OVERVIEW ;

The newest member of the BMW M line-up of performance coupes, and it is every bit of a legend as the ones that preceded it. Power comes from a 431-hp twin-turbo inline six-cylinder, mated to a paddle-shifted seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. In a mission to shave weight, many of the M4’s components are made of carbon fiber—including the driveshaft. A car that can be considered as the Iconic and just upgraded BMW M3 more sportier and stylish sibling. Originating from the BMW 4 -Series Coupe, which was created with an intention to replace the current 3 Series coup? with a new 4 series line to further differentiate the more sporty coup?. The M4 replaces M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible models. This car comes with a M Carbon roof providing a lower-slung look, decreases weight and hence the centre of gravity, and is capable of 0-100kmph in 4.1 seconds. The car also arrives with the latest BMW Connected Drive services, consisting of all the electronic wizardry BMW has developed over the years.Upgrades over the standard 4-Series include more powerful and responsive engines, improved handling, suspension, and braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-colour “M” (Motorsport) badging. Get behind the wheel and prepare for explosive performance and the M division’s renowned handling capabilities.

EXTERIOR AND STYLE ;

For those of you who are critical of manufacturer updates, you’ll find that BMW was obnoxiously lazy when it came to updating the exterior of the M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible. The same front and rear fascias, muscular hood, and powerful side profile carry over unchanged. LED headlamps still come as standard equipment while new headlights with hexagonal LED strips can be had as an option. The kidney grilles carry over unchanged, still featuring the black, vertical louvers while the air damn and corner air vents get the same recessed mesh. Around back, the changes are just as minuscule with the only real difference being the new layout of the taillights, which are also LED in nature and come standard on the M4 Coupe and Convertible.

If you option for the Competition Package that has been available for the M4 since early 2016, you’ll get a number of exterior trim elements in black that include the front grille surround, window trim, fender vent logo, and the rear M4 logo. The centrally mounted, dual-exhaust outlets also get the black treatment. To go along with the black exterior enhancements, the competition package can also be optioned with a new set of 20-inch light-alloy wheels in Star-spoke 666 M styling that are finished in black – not a bad way to round out the exterior package.

M Performance accessories are also available and include an exterior carbon fiber package that brings carbon styling to exterior trim components as well as the rear diffuser and spoiler. The carbon mirror package adds on carbon fiber mirror housings. As I said, even with the optional goodies, the facelift really doesn’t bring too much, but it should help keep things fresh until the next-gen model finds its way into showrooms.

INTERIOR AND COMFORT ;

The low build and stealthily shaped exteriors do not leave its interiors suffering. The insides are large and spacious, built for comfort, decorative and atmospherically fulfilled. Its seats are wide and robust, meant for both luxury and driving dynamics. The front of the cabin has redeveloped shell shaped seats with an illuminated M logo. The seats are trimmed for perfect ergonomics and body support during driving. An expensive carbon structure anthracite leather combination forms the upholstery of the coupe’s inside. The interior trim is finished with a dazzling blue shadow, highlighted with an expensive black high gloss finish. A well designed dashboard sits upfront, with a well lit radio screen. Ambient lights with mood lights fill the cabin, ensuring not only a well lit, but an appropriately lit atmosphere for the passengers. The leather steering wheel is integrated with gear shift paddles. All in all, it comes with an interiors design that takes its passengers to a whole new world.

The coupe has an interior cabin suffused with elegance and comfort, offering the most tranquil of driving experiences. The inside of the car is accented with premium material and upholstery, making it a cabin that does not falling short on luxury. The coupe’s automatic air conditioning system has an active carbon microfilter. The interior mirrors have an automatic anti dazzle function. The M Sports bucket seats at the front make for the most comfortable high speed drive for the front passengers. The car has roller sun blinds for the rear windows. The seats have backrests with width adjustments, and the front passengers are privileged with seat lumbar support electric. A hands-free Bluetooth with USB connectivity and audio streaming, an iDrive Touch controller with DVD drive, and a professional navigation system ensure that this vehicle races above its compatriots in terms of inner sophistication. A parking distance control at the front and rear, along with a rear view camera complete this car’s interiors, making it one of the most advanced and uncompromising cabins to be in.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ;

When BMW split up the 3 Series into two different models, it also determined that the old naturally aspirated V-8 was also incapable of keeping up with emissions and fuel economy demands. As such, the V-8 was killed off and under the spotlight sits a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that makes use of M TwinPower Turbo technology, to go with Valvetronic and Double VANOS camshaft/valve timing. The new 3.0-liter also developed more power than the ancient V-8 that it replaces, upping the horsepower ante by 11 horsepower and a staggering 111 pound-feet of torque for a total output of 425 ponies and 406 pound-feet. Like the rest of the mid-cycle update for the M4, there isn’t a whole lot of change under the hood, but BMW did manage to massage an extra six ponies, effectively bringing total output up to 431 horsepower between 5,500 and 7,300 rpm and 406 pound-feet between 1,850 and 5,500 rpm.

As such, the same transmissions carry over as well, so you get the choice of a seven-speed, M double-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual. The dual clutch is the way to go for those who want the absolute best in acceleration off the line to go with fast gearshifts, but you’ll clearly find more emotion if you choose to row your own and go with the six-speed manual. According to BMW, the facelifted M4 achieves a combined fuel economy of 32.1 mpg, regardless of what transmission you choose, and pumps out 204 grams of CO2 per km.

The optional dual-clutch transmission comes with BMW’s Drivelogic system that allows you to choose between a manual shifting mode that delivers crisp and quick shifts for more spirited driving or you can leave it in full auto mode and enjoy soft shifts and comfortable ride on the way home from work. The DCT also includes a launch-control feature that limits wheel spin and sets you up for a perfect sprint to 60 mph every time. The carbon fiber driveshaft and M Active Differential carries over to the new model year, as does the stability control system that helps to distribute torque between the rear wheels and M Dynamic Mode that helps you burn a little rubber should you be into the smoking the tires every now and again.

RIDE AND HANDLING ;

The M4’s ride is firm, but it’s tolerable for a car of its ability. There’s lots of road noise at motorway speeds, however, so long drives can become a little tiring. The only downside to the BMW’s outrageous capabilities is that it has to be driven aggressively and fast before it gets exciting and involving. It’s not like the thunderous Mercedes-AMG C 63, in which you can amble around at lower speeds and just enjoy the bellow of its V8 engine.Reign in all the various drive modes, and cruising in the M4 Convertible with its metal roof closed is a relaxing experience, because there’s very little wind or road noise allowed inside the cabin. It’s also impressive with its roof down. There’s little buffeting when its four windows are up and almost none with its optional wind deflector fitted across its rear seats. The deflector is easy to put in and take out, too.

BRAKING AND SAFETY FEATURES ;

M4 Coupe uses a clever technology in thecar with adisc-shaped front and rear brake systems. These specifications have made it very robust and efficient in bringing the vehicle to halt even from high speeds; with just one touch of the braking pedal. The braking system in BMW M4 Coupe is of top-notch quality and very effective. It has been engineered to give athrill to riders in each and every drive.BMW M4 Coupe has a high IQ incorporated safety system that is capable of reacting in asplit of a second; if in case one meet with an accident. Active headrests and airbags get open, oriented at right angles. There is provision for seatbelt pre-tensioners (with integrated buckles- which ensuresthat seatbelt itself causes no harm), such that the driver and the passenger get reliable protection; whatsoever the impact maybe. Front and side impact beams are also present.

CONCLUSSION ;

For anyone who has access to a race track and an inclination to drive hard, the M4 is a tempting proposition like few others. It’s fast, sharp and entertaining enough to keep you smiling for a long time to come. True, it may lack some of the charisma of the older naturally aspirated M3s but in today’s era of turbo cars, this is easily one of the best around. Question is, is the M4’s Rs 1.21 crore (ex-showroom, all India) price good? The answer to that will depend on the M4’s suitability to India’s less than ideal conditions outside of the race track. Just like you, we can’t wait to find out either.