Spending per week with a brand new M automotive is all the time a deal with. Moderately 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 way of the paces in a bigger number of conditions, however it additionally means seeing how the automotive exists in the actual 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 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 provided 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 alleged 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 take a look at 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’ll find beneath 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 take a look at automotive sport 503 horsepower, a cheerful 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 methods 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 comfortable to report that that’s not the case right here, and the 2025 BMW M4 gives straightforward and unintrusive tech integration.
Rear Seat House
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 take a look at automotive got here geared up with heavy hitter brakes – elective M Carbon Ceramic models. However man, what distinctive brake really feel – and we don’t assume that’s restricted to the gold-painted calipers. Coupled with the grip the automotive’s staggered 19- and 20-inch wheel and tire package deal gives and also you’ve received a automotive that handles and stops delightfully properly.
Issues We Don’t Like: Design
Polarizing is the very best issues you’ll be able to 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 little bit bit extra of a contemporary edge, however each do little to alter the not possible to disregard grilles. Finally, you’ll both love or hate how the automotive seems, and that every one comes all the way down to opinion.
Carbon Buckets
They need to be essentially the most controversial seats ever fitted to a manufacturing automobile. Every little thing constructive I mentioned in regards to the seats is completely one hundred pc true. However getting out and in – particularly in case you’re doing it eight or ten instances a day – may even develop 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 in case 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 automobile.
Dimension
The BMW M4 is unquestionably agile, however all the facility 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 can be alleged to be the place the automotive excels. Admittedly, the facility and distinctive chassis tuning make the automotive really feel a little bit smaller if you’re at velocity.
Price and Worth
Our take a look at automotive’s MSRP got here out to just about $109,000 – that’s some severe 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 truly retains prices of a brand new M3 in keeping with inflation, that’s nonetheless loads of 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 partaking 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.
