Spending every week with a brand new M automobile is all the time a deal with. Moderately than drawing conclusions substantiated by a couple of hours and even mere minutes of seat time, you get a glimpse of the possession expertise. Meaning placing the automobile by means of the paces in a bigger number of conditions, nevertheless it additionally means seeing how the automobile exists in the actual world. No automobile is ideal, and regardless of being fairly the compelling driver, the 2025 BMW M4 Competitors isn’t any exception. There’s loads to speak about – and we’ll cowl it extra comprehensively in a full assessment coming quickly. However for now, right here’s the 5 issues we love and 5 issues we aren’t as loopy about on the brand new 2025 BMW M4 Competitors.
Issues We Love: Carbon Bucket Seats
The G8X chassis isn’t the primary BMW to supply carbon-fiber bucket seats. However, it’s the primary time BMW has extensively supplied them, beforehand reserving them for particular vehicles just like the M4 GTS (in Europe, that’s). When you’re in, these seats do precisely what they appear like they’re alleged to do: maintain on and don’t let go. The bolsters maintain you completely in place even throughout spirited driving, they usually look ridiculous – in a great way. Particularly in our take a look at automobile, which wears Yas Marina Blue/Yellow upholstery.
Engine Responsiveness
The S58 engine is sensible, a logical evolution of the equally pleasant twin-turbo S55 that you’ll find beneath the hood of the F80 M3 and F82 M4. Within the G82 M4, it makes between 473 horsepower and 523 horsepower relying on the drivetrain you go for. Rear-wheel drive fashions like our take a look at automobile sport 503 horsepower, a cheerful medium that leaves nothing to be desired. Fast stabs of the throttle – so long as you’re within the acceptable gear – ship instant response and a nice, aggressive soundtrack.
iDrive
BMW’s iDrive is usually thought of one of many higher infotainment programs available on the market, and there isn’t an exception to be made right here. iDrive 8.5 is fast, snappy, and intuitive. One of many issues I used to be nervous about within the new automobile was that the display and tech overload would get in the way in which of what issues most in an M automobile – the driving expertise. I’m joyful to report that that’s not the case right here, and the 2025 BMW M4 presents straightforward and unintrusive tech integration.
Rear Seat Area
This one actually stunned me. I had a couple of rear-seat passengers in my time with the 2025 BMW M4, they usually all had nice issues to say. To cite one: “what are you speaking about? There’s a lot room again right here!” My sub-6-foot (182 cm) buddy even claimed the again seat had extra space than his sedan, an Audi A3.
Braking and Grip
Admittedly our take a look at automobile got here outfitted with heavy hitter brakes – optionally available M Carbon Ceramic models. However man, what distinctive brake really feel – and we don’t suppose that’s restricted to the gold-painted calipers. Coupled with the grip the automobile’s staggered 19- and 20-inch wheel and tire bundle presents and also you’ve bought a automobile that handles and stops delightfully nicely.
Issues We Don’t Like: Design
Polarizing is the most effective issues you’ll be able to name the brand new M4 and M3, and the 2025 facelift doesn’t do a lot to alter that. New headlights and laser taillights give the automobile slightly bit extra of a contemporary edge, however each do little to alter the unattainable to disregard grilles. In the end, you’ll both love or hate how the automobile appears to be like, and that every one comes all the way down to opinion.
Carbon Buckets
They must be probably the most controversial seats ever fitted to a manufacturing car. The whole lot optimistic I mentioned in regards to the seats is totally one hundred pc true. However getting out and in – particularly should you’re doing it eight or ten instances a day – may even turn into painful after some time. I might even overlook that. However I merely don’t really feel the bolsters will maintain up a lot previous the guarantee interval. Notably should you or your passenger depend on them to propel your self up and over the equally inconvenient facet skirt protruding from the underside of the car.
Dimension
The BMW M4 is unquestionably agile, however all the ability on the earth can’t conceal that the automobile is the longest and widest M4 but. The automobile’s dimensions make it really feel large on tight, twisty roads which might be alleged to be the place the automobile excels. Admittedly, the ability and distinctive chassis tuning make the automobile really feel slightly smaller whenever you’re at pace.
Value and Worth
Our take a look at automobile’s MSRP got here out to almost $109,000 – that’s some critical money. Whereas a base, manual-equipped M4 begins round $80,000, it’s all too straightforward to get heavy-handed with the choices and find yourself with a six-figure M3 or M4. Whereas that value really retains prices of a brand new M3 in keeping with inflation, that’s nonetheless quite a lot of scratch to half with. Particularly when you think about what exists on the used market at that worth level.
Engagement
The M4 is nearly too succesful, and we don’t actually imply that facetiously. The chassis and powertrain are so potent that the automobile asks little of the motive force, which interprets to a considerably much less partaking expertise. In comparison with one thing like a Miata or early M automobile, the 2025 M4 is sort of a genie: “you want to go?” Woosh, and also you’re there. In epic, slide-y style if desired. Sadly which means except you’re driving into deeply unlawful speeds the automobile feels a bit numb and uninteresting; like a geriatric German shepherd taking part in the identical recreation of fetch it has performed time and time once more for the final 14 years.
