2021 BMW M4

The 2021 BMW M4 is available in two body shapes, the Coupe and Convertible. Again, the Coupe version is offered in two well-appointed trim levels, the M4 Coupe with an MSRP of $71,800 and the M4 Competition Coupe with an MSRP of $74,700. Both the trims come equipped with a long list of standard features pertaining to safety and comfort like Keyless entry with push-button start, 3-zone automatic climate control, tire pressure monitoring system, and BMW TeleServices. 

Additionally, BMW is offering many optional packages like the Driving Assistance Professional Package for an extra $1,700 that adds Active cruise control, Active Lane-keeping Assist, Evasion Aid, and Front and rear cross-traffic alert. The Executive Package includes Adaptive full LED lights, a power trunk lid, a Head-up display, and a heated steering wheel for 3000 bucks more. A Parking Assistance Package is also available for $800 that includes a Drive Recorder and Parking Assistance Package Plus. 

Which Trim should you buy? 

At a price range of $71,800-$74,700, the BMW came up with a very comprehensible trim layout for its customers to choose from. For people looking for a subtle performance creature with the so-called M-level grunt, the M4 Coupe has enough of that at your disposal. Further, if you’re up for the ultimate M4 experience, treat yourself to the M4 Competition. 

At the heart of the BMW M4 Coupe is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-6 engine, tuned to bring out 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque for the base M4 Coupe, 503 horses, and 479 pounds of torque for the M4 Competition Coupe. There are two transmission systems on offer where the M4 gets hold of a six-speed manual transmission and its high-performance sibling grabs the 8-speed automatic transmission. Both the transmissions are smooth and well nurtured, however, the manual gearbox with M4 is more fun to drive along. 

Both the variants share the Rear-wheel drivetrain as standard, but the Competition Coupe can also be availed with the available all-wheel-drive platform. On the performance side, the BMW M4 can make a 0-60 in 4.1 seconds and quarter-mile run in 12 seconds while the Competition Coupe with the additional 48 horses under the hood can hit the 60 mph mark in under 3.8 seconds flat, attaining a top speed of 155 mph.

On paper, the BMW M4 turns out to be the most powerful Coupe with its massive power and torque figures. But on the performance front, all of its competitors are pretty similar in reaching the 0-60 and quarter-mile runs. Amongst the competition, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 is the quickest, followed by the M4 Competition. The Audi RS5 on the other hand poses a massive torque figure of 443 lb-ft even at low rpm.

How well does the 2021 BMW M4 handle?

With the potent engine on offer, the BMW M4 is always ready for all the track and street adventures with a gritty attitude. The adaptive suspension keeps the car grounded and breezes off any turmoil along the undulated roads. The M4 boasts an impressively lightweight that makes it agile with enhanced dynamics. Enjoy an exhilarating drive on winding roads with excellent ride quality and handling.

Well, with its improved traction and stability control, the BMW M4 takes some time to get used to and once you get the hang of it, you will find it more approachable and predictable especially in the tight corners and changing directions. Very few cars can match the level of performance and refinement available in a new 2021 BMW M4. With a liquid-cooled twin-turbo Inline-6 engine, all-wheel drive, and the added option of an adjustable suspension system, you’ll be able to compete on any track or street wherever and whenever you want. This is your car.

Unlike its predecessor, the BMW M4 stands low on the efficiency quotient. As the official EPA ratings were out, the BMW M4 returns 16 mpg in the streets, 23 mpg on the highways, and 19 mpg on a combined use case. While its rivals drive more efficiently, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 leads the segment with commendable figures and we aren't surprised as its hybrid powertrain is responsible for the extra few miles on offer. 

Even with such low EPA figures, the BMW M4 still manages a driving range close to 300 miles on a full tank. In the end, the M4 is more of a performance focussed car rather than efficient. But its rivals like the Audi RS5 and Lexus RC F Coupe strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency offering more mileage than the M4. 

The new BMW M4’s cabin is well crafted and thoughtfully designed from a driver’s perspective. All the features are high-tech and driver-focused to handle all the tantrums and keep the focus on the road. The premium Merino Leather upholstery seats are standard with an option to upgrade to the carbon-fiber bucket seats. The carbon fiber accents with numerous M flourishes run all through the cabin with M style stitching and badging on the seatbelts and front dash. 

On the convenience foreground, three-zone automatic climate control is standard with air filtration, a 12.3-inch driver information display with many drive modes and settings that are too complex at the first glance. It can accommodate 4 people with generous seating space all throughout the front and rear rows. Although, the rear legroom is a bit cramped. 

The 2021 BMW M4 boasts a luggage room of 15.5 cu-ft, the largest in the Sports coupe segment, followed by the Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 with 13.1 cu-ft. While the Audi RS5’s rearseat passengers can enjoy a spacious seating option with enough leg and headroom to accommodate long-limbed adults too. Standard interior features of the 2021 BMW M4 include:

• 3-stage heated front seats
• Automatic 3-zone Climate Control including micro-filter and automatic air recirculation
• Multi-color, adjustable ambient lighting
• Power windows with “one-touch” push-pull open/close
• Extended Merino Leather upholstery Sport seats
• Anthracite Headliner
• Manually adjustable steering wheel
• Dual front sun visors with illuminated mirrors

How intuitive is the 2021 BMW M4’s Infotainment System?

The 2021 BMW M4 has ample infotainment features in the store to keep you entertained all through the ride. It features a 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system with an excellent touch response rate. Gliding through various menus and functions is now even more simple with hand gestures and voice commands. Additionally, we have a large rotary controller in the center console for a hassle-free experience. As standard, it comes equipped with all the connectivity and radio streaming options.

All the standard Infotainment features are listed below:

• 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Harman-Kardon surround sound system
• SiriusXM with 360L
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility
• Anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player with Radio Data System
• Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7

Probably, BMW M4 is the only car to date to keep up a debatable convo with a redesigned grille upfront. Although many are criticizing the massive kidney-shaped grille, we consider it as a new-onset for its transition into the electric odyssey. The previous sleek kidney grille of BMW looks so lively while the enlarged grille looks more mechanical. But behind the grille, there are many appreciable things lying on. 

On the front, we have elongated LED headlights with fiber optic DRLs on to the upper corners of the grille that look aggressive. The body is more sharpened along the side that houses 18/19-inch M alloy wheels with performance tires while the Competition guy wears larger 19/20-inch wheels. For the Competition package, we have side fenders with M badging on them. On the rear, we have black tone quad exhaust outlets and LED tail light clusters. 

The BMW M4 is the lightest Coupe in the segment as the BMW made use of carbon fiber and high tensile steel in the chassis. While the Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53, being the heaviest in the segment is also the longest with 190.6 inches and sustains the best wheelbase at 113.1 inches. Some standout exterior features of BMW M4 include:

• LED Headlights
• Fiber-optic DRLs
• 18”/19” M Double-spoke orbit grey wheels with Performance Non-Run-Flat Tires
• 19”/20” M Double-spoke orbit grey wheels with Performance Non-Run-Flat Tires (Competition)
• Carbon fiber roof
• Power-folding, heated side mirrors
• Sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes

The 2021 BMW M4 hasn’t been crash-tested by either of the safety agencies, but BMW has set the bar high in the safety standards for the M Series which is clearly evident with the 2020 BMW M4 which received an overall rating of 5-star in the crash tests. With major design changes and improvements, the BMW M4 is built with high tensile steel and carbon fiber reinforced to withstand any kind of blow. The standard fare on both the M4 variants includes parking sensors, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other safety features include:

• Forward Collision warning
• Active blind-spot detection
• Speed limit information
• Automatic high beams
• Post-crash braking
• Fatigue/focus alert feature
• Emergency Stop Assistant
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Dynamic Cruise control
• Adaptive Brake Lights
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Park Distance Control

2021 BMW M4 Coupé vs 2021 Audi RS5 Coupe

The Audi RS5 and BMW M4 are the mainstream contenders for the Sports coupe segment. Both the 2-door coupes offer a similar set of features and drive dynamics. While the Audi RS5 takes a leap in the Technological foreground, the M4 Coupe dominates with its capacious and luxury offerings. Also, the bimmer puts out more power than that of Audi’s beefy V6 at a comparatively low price. 

2021 BMW M4 Coupe vs the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Coupe

Both the BMW M4 and the Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 are commendable in their own ways, battling for supremacy with the relatively same price tag. Although the Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Coupe has a potential advantage with its hybrid powertrain, the Bavarian impresses with its well-balanced ride quality throughout the tarmac. In terms of styling, the AMG E 53 has an edge over the M4 as it sports a timeless design that people got used to.

2021 BMW M4 Coupe vs the 2021 Lexus RC F Coupe

To be fair, the Lexus RC F with an MSRP of $64,900 seems more sensible and in fact, it offers more power and luxury facets than that of BMW M4 Coupe. But when it comes to the all-around appeal and performance, the M4 Coupe is the most complete sports coupe with a wide catalog of convenience and performance attributes. 

In the end, the deal is pretty simple. If you can look past the large and polarizing grille, the BMW M4 Coupe would be one of the most enthralling sports coupes you could ever drive. With a vibrant engine under the hood, the M4 Coupe delivers a precision-crafted performance that leaves you wanting more. In fact, the charismatic aura that BMW M4 carries with its balanced and thoughtful engineering makes it really hard to even consider other sport coupes.