BMW M4 Review: 2014 Automatic Coupe
Vehicle Style: High performance coupe
Price: $166,430 (plus on-roads) $176,790 as-tested.
Engine/trans: 317kW/550Nm 3.0 turbo petrol 6cyl | 7sp twin-clutch auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 8.3 l/100km | tested: 11.9 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Every story needs a hero. In the case of BMW’s new 4 Series range, for brute-strength and supercar capability, the stone-crushing M4 wears the speedos and the cape.
Super, it certainly is, and a big departure from previous mid-size Ms. The M4 belongs to a lineage that began with the M3 and encompasses screaming four, six and eight-cylinder engines.
And now returns to a six - but what a six. The last car in the M range to go turbo, the new M4 is proof-positive that hair-raising performance and incredible chassis balance are still at the heart of BMW’s M division.
It also pulls off something of a double act, combining sledge-hammer power with svelte wide-body looks and a premium interior.
This is the car to call on when it comes to stitching a string of corners together on a winding mountain pass, or turning lesser cars to specks in the rear-view mirror in mere seconds.
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 4.5/5
- Merino leather trim, heated and powered front sports seats
- Lacquered carbon fibre trim, black chrome highlights.
- ‘M’ blue and red stitched steering wheel with paddle shifters.
- 8.8-inch colour i-Drive display with standard navigation, reverse and around-view camera system
- 16-speaker 600w harman/kardon audio system.
It may share its bones with lesser 4 Series models (and the 3 Series too), but the lavish treatment in the M4 interior sets it apart.
The Merino leather trim is sumptuous and welcoming, with generous servings of stitched leather applied to the dash and doors.
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