BMW M4
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a high performance coupe that delivers serious thrills? The BMW M4 might be exactly what you’re looking for. This track bred sports coupe combines BMW’s legendary engineering with raw power and precision handling. It’s the car for enthusiasts who want serious performance without sacrificing everyday usability.

From the moment you see it, the M4 commands attention. Its aggressive stance, flared wheel arches, and distinctive kidney grille announce its performance credentials before you even start the engine. But the real excitement begins when you experience what lies beneath. The twin turbocharged six cylinder engine produces extraordinary power, while the sophisticated chassis keeps everything perfectly controlled.

Driving the M4 is an exhilarating experience that few rivals can match. The engine delivers explosive acceleration, launching you from standstill to 60mph in just over 3 seconds in Competition form. Yet despite its track focused nature, it remains surprisingly civilised for daily driving. It’s a car that transforms from comfortable cruiser to track weapon at the touch of a button. While it commands a premium price, you’re paying for genuine M division engineering and performance that’s hard to find elsewhere.

What's the BMW M4 Like to Drive?

The BMW M4 is all about delivering serious performance credentials. The heart of the machine is a twin turbocharged 3.0 litre straight six engine producing between 431 and 523 horsepower depending on the variant. The standard M4 delivers 431hp, while the Competition pushes this to 503hp, and the track focused CSL reaches an incredible 523hp. Even the base model rockets from 0 to 60mph in just 4.1 seconds, with the Competition managing it in 3.4 seconds.

Where the M4 truly excels is in its dynamic abilities. The adaptive suspension can transform the character completely, offering comfort for daily driving or track ready stiffness for serious performance. The steering is beautifully weighted and incredibly precise, giving you complete confidence when pushing hard. The advanced traction control and stability systems allow you to explore the car’s limits safely. This makes it an incredibly rewarding sports coupe that feels genuinely special every time you drive it.

How Comfortable Is the BMW M4?

Step inside and you’re greeted by an interior that perfectly balances luxury and performance focus. The dashboard features BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system with a large curved display that houses both the instrument cluster and central screen. The materials feel premium throughout, with carbon fibre trim and Alcantara details reinforcing the car’s sporting nature. The M sport seats are superbly supportive, holding you securely during spirited driving while remaining comfortable on longer journeys.

The front seats offer extensive adjustment including lumbar support and bolster adjustment to help you find the perfect driving position. Technology is excellent, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The cabin is impressively refined, with effective sound insulation that keeps road and wind noise to a minimum when you’re not enjoying the engine note. Higher specification models add features like Harman Kardon premium audio and heated seats that enhance the premium feel even further.

The BMW M4 is an exceptional choice if you prioritise driving thrills above all else. It successfully combines genuine track day capability with enough refinement for daily use. The engine is a masterpiece of engineering, delivering explosive power with surprising efficiency. The handling is sublime, offering precision and feedback that makes every drive engaging and rewarding.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a BMW M4?

As a high performance sports car, the BMW M4 comes with appropriately premium running costs. Fuel economy ranges from 26 to 30 mpg depending on the variant and how you drive it, which is actually impressive given the performance on offer. Insurance will be expensive due to the high power output and desirability, so budget accordingly. The initial purchase price is substantial, starting around £75,000 for a standard model and rising significantly for Competition and CSL variants.

Maintenance costs reflect the car’s premium nature and high performance engineering. BMW offers service packages that can help spread the cost of routine maintenance. Depreciation is a consideration, though M models typically hold their value better than standard BMWs due to their desirability. For many buyers, flexible car finance options make ownership more accessible, allowing you to spread the cost over several years while enjoying this exceptional performance machine.

Is the BMW M4 Practical for Everyday Use?

For a focused sports car, the BMW M4 offers reasonable practicality for daily use. The 440 litre boot is generous enough for weekend luggage or a weekly shopping trip, and the rear seats can be folded to extend cargo space for longer items. Inside the cabin, there are adequate storage spaces for phones, wallets, and other essentials, though these aren’t the priority in such a performance focused machine.

The reality is that this is primarily a two seater in practical terms. The rear seats are best suited for children or very short adult journeys, as legroom is extremely limited. For couples or those who rarely need rear passenger space, the M4 works well as an exciting daily driver. It strikes an interesting balance compared to other used BMW cars, offering more practicality than a pure sports car while maintaining serious performance credentials for weekend track days or spirited country drives.

The BMW M4 stands out in the competitive high performance coupe market by offering a perfect blend of track ready capability and daily usability. It combines BMW’s decades of motorsport experience with cutting edge technology and engineering excellence. While it commands a premium price, the driving experience justifies the cost for serious enthusiasts.

You choose the M4 because you want one of the finest driver’s cars money can buy. Its explosive performance, precise handling, and premium build quality make every journey memorable. It’s perfectly suited for those who appreciate automotive excellence and want a car that can handle both daily commutes and weekend track sessions. If you’re looking for a high performance coupe that delivers on every promise, the BMW M4 should be at the top of your list, especially with cars under £10,000 offering excellent entry points into BMW ownership.