The BMW M4 Competition’s performance attributes are as impressive as its looks. Photos: Supplied.
The house of M has always been the dream factory at BMW. Now there is the latest M4 Competition model, an extreme machine for people who go browsing in the world of Porsche and Lamborghini.
It has two giant attractions – the way it looks and the way it goes.
The coupe has giant guards wrapped around massive forged-alloy wheels, 19 inches on the front and 20 on the back, and even the gaping grille, which flaws so many lesser BMWs, somehow looks more appropriate and effective on the M4 Competition.
Did we mention it can crack to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds?
There are electric cars that can slingshot to the speed limit even more swiftly, but they don’t have the aural excitement of the M4’s howling six-cylinder turbo engine. They are also missing the visual impact of a car that stands out in any crowd. It taps into BMW’s long-term motorsport success and would look happily at home in the paddock at any motorsport event.
There is lots to like but, for me, the test car was flawed by its M Carbon bucket seats. They are narrow, hard and sharp-edged, and make getting in and out a difficult job. They also cost an extra $6993 and, judging by the shape and age of many M-car buyers, are definitely worth a pass on the order sheet.
But what about the rest? The M4 Competition is a relative bargain at $186,500, at least compared with a Porsche 911 or an exotic Ferrari, and it is more than good enough for people who shop in the top end of town. The cabin is luxurious, with sumptuous leather and all the niceties, cosseting the front-seat people and providing just enough space in the back for teens.
Befitting a car with a price tag nudging $200k, the BMW M4 Competition’s interior is a luxurious cocoon packed with goodies.
All of the switches feel solid, the steering wheel is meaty, the infotainment system is great, and it can be calm and quiet when you choose. But the M-car is also about swiftness and driving enjoyment, so the steering is super-sharp and responsive, the brakes are powerful, and the cornering grip is fantastic.
The Competition has the latest BMW X-drive system, which feeds drive to all four wheels and makes the car feel unbeatable. It turns, it grips, and then it goes.
The seven-speed automatic is capable of slurring for economy, but when you trip the paddles it will whack through the gears to provide punch and power. The engine, too, is a combination of performance and economy. BMW has downgraded from a V8 in the M4, but the twin-turbo six never suffers from lag and will push heartily to the redline.
Ride comfort is not great on the giant alloy wheels, but that is the trade-off for the grip. And you need to avoid potholes, as the car will crash into the obstacle and the wheels are costly if you cause damage.
There are plenty of other things to like, from the punchy sound system to brilliant headlights and driver assistance systems, which provide back-up for emergencies without being too intrusive. My time with the M4 Competition was short but hugely enjoyable. Will it impress your friends? Will it make you happy? The answer to both questions is likely to be a definite yes, which makes the latest M-car another winner.
BMW M4 Competition
- Position: Extreme sports coupe
- Price: From $186,500
- Engine: 3-litre 6-cylinder twin-turbo
- Power: 390kW/560Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed auto, all-wheel drive
- Plus: Visual impact, driving enjoyment
- Minus: Highly focused, uncomfortable seats
- THE TICK: A winner
Score: 8.9/10.
