Spending per week with a brand new M automobile is at all times a deal with. Slightly 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 automobile by the paces in a bigger number of conditions, however 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 is not any exception. There’s so much 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 seem like they’re speculated 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 check automobile, 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 automobile 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 rapid response and a pleasing, aggressive soundtrack.
iDrive
BMW’s iDrive is usually thought of one of many higher infotainment techniques 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 screen and tech overload would get in the best way of what issues most in an M automobile – the driving expertise. I’m blissful to report that that’s not the case right here, and the 2025 BMW M4 provides simple 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) good friend even claimed the again seat had extra space than his sedan, an Audi A3.
Braking and Grip
Admittedly our check automobile got here geared up with heavy hitter brakes – non-obligatory M Carbon Ceramic items. 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 provides and also you’ve obtained a automobile that handles and stops delightfully effectively.
Issues We Don’t Like: Design
Polarizing is the very best 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 automobile somewhat bit extra of a contemporary edge, however each do little to vary the inconceivable to disregard grilles. Finally, you’ll both love or hate how the automobile seems to be, 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. Every thing constructive I stated concerning the seats is completely one hundred pc true. However getting out and in – particularly should you’re doing it eight or ten occasions a day – may even grow to be 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 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.
Measurement
The BMW M4 is unquestionably agile, however all the facility on the planet can’t disguise that the automobile is the longest and widest M4 but. The automobile’s dimensions make it really feel huge on tight, twisty roads which might be speculated to be the place the automobile excels. Admittedly, the facility and distinctive chassis tuning make the automobile really feel somewhat smaller whenever you’re at pace.
Value and Worth
Our check 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 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 step with inflation, that’s nonetheless numerous 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 participating 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 vogue if desired. Sadly because of this until you’re driving into deeply unlawful speeds the automobile feels a bit numb and uninteresting; like a geriatric German shepherd enjoying the identical recreation of fetch it has performed time and time once more for the final 14 years.
