Spending per week with a brand new M automotive is all the time a deal with. Quite than drawing conclusions substantiated by just a few hours and even mere minutes of seat time, you get a glimpse of the possession expertise. Which means placing the automotive by the paces in a bigger number of conditions, nevertheless it additionally means seeing how the automotive exists in the true world. No automotive is ideal, and regardless of being fairly the compelling driver, the 2025 BMW M4 Competitors is not any exception. There’s lots to speak about – and we’ll cowl it extra comprehensively in a full evaluate 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 automobiles just like the M4 GTS (in Europe, that’s). When you’re in, these seats do precisely what they appear to be they’re presupposed 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 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 instant response and a pleasing, aggressive soundtrack.
iDrive
BMW’s iDrive is usually thought-about 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 automotive was that the display and tech overload would get in the way in which 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 presents straightforward and unintrusive tech integration.
Rear Seat Area
This one actually shocked me. I had just a few 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) pal even claimed the again seat had more room than his sedan, an Audi A3.
Braking and Grip
Admittedly our check automotive got here outfitted with heavy hitter brakes – optionally available M Carbon Ceramic models. 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 automotive’s staggered 19- and 20-inch wheel and tire bundle presents and also you’ve acquired a automotive that handles and stops delightfully nicely.
Issues We Don’t Like: Design
Polarizing is the perfect issues you may name the brand new M4 and M3, and the 2025 facelift doesn’t do a lot to alter that. New headlights and laser taillights give the automotive a bit bit extra of a contemporary edge, however each do little to alter the unattainable to disregard grilles. Finally, you’ll both love or hate how the automotive appears to be like, and that each one comes all the way down to opinion.
Carbon Buckets
They need to be probably the most controversial seats ever fitted to a manufacturing automobile. Every part constructive I stated in regards to the seats is completely one hundred pc true. However getting out and in – particularly for those who’re doing it eight or ten occasions a day – may even change into painful after some time. I might even overlook that. However I merely don’t really feel the bolsters will maintain up a lot previous the guarantee interval. Notably for those who or your passenger depend on them to propel your self up and over the equally inconvenient aspect skirt protruding from the underside of the automobile.
Dimension
The BMW M4 is unquestionably agile, however all the ability on the planet can’t conceal that the automotive is the longest and widest M4 but. The automotive’s dimensions make it really feel massive on tight, twisty roads which are presupposed to be the place the automotive excels. Admittedly, the ability and distinctive chassis tuning make the automotive really feel a bit smaller if you’re at pace.
Price 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 straightforward to get heavy-handed with the choices and find yourself with a six-figure M3 or M4. Whereas that value really retains prices of a brand new M3 in keeping 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 automotive asks little of the driving 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 recreation of fetch it has performed time and time once more for the final 14 years.
