In a significant departure from its iconic rear-drive legacy, BMW’s M4 and its coupe counterpart, the M4, have undergone a transformative mid-life facelift that now positions them solely as four-wheel drive vehicles. Despite this pivotal shift, enthusiasts need not despair, as a workaround to revert to the traditional rear-drive experience is still available.
As part of a comprehensive facelift for the entire 4 Series range, both coupe and convertible versions have undergone exterior modifications, albeit without altering the distinct capybara-resembling front end. Notable changes include redesigned lights at both ends of the car, with the option to equip adaptive LED headlights featuring the innovative “Laserlight” rear lights, reminiscent of the M4 CSL’s intricate design.
Interior updates are equally significant, featuring new steering wheel designs, ambient lighting, and an enhanced operating system coupled with the latest iteration of BMW’s iDrive. The well-received Curved Display screen setup is retained for both the M4 and 4 Series.
While visual and software changes are highlights, the real intrigue lies in performance. The M4 continues to boast its exceptional 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, now producing 523bhp compared to its predecessor’s 503, courtesy of an upgraded ECU. Despite this power boost, the 0-62 times remain unchanged at 3.5 seconds for the coupe and 3.7 seconds for the convertible. Top speed, electronically limited to 155mph, can be elevated to 174mph with the M Driver’s Package for the coupe and an unexpected 180mph for the convertible.
The pivotal change, however, lies beneath the surface. The UK-market M4s are now exclusively available with a four-wheel-drive system, referred to as the “BMW M4 Competition with M xDrive.” This system maintains a rear-biased setup, with drivers able to switch between 4WD and 4WD Sport modes, the latter allocating more power to the rear wheels.
For purists mourning the loss of the purely rear-driven M4 experience, there’s a solution – turning off stability control unlocks a 2WD drive mode, disconnecting the front axle and channeling the full 523bhp to the rear wheels, though caution is advised, particularly for those attempting feats on the M Drift Analyser.
Other features, such as multi-stage stability and traction control systems, adaptive suspension with three different maps, and M Performance visual parts, remain consistent with previous models.
Currently, the M4 is exclusively available in the UK in Competition trim, with the possibility of a non-limited CS model in the future. Priced at £84,250 for the coupe and £88,255 for the convertible, deliveries are expected in April. The 4 Series, now limited to the 420i and M440i, reflects BMW’s commitment to evolving its mid-size M cars, hinting that the days of purely rear-driven models may be numbered.
