BMW M4 Competition

The M4 is motivated by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that comes in two potencies. The standard version makes 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. In our testing, this setup shot to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and cleared the quarter-mile in 12.0 ticks at 121 mph. With 503 horses and 479 pound-feet, the Competition model is even quicker, but the lone transmission choice is an eight-speed automatic. To offset the lack of a stick-shift option, only the M4 Comp can be equipped with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. So equipped, the all-wheel drive M4 Competition coupe shaved a full second off the standard car’s 60 mph time at our test track with a 2.8-second result. Every M4 comes with adaptive dampers, adjustable brake-pedal feel, and an electronically controlled exhaust system that gets louder in Sport and Sport Plus drive modes. The loudness can also be turned down at any time by pushing the M Sound button. BMW also provides an excessive amount of adjustable drive-mode settings that we think can dilute the driving experience that BMW’s engineers envisioned. Thankfully, our time behind the thick-rimmed wheel of the M4 Competition showcased its tenacious acceleration, incredible cornering grip, and resolute stability. We’re also happy to report that BMW has improved the coupe’s steering feel, just don’t expect it to offer the feedback of any two-door Porsche. The regular M4 rides on 18-inch front wheels and 19-inchers in the back while the M4 Competition rolls on a staggered set of 19s in front and 20s in back. Both models also feature a carbon-fiber roof that reduces their center of gravity, and they can be equipped with a set of fade-resistant carbon-ceramic brakes.