Bred for the racetrack yet destined to be driven every day, cars like this are judged
not only by their lap times but how well they’ll play as a daily driver.
The balancing act is extremely difficult which is why this next generation M3 Coupe – now
named the M4 – is utterly amazing.
Hang around Bimmer-heads long enough and you’ll realize they don’t like model years very
much, instead preferring BMW’s internal codes to describe their cars, like calling
this the F82.
And like most car curmudgeons you meet, they’re fiercely resistant to change.
So this all-new 2015 M4 must be driving them crazy.
It’s the fifth generation of the M3 lineage which dates back to the 1980s, but to adhere
to BMW’s new nomenclature which designates 2-door models with even numbers, it’s called
the M4.
The V8 is also gone, supplanted by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6 – the first time BMW
has turned to forced induction for this car.
But don’t fret Mr. Fusser.
Change can indeed be a good thing and the M4 is automotive proof.
I was never a fan of the previous M3’s bodystyle, but designers absolutely hit a grand slam
with the M4’s, striking the menacing stance those craving this car will certainly appreciate.
Every bump, crease and seam has a purpose and together with these optional 19” black
wheels wrapped in staggered width Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires – it commands respect
and demands attention.
$1,900 adds adaptive full LED lights and $500 more this Mineral Gray Metallic paint, putting
the finishing touches on an iconic M destined for design glory.
And what you ask is peeking from behind the wheels?
These are the lightweight, heat resistant M Carbon Ceramic Brakes – for those with
motorsport aspirations and a fat wallet; priced at $8,150.
The M cockpit is driver focused as it should be with body sculpted soft leather seats and
leather wrapped steering wheel which feels just perfect in the hand.
It’s a helm you could reside in all day without fatigue but the number of chassis
and drivetrain settings and possible drive configurations is a bit dizzying.
And this shifter for the DCT takes some getting used to for sure…it’s even too cool for
park.
This 3rd generation of the 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission is BMW’s best effort
yet, combining 3 selectable drive modes and launch control.
It’s quirky to initiate at the lever, but it rapidly changes gears and doesn’t annoy
the heck out of you in around the town driving, where other than some DCT hesitation traits
when going from reverse to drive and vice versa it drives very much like a traditional
automatic.
Purists can save $2,900 by opting for the 6-speed manual and thus another $150 per year
in fuel costs, but this one is faster – turning out a blistering 0-to-60mph run in under 4-seconds.
Gas mileage is rated at 17mpg city/24mpg highway.
Speed builds wickedly here as the M4’s active differential works feverishly to keep the
rear tires planted to the pavement.
It takes a lot of experimentation to find just the right settings mix, but once there
the M4 feels as stable and tractable as any rear wheel drive uber sports car I’ve ever
driven.
It makes tackling your favorite driving road seem incredibly pedestrian…it’s practically
begging to be flogged on the track.
And indeed, the primary objective of this car is impressive race track capability and
its lower weight – thanks to the judicious use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic –honed
aerodynamics and a track-spec cooling system contribute to the cause.
Unfortunately, no track time awaited and so I instead pondered how the M4 fits into a
daily routine.
Other than elevated tire noise, the M4 in large part maintains BMW’s hallmark compliant
ride quality, thanks mostly to the M Adaptive Suspension – a $1,000 option – however,
individually choosing engine, steering, shock and transmission preferences can become tedious.
I prefer Audi’s more forthright Drive Select for this job.
It’s a comfortable car to drive and ride in, even in the rear as the M4 provides generous
coupe proportions.
A heads-up display keeps your focus in the right place and check out how cool these glowing
M emblems are at night.
A number of packages and options on my tester adorn the cabin with enough luxury touches
to keep it from being just a track car and the trunk has a relatively large, helpful
cut to pack away goods.
This M4 starts at about $65,000 and rests at $86,225 as tested.
A car far too capable for roads with speed limits, the M4 seems frustrated at times with
normal operation, preferring to be driven hard and fast.