2027 BMW M4MotorTrendRobust inline-sixengineScintillating handlingUsable for daily drivingRopey manual shifterSnouty front fasciaM3 more practicalMotorsports heritage meets the road in the 2027 BMW M4. The coupe and convertible variants of the M3 super sedan carry over into the new model year mostly unchanged ahead of the arrival of BMW's Neue Klasse next-generation compact luxury cars. Rivals to the M4 include other super coupes like the Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-AMG CLE53, and lower-end versions of the Porsche 911.What's NewChanges to the BMW M4 are minimal for the 2027 model year. BMW equips remote start as standard equipment on automatic models and adds its Drive Recorder to the available Parking Assistant Professional package.What We ThinkThe 2027 BMW M4 is the quintessential performance coupe, albeit without a gorgeous front fascia. Powered by a potent twin-turbocharged inline-six engine offered at different states of tune depending on configuration, the M4 is a formidable sports car. Its tremendous speed is backed up by excellent handling and substantial braking capability.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhat's not to like? The standard manual transmission feels rubbery and far less notchy than we'd like when rowing our own gears on a track or a back road. Fortunately, the available eight-speed automatic delivers quick, crisp shifts. The available M Carbon bucket seats are very supportive for high-speed cornering, but the carbon-fiber insert at the front of the cushion can be uncomfortable between the driver's legs.Whether or not we recommend the M4 depends on what's on your checklist. If you're in search of a daily driver, the BMW M3 is a better option with a lower starting price and proper rear doors. However, if you're buying the M4 primarily for performance driving, you'll be able to justify its higher MSRP. As for its toothy grille, we can attest you won't care about the M4's looks when you're wringing one out through the corners.Top-Ranked Competitors:Chevrolet CorvetteAudi RS5Mercedes-AMG CLE53BMW M3MotorTrend TestedEvery version of the 2027 BMW M4 receives a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with varying output depending on trim. The entry-level M4 is positioned as a purist's dream with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf only that gearbox felt better to the hand, that dream might be a reality. The base M4 develops 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque; BMW says output is limited by the transmission's durability. In our testing, the manual M4 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.Stepping up to the M4 Competition raises output to 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, enabled by the equipment of an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW says this variant is good for a 0–60-mph time of 3.8 seconds.At the top of the range is the all-wheel-drive M4 Competition xDrive, which gains another 20 hp for a total of 523 hp. BMW says the M4 Competition xDrive launches from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, but the convertible model we tested completed the feat in just 3.2 seconds.MPG and RangeAs a sports car, the 2027 BMW M4 is engineered for speed rather than transparent efficiency. The base coupe and Competition coupe are rated at 16/23 mpg city/highway, which should translate to 296 miles of range.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2027 BMW M4 Competition xDrive Coupe also returns 16/23 mpg, but its range falls slightly, to 281 miles. The M4 Competition xDrive Convertible is rated at 16/22 mpg and 281 miles of range.Although the M4's EPA ratings aren't too egregious, the base Chevrolet Corvette returns an impressive 16/25 mpg. The all-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG CLE53 is also more efficient, at 20/27 mpg for the coupe and 19/26 mpg for the convertible.Safety and Driver AssistsDespite its razor focus on performance, the 2027 BMW M4 comes with the essential driver assistance features. Some nice-to-have items are optional only, however.Standard FeaturesBMW equips the 2027 M4 with standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, lane keeping assist, and rain-sensing wipers.Available FeaturesExtras include adaptive cruise control and a handful of semi-autonomous assist functions, but these features are only available on automatic versions of the 2027 BMW M4.Cargo Space and Interior RoomUtility varies between the 2027 BMW M4 Coupe and Convertible, with the coupe offering far more second row passenger space and cargo volume. The M3, the sedan equivalent of the M4, is the most practical of the lot.TechnologyInfotainmentAll 2027 BMW M4 models receive a 14.9-inch touchscreen running the automaker's Operating System 8.5 software. It runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it comes with a native navigation system as standard equipment. The large infotainment display is paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. All versions of the M4 are outfitted with a wireless charger.Sound SystemBMW equips the 2027 M4 with just one sound system, a 16-speaker setup from Harman Kardon.Available UpgradesOptional equipment includes a dash camera and a head-up display. Additionally, BMW includes its Driver Recorder with the Parking Assistant Professional package for the 2027 model year.ValueStandard FeaturesThe most basic 2027 BMW M4 is equipped with a twin-turbocharged I-6 engine, a manual transmission, and adaptive suspension from BMW's M division. It rides on staggered 18- and 19-inch wheels with stopping power provided by M Compound brakes. Handling is aided by BMW's M Sport differential.AdvertisementAdvertisementAn M Carbon roof is also standard equipment. Inside the cabin, BMW includes Merino leather upholstery and a 16-speaker sound system from Harman Kardon. The 2027 BMW M4 starts just under $84,000.Recommended TrimWe suggest springing for the 2027 BMW M4 Competition to get the best driving experience. This model gets the uprated version of the twin-turbo I-6 sent to the rear wheels through a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.It rolls on 19-inch wheels up front and 20-inch wheels in the rear. BMW also tunes the M4 Competition's suspension with a distinctive setup for performance driving. Pricing begins just under $88,000 for the M4 Competition.
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