Yes, it's that time already. The time when BMW launch a mid-life refresh of their most popular BMW M car, the BMW M3 and M4. Have they made it worse? The BMW M4 Competition has rolled out its latest iteration for 2024, and it's clear that BMW is not resting on its laurels. At first glance, you might be tempted to say it's more of the same, but that's just the surface. Like the contentious designs of its predecessors, the G80 M3 and G82 M4, the new M4 Competition has a way of growing on you, with its tweaks and twists that push the envelope just enough to keep things interesting. Engine & Performance Under the hood, BMW has upped the ante with the M4's powerhouse engine, the twin-turbocharged S58 straight-six, now boasting 523bhp. That's a nifty 20bhp increase from its predecessor, promising even more exhilarating performance. Despite this power surge, the torque remains steadfast at 479lb ft, but don't let that fool you; the M4 is every bit as dynamic as it sounds. For those of us in the UK, the rear-wheel-drive option has bid its farewell, making way for the more versatile xDrive system. But before you mourn the loss, remember that the xDrive is no ordinary system. It's a chameleon, adapting to your driving mood, capable of channeling all that torque to the rear wheels when you're feeling a bit audacious with the stability control turned off. Interior & Exterior Visually, the M4 hasn't strayed too far from its roots, but the devil is in the details. The new lighting front and back, featuring technology straight from the M4 CSL, is just the start. Inside, the dual-screen setup remains, now upgraded to BMW's Operating System 8.5, enhancing everything from navigation to climate control with the sound of your voice. And let's not forget the ambiance. The M4 now offers an even more immersive experience with ambient lighting that responds to your every move, from opening a door to receiving a call, setting the mood with a spectrum of nine colors. Price Now, for the part that makes the wallet tremble – the price. The M4 Competition xDrive Coupé is now more accessible at £84,250, a slight dip from its predecessor but still a notch up from the rear-wheel-drive model that's now part of BMW history. Our thoughts So, there you have it. The 2024 BMW M4 Competition may not rewrite the rulebook, but it's certainly added some intriguing new chapters. Whether it's the power under the hood, the tech at your fingertips, or the subtle yet impactful design tweaks, the M4 remains a testament to BMW's commitment to driving pleasure. It's not just about the looks; it's about the feel, the response, and that unmistakable thrill of being behind the wheel of a machine that's been crafted with passion and precision. Industry insights
Yes, it's that time already. The time when BMW launch a mid-life refresh of their most popular BMW M car, the BMW M3 and M4. Have they made it worse? The BMW M4 Competition has rolled out its latest iteration for 2024, and it's clear that BMW is not resting on its laurels. At first glance, you might be tempted to say it's more of the same, but that's just the surface. Like the contentious designs of its predecessors, the G80 M3 and G82 M4, the new M4 Competition has a way of growing on you, with its tweaks and twists that push the envelope just enough to keep things interesting. Engine & Performance Under the hood, BMW has upped the ante with the M4's powerhouse engine, the twin-turbocharged S58 straight-six, now boasting 523bhp. That's a nifty 20bhp increase from its predecessor, promising even more exhilarating performance. Despite this power surge, the torque remains steadfast at 479lb ft, but don't let that fool you; the M4 is every bit as dynamic as it sounds. For those of us in the UK, the rear-wheel-drive option has bid its farewell, making way for the more versatile xDrive system. But before you mourn the loss, remember that the xDrive is no ordinary system. It's a chameleon, adapting to your driving mood, capable of channeling all that torque to the rear wheels when you're feeling a bit audacious with the stability control turned off. Interior & Exterior Visually, the M4 hasn't strayed too far from its roots, but the devil is in the details. The new lighting front and back, featuring technology straight from the M4 CSL, is just the start. Inside, the dual-screen setup remains, now upgraded to BMW's Operating System 8.5, enhancing everything from navigation to climate control with the sound of your voice. And let's not forget the ambiance. The M4 now offers an even more immersive experience with ambient lighting that responds to your every move, from opening a door to receiving a call, setting the mood with a spectrum of nine colors. Price Now, for the part that makes the wallet tremble – the price. The M4 Competition xDrive Coupé is now more accessible at £84,250, a slight dip from its predecessor but still a notch up from the rear-wheel-drive model that's now part of BMW history. Our thoughts So, there you have it. The 2024 BMW M4 Competition may not rewrite the rulebook, but it's certainly added some intriguing new chapters. Whether it's the power under the hood, the tech at your fingertips, or the subtle yet impactful design tweaks, the M4 remains a testament to BMW's commitment to driving pleasure. It's not just about the looks; it's about the feel, the response, and that unmistakable thrill of being behind the wheel of a machine that's been crafted with passion and precision. Industry insights