CarSnacks: BMW M4 Review. Electric. But not electrifying.
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">BMW has long been a brand synonymous with driving performance and driving pleasure. Even today, when BMWs hardly live up to their 'ultimate driving machine' hook, the average person is still highly likely to recommend a BMW to someone looking for a genuinely thrilling daily driver. I should specify that these kinds of people usually know jack-all-shit about cars, and are likely the same kind of person who generally refer to all videogames as "Nintendo". This is a textbook case of how well marketing works on people, even though they are completely oblivious to it. BMW is so good at marketing its product that it can sell an uglier and slower SUV, that seats fewer, with less room, and more weight for a $7000 premium. But had BMW gone too far when they took the coveted 3-series and split it up for the sake of filling a numbered gap, thus creating the 4-series? Inevitably, we all knew we'd no longer be dealing with an M3 anymore…there would now be an M4, replacing the M3 Coupe. More importantly, with the demise of the 5-series as the ultimate luxury mid-sizer, and the 3-series losing its fanciful poise, aggression and agility, in favor of comfort and mild sporting credential, could the new M4 coupe possibly live up to the wailing hero that was the highly controversial, though much loved E92 M3 and its high-strung V8? I can't answer that. But I will break it down in detail.
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">Still, I will give BMW credit for fitting the car with a very clean wide-screen monitor, it makes using the navigation features that much clearer and easier. Furthermore, the seats are superb on the coupe, boasting beautiful bolsters that rise nearly all the way up the seat (not so much on the convertibles), superb comfort, solid rear legroom, and a meaty steering wheel, that despite being electric feels wonderfully in tune with the driver. The suspension is firm, but not bone crushing. It's certainly a softer and more compliant ride than the E92 M3, which was grueling over rougher roads in poorly maintained cities. Also, as if by some sort of tremendously powerful wizardry, the M4 is not equipped with runflats or some mediocre Bridgestones or some C-grade Pirellis. No, instead we are blessed with, what I firmly believe to be the best tire in the world: the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Yes, the same Super Sports that are used in so many high-end exotics today. The very same that Ferrari used to debut the Ferrari 458 Italia with, as they felt it was the only tire worthy of the car.
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">This may not be the words people want to rear, but my conclusion…wait for the new C63 and ATS-V if you're open to driving something without a blue and white roundel.
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Disappointing to find out that all of the things that I was afraid of are true with the car.
An M3 should be uncompromised in the sense that it should push a great platform to its best it can be, and it sounds like they held back. Shame, because the car looks the part.
BTW, the E92 V8 is a S65.
By reilo Go To PostDisappointing to find out that all of the things that I was afraid of are true with the car.
An M3 should be uncompromised in the sense that it should push a great platform to its best it can be, and it sounds like they held back. Shame, because the car looks the part.
BTW, the E92 V8 is a S65.Is the M2 still a rumor at this point?
Woops. Yeah the S85 is the V10. Fixed.
By Moris Go To Post Is the M2 still a rumor at this point?
Not really. It's been spotted numerous times. Should boast 380HP with a standard limited-slip diff in the back. That's actually another problem with the M4...the M2 is right around the corner.
I've driven the M235i and loved it. Every time I see one my head turns just as much as an M4, honestly. So the M2 showing up is gonna be incredible.
But you know very well it'll be in supremely limited supply.
By Moris Go To Post Is the M2 still a rumor at this point?
Nah it's happening. I was at the dealer this past weekend and sales rep told me they are taking deposits for it.
Really good review alpha. I still want it as my next performance car though. Probably my BMW bias. I do want to take a look at the new C63 but I feel like they went too conservative on the new body ? Inside though I don't think its close. All of Mercs new interiors are ace.
So I test drove another M4. This one being an acquaintance's car whom I know from the local cigar scene. He bought a 2015 base M4, manual transmission. It has just the Harmon Kardon audio and Comfort Access.
He had the piped in exhaust coded off, as well - and it makes being in the interior much easier, all of the unwanted noise is outside of the car now. Anyways, I drove it and I liked it waaaaay, waaaay more than the loaded model I drove months ago. DCT may be the future and all that jazz, but the fun factor of throwing gears yourself and having a clutch simply cannot be replaced. That soulless feel of the car I originally drove felt very subdued. And this is probably contrary to what everyone else would say, as critics would opt for the DCT. But not for me. The DCT made the car feel duller. It's so damn clean and perfect, that it was downright boring at times. The MT is how this car should be driven.
I've said it before, if I bought an M4, it'd be a base model with a 6MT. And I think that may be a top contender for me now. 2016's now ship with more standard equipment (both the Harmon Kardon and Comfort Access), which is very nice. And they also have the all new full-LED taillights.
In any case, looking forward to closing on my the new house already. By then incentives should be great on the M4.
Next year, though, will almost certainly arrive a 3.0T model.
By AlphaSnacks Go To PostI like them. I get them as loaners any time I service my Jag XF or M56S. I also really like the hybrid versions, as well...probably prefer the hybrid, actually. In any case, they're extremely reliable cars, bulletproof powertrains. Great power. Beautiful interiors. And the newer models have revised displays and OS functions that operate quicker, as well. You can also get the optional 19" forged Rays wheels from the 370Z which look incredible on the car.
Next year, though, will almost certainly arrive a 3.0T model.
Thanks!
3.0T?
Well, since I'll have a real job soon, been looking at the market for a new car (mine's 12+ years old, but still doing okay). Q50S hybrid does look nice.
Can't afford a Model S atm, which would be my dream car.
By Adam Blade Go To PostThanks!
3.0T?
Well, since I'll have a real job soon, been looking at the market for a new car (mine's 12+ years old, but still doing okay). Q50S hybrid does look nice.
Can't afford a Model S atm, which would be my dream car.
The 3.0T will boast a twin-turbo V6. Should produce over 350HP. One Infiniti exec has said they expect nearly 400HP.
I would never buy a Merc and the GTR has it's own issues. I really dont know what I'm going to end up getting in that price range.