4 Competition Coupe a safety rating.

However, its advanced driver assistance systems do extend to forward autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cross-traffic assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping and steering assistance (including emergency situations), adaptive cruise control with stop and traffic, traffic. sign recognition, high beam assist, active blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert, reversing assist, parking assist, rear AEB, surround view cameras, front and rear parking sensors and tire pressure monitoring.

Other standard safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), anti-skid brakes (ABS), emergency brake assist and conventional electronic stability and traction control systems, the latter having 10 steps.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Like all BMW models, the M4 Competition Coupe comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, two years short of the premium standard set by Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Genesis.

However, three-year roadside assistance is also included in the M4 Competition, which has a service interval of every 12 months or 15,000 km (whichever comes first).

To sweeten the deal, 80,000-year limited-price service plans for 3810km are available from $762 or $XNUMX per visit, which is pretty reasonable all things considered.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

The new M4 Competition coupe is a real beast. Simply and easily.

In fact, it's such a beast that how well you'll be able to use its characteristics on public roads depends very much on how it's listed.

Our test car was fitted with optional Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires and carbon-ceramic brakes that are usually the back-up for track superstars.

And while we've yet to put it to the test in such a setting, there's no denying that the M4 Competition coupe will feel right at home on the track, but for everyday driving, these options are a step or two too far.

Before we explain why, it's important to first acknowledge what makes the M4 Competition coupe so monstrous.

The new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine is undeniable power, so much so that it's hard to unleash its full potential without releasing the license.

But when you manage to squeeze it out in first and second gear, it's an absolute delight, with a burst of low-end torque leading up to a powerful punch that even Iron Mike Tyson would be proud of.

For this reason, we rarely bothered with anything other than the S58's Sport Plus mode, because the temptation to have it all is too great.

The reason it's so easy to do is because the eight-speed torque converter automatic's three settings are independent, meaning the M4 Competition coupe won't always try to hold lower gears if you don't want to.

The unit itself is predictably charming, and the speed difference between this new car and its dual-clutch predecessor is almost negligible. And yes, the benefit of swapping is buttery smooth shifting, and jerking at low speeds is now a distant memory.

And when you shift between gear ratios, the booming sports exhaust system comes to the fore. It's nice that it's ready to go every time the ignition is turned on, but to enjoy maximum crackle and crackle under acceleration, the S58 needs to be in Sport Plus mode.

In terms of handling, the M4 Competition Coupe is one of those sports cars that demands more and more traction every time you enter a corner as it pushes its 1725kg curb weight into corners with playful poise.

While I really like the dynamics of the rear-wheel drive, I still can't help but wonder what the rear-shifted xDrive all-wheel drive version will be like when it launches, but that will have to wait another day.

At the same time, traction may be the M4 Competition coupe's biggest problem, with the working word "can". Yes, these Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s can prove useful in mixed conditions, whether on a straight line or on a winding route.

Don't get us wrong, semi slicks are great when they're hot and used on dry surfaces, but on a cold or wet day they don't grip as well when you're loose on the gas, even with limited reverse. the slip differential does its best job.

For that reason, we'd go with the stock Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, which provide the level of grip you expect for everyday driving, unless you're into weekend driving.

In fact, if you're thinking about tracking the M4 Competition Coupe, the built-in lap timer and skid analyzer will help you improve slip angle and skid time if you happen to be on a snowmobile, but we digress.

While we're talking about our test car's options, it's worth noting that it's a similar story with carbon-ceramic brakes. Again, they're mega on a track day, but they're overkill when you're just walking down public roads.

I would go for standard steel brakes. They're powerful in their own right and still have two settings for pedal feel, and Comfort's progressiveness gets our vote.

Speaking of comfort, the M4 Competition Coupé is making headway when it comes to performance. Previously, it was unbearably hard, but now it is relatively comfortable.

Yes, the sport suspension is set up beautifully and does its best to please. Simply put, high-frequency bumps are overcome firmly, but quickly, and bumps are also cold-blooded.

Of course, the available adaptive dampers work wonders in the background, with the "Comfort" setting being understandably preferred, although the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" alternatives aren't as annoying when you need extra body control.

Speed-sensing electric power steering is another step in the M4 Competition Coupe's belt that works best in Comfort mode, offering good weight and a very straight forward ride.

Naturally, this setup can get heavier in Sport mode and heavier again in Sport plus mode if you like it. In any case, the feeling is pretty good. Yes, the M4 Competition coupe is good at communication – and more.

Verdict

No matter what, haters will hate it, but the new M4 Competition coupe needs no unsolicited styling advice. And let's not forget, style is always subjective, so it's not about being right or wrong.

Either way, the M4 Competition Coupe is a damn good sports car and should be recognized as such. In fact, it's more than damn good; this is the type of car you want to drive again.

After all, when you are driving, you do not look at the appearance. And true enthusiasts will want to ride the M4 Competition rather than look at it. And what a truly unforgettable drive.