Spending every week with a brand new M automotive is all the time a deal with. Somewhat than drawing conclusions substantiated by a couple of hours and even mere minutes of seat time, you get a glimpse of the possession expertise. Which means placing the automotive by means of the paces in a bigger number of conditions, nevertheless it additionally means seeing how the automotive exists in the actual world. No automotive is ideal, and regardless of being fairly the compelling driver, the 2025 BMW M4 Competitors isn’t any exception. There’s quite a bit to speak about – and we’ll cowl it extra comprehensively in a full overview 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 broadly 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 seem like they’re presupposed to do: maintain on and don’t let go. The bolsters maintain you completely in place even throughout spirited driving, and so they look ridiculous – in a great way. Particularly in our check automotive, which wears Yas Marina Blue/Yellow upholstery.
Engine Responsiveness
The S58 engine is good, a logical evolution of the equally pleasant twin-turbo S55 that you could find below 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 check automotive sport 503 horsepower, a contented medium that leaves nothing to be desired. Fast stabs of the throttle – so long as you’re within the acceptable gear – ship speedy response and a nice, aggressive soundtrack.
iDrive
BMW’s iDrive is mostly thought-about one of many higher infotainment methods in the marketplace, 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 automotive was that the display and tech overload would get in the best way of what issues most in an M automotive – the driving expertise. I’m blissful to report that that’s not the case right here, and the 2025 BMW M4 gives simple and unintrusive tech integration.
Rear Seat Area
This one actually shocked me. I had a couple of rear-seat passengers in my time with the 2025 BMW M4, and so they 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) good friend even claimed the again seat had more room than his sedan, an Audi A3.
Braking and Grip
Admittedly our check automotive got here geared up with heavy hitter brakes – optionally available M Carbon Ceramic models. However man, what distinctive brake really feel – and we don’t assume that’s restricted to the gold-painted calipers. Coupled with the grip the automotive’s staggered 19- and 20-inch wheel and tire package deal gives and also you’ve bought a automotive that handles and stops delightfully nicely.
Issues We Don’t Like: Design
Polarizing is the perfect issues you possibly can name the brand new M4 and M3, and the 2025 facelift doesn’t do a lot to vary that. New headlights and laser taillights give the automotive slightly bit extra of a contemporary edge, however each do little to vary the unattainable to disregard grilles. In the end, you’ll both love or hate how the automotive seems, and that each one comes right down to opinion.
Carbon Buckets
They must be essentially the most controversial seats ever fitted to a manufacturing car. The whole lot optimistic I mentioned concerning the seats is completely 100% true. However getting out and in – particularly in the event you’re doing it eight or ten instances a day – may even turn into painful after some time. I may even overlook that. However I merely don’t really feel the bolsters will maintain up a lot previous the guarantee interval. Notably in the event you or your passenger depend on them to propel your self up and over the equally inconvenient aspect skirt protruding from the underside of the car.
Dimension
The BMW M4 is certainly agile, however all the ability on the planet can’t disguise that the automotive is the longest and widest M4 but. The automotive’s dimensions make it really feel huge on tight, twisty roads which can be presupposed to be the place the automotive excels. Admittedly, the ability and distinctive chassis tuning make the automotive really feel slightly smaller while you’re at pace.
Value and Worth
Our check automotive’s MSRP got here out to just about $109,000 – that’s some critical money. Whereas a base, manual-equipped M4 begins round $80,000, it’s all too simple to get heavy-handed with the choices and find yourself with a six-figure M3 or M4. Whereas that value truly retains prices of a brand new M3 in keeping with inflation, that’s nonetheless a variety 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 automotive asks little of the motive force, which interprets to a considerably much less participating expertise. In comparison with one thing like a Miata or early M automotive, the 2025 M4 is sort of a genie: “you want to go?” Woosh, and also you’re there. In epic, slide-y vogue if desired. Sadly which means until you’re driving into deeply unlawful speeds the automotive feels a bit numb and uninteresting; like a geriatric German shepherd enjoying the identical sport of fetch it has performed time and time once more for the final 14 years.
