Guaranteed to put a smile on your face – Geraldine Herbert with the new BMW M4
Astounding performance and handling is the very least you expect from an M4 writes Geraldine Herbert
Why you will like it? BMW’s new M4 promises to be more powerful, better to drive and more usable.
Is it a looker? it’s not a car you will drive unnoticed, if the tune from the exhaust fails to alert passers-by the Sao Paulo Yellow launch colour works like a charm.
What’s it like inside? The M4 is understated, high-tech and very well put together and there’s plenty of room throughout. Plus the boot holds a decent 440 litres so you and your bags both have plenty of space. The unique M details like the red accents for the M buttons on the M leather steering wheel and the start/stop button on the centre console distinguish the M4 from the rest of the range.
What’s it like to drive? Slip behind the wheel and it’s clear BMW does not disappoint. With a new 3.0-litre straight-six engine and 510hp, it is furiously fast. I drove the M4 for a week, taking in the school run, supermarkets and sampled a host of other locations permitted with the lifting of the 5km restrictions and at all times is was both fun and practical in equal measure. While the previous incarnation was a beast, BMW engineers have found a way to tame it this time and power is delivered in a much more controlled way. But don’t be fooled, the M4 can zip from 0-100 in less than four seconds and reaches a licence-losing top speed of 250kmh. It’s all the more impressive given at 1,800kg this coupe is on the heavier side but yet the grip it has on the road is akin to a lightweight sports car.
How safe is it? As you would expect the M4 is loaded with safety gear including Parking Assistant, Cruise control with braking function and Front Collision Warning with brake intervention and Driving Assistant, which brings the Lane Change Warning, rear crossing traffic warning and Rear Collision Prevention into play.
The styling won’t be to everyone’s taste
Will it break the bank? Probably, but if you are in the market for an M4 do you care? The base price will set you back €127,155 but our test car came in at €143,333 and included a host of goodies designed to enhance the overall experience. The M4 also has a taste for fuel with an average consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 km and an eye-watering annual motor tax bill of €2,400.
Our Rating? The engine is thirsty and the looks are polarising but this is a car that will make you feel special every time you press the start button.
The Good: Driving Dynamics
The Gripes: Running costs
Vital Statistics
LIST PRICE: From €127,15
CO2 EMISSIONS:234g/km
POWER: 3.0-litre petrol 510hp and 650Nm
Visit the BMW Ireland website or its Facebook page or Twitter for further details.
Geraldine Herbert
19th May 2021
