2020 BMW M4

The M4 is eligible for a few options packages- Autotrader

The BMW M4 is offered in a single trim in 2 different body types - coupe and convertible. In this review, you'd read about the coupe configuration. The M4 Coupe starts at $69,150, excluding a destination fee of $995. The AWD drivetrain is not available but a 6-speed manual transmission is standard. Since the M4 is a performance-centric sports car, the optional packages are more focused on performance rather than comfort and technology. 

The M4 is available with a Competition package that bumps its power by 19 hp and also adds 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels with performance tires, Merino leather seats, upgraded steering, suspension, and differential settings, and extended Shadowline trim for $4,750. Also, the $2,100 Executive package adds a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist, adaptive LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera. 

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Unless you want a more robust machine, in which case look at the Competition Package ups the power, adds more adjustments to the adaptive dampers, suspension, steering, and a few sporty appearance additions. If not, the M4 is an otherwise great package in the base model.

The upside is a combination of performance and reasonable gas mileage that's pretty impressive- Carbuzz

Thrifty? The BMW M4 is anything but that. The power underneath the hood is a fuel guzzler. In the city, the M4 manages to offer 17 MPG while you're seeing 25 MPG on the highway. That equates to 20 MPG combined. What is appreciable is its fuel efficiency. Despite housing a small tank, the M4's fuel estimates stand on par with its rivals. 

If you go for the optional automatic transmission, the fuel economy will be down by just 1 MPG. With a 15.8-gallon tank full of premium fuel, the M4 should have a combined cruising range of about 316 miles with manual and 300 miles for automatic. Obviously, it's less than its rivals due to its small tank but that benefits from low fuel costs. 

Comparing the M4's fuel economy with its rivals, it is reasonably efficient. The Lexus RC F returns 19 MPG combined despite making 47 hp more than the M4. Even the 469-hp Mercedes-AMG C 63 managed to maintain its fuel economy almost similar to the M4, which is really good. But, it delivers the best range here. 

The M4 offers more space than most two-door sports cars, including two usable rear seats- Edmunds

Like its exterior, the cabin of the BMW M4 is based on the 4 series. Of course, the cabin feels premium and boasts a great list of details but falls short of the latest German cars. Leather makes up the upholstery of the cabin with carbon fiber interior trim with black chrome highlight making up the dash. Merino leather is a $950 option. Adding the Competition package adds M stripe colors to the M sport seats. 

For a sports car, the seats are quite plush. The Beemer's seating in the front is relatively more comfortable with up to 10 adjustable positions and standard heated functionality. At the back,  legroom isn't sufficient making it a no-go for adults but headspace is plenty. Visibility around the cabin is really good; there isn't any unnecessary intrusive pillar or equipment in the way.

Seated along the dash is an 8.8-inch iDrive infotainment system. The main drawback of this system is that only Apple CarPlay is offered. While it does take some time to get used to its controls and explore the multitude of arrays of menus, the system is otherwise intuitive and fairly straightforward. The standard navigation system gets over-the-air updates and the image clarity is crystal clear. 

Inside the boot, the M4 can accommodate 11.0 cubic feet of luggage which is decent enough for its size. It can store up to two luggage bags. There's more space available thanks to the rear folding seats, but storage is still paltry. Furthermore, the M4 is complemented by decent interior storage. Some other cabin features are:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel
• 10-way power front leather seats
• Heated front seats
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Ambient lighting
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Carbon fiber dash trim
• 8.8-inch touchscreen w/ Apple CarPlay
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system
• Wireless device charging

While the M4’s wheelbase is nearly identical to the standard 4 Series, this beefed-up model has a wider track and overall stance- Kelly Blue Book

The overall design of the BMW M4 is based on the 4 Series. Rolling over 18-inch alloy wheels, the M4 looks stylishly sporty and elegant - something BMW beautifully blends. The mean-looking front fascia incorporates the famous kidney-grille with LED headlights flanked on either side followed by black mesh on the lower fascia. Longnose with subtle slits and the Beemer insignia make up the hood of the M4.

Detailed parallel character lines run across the side profile, and deeply routed air intake sits near the fenders. Aerodynamically designed to assist in its performance, the 184.5-inch long sleek profile moves all the way towards the back. Clear, no-nonsense elements make up the entirety of the Beemer. The back is dominated by a plain and simple fascia with LED brake lights and dual-tailpipes on the rear left.

The Mercedes AMG C63 is slightly longer than the M4, which can be a problem while parking at tight spots. For a sports car, the Lexus RC F's ground clearance seems slightly more. nevertheless, it's good enough to prevent its underbelly from scrapping. Some other exterior highlights of the M4 are mentioned below:

• LED headlights
• LED taillights
• LED DRLs
• Quad chrome-plated exhaust tips
• Power-folding, auto-dimming, heated side mirrors
• 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels
• Shadowline exterior trim
• Black kidney grille with chrome surround
• Rear lip spoiler

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Owning a sports car doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice the latest in driver-assist aids- Carmax

With the crash test records absent by the NHTSA and IIHS, we can't judge the Beemer how safe it is. This is much common in high-performance sports cars. Considering the brand's reputation and its lineup of safe vehicles, it is good to assume that the BMW M4 is a safe vehicle thanks to its strong build quality. 

The abundance of safety equipment featured in the M4 makes a difference in how reliable BMW is in preventing and providing comfort to you knowing you're in safe hands. The M4 comes with BMW Active Driving Assistant which is a collection of some of the best driver-assist features but some of them are options. These include

• Rearview camera
• Front & rear parking sensors
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Automatic parking assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• 360-degree camera

2020 BMW M4 vs 2020 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

For its price, the Mercedes-AMG C63 is downright powerful even if the M4 is equipped with the Competition package. Therefore, the AMG C63 is quicker but the M4 is a purist pick as it comes standard with a manual transmission. Both cars are spacious and trunk volumes are decent. In terms of safety, the AMG C63 offers slightly more optional driver aids than the M4. 

2020 BMW M4 vs 2020 Lexus RC F

Unlike the M4, the Lexus RC F houses a naturally aspirated engine with more power. However, the M4 will beat it nicely and smoothly when it comes to quick acceleration. On the inside, the M4's rear row feels a bit roomier but both the sport coupes offer a lavish interior. In terms of fuel efficiency, the M4 is miles ahead of the M4. Safety-wise, both of them offer the latest safety techs. 

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• Interested in the 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe? Read the full review here

Engineered for pure performance with a spirited driving experience, the 2020 BMW M4 is a mix of comfort and power while trying to stay practical. Cramped rear seats do seem problematic but you get a bearable 4-seater sports car unlike the others in its price range. It is also equipped with the latest safety and technological features, though Android Auto is still not available. If that's okay with you, make sure you stop by the nearest BMW dealership to add an M4 to your garage.