BMW has taken the wraps off the facelifted M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible with the sports cars boasting updated styling, more power, and potentially lower pricing.
The global rollout of the two-door M cars will commence in March 2024 with South Africa in line to receive them in the third quarter of the year alongside the updated 4 Series.
Everything new
Propelling the new M4 family is the brand’s famous 3.0-litre, straight-six cylinder, twin-turbocharged petrol motor that continues to generate 375kW and 650Nm in the rear-wheel-drive models but that has been uprated to push out a higher 390kW in the all-wheel-drive Competition xDrive variants.
Additionally, the maximum torque is now available in an extended range of between 2,750-5,730rpm, whereas it previously started to dip down at 5,500rpm.
These improvements were achieved through a “modification of the engine control system,” said BMW, and ensure more superior and continuous power delivery.
Despite the more substantial output of the M4 Competition xDrive, the 0-100km/h times remain the same as the outgoing versions at 3.5 seconds for the coupe and 3.7 seconds for the convertible.
Top speed is capped at 250km/h for all body styles but can be increased to 280km/h for the convertible and 290km/h for the coupe with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Further boosting the performance of the M4 Competition xDrive are a fast-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox and standard fitment of adaptive M suspension, M compound brakes, an M traction control system with 10 grip settings, and 19-inch light-alloy wheels at the front and 20-inchers at the rear.
Only the M4 Competition xDrive derivatives are available in South Africa so local fans can look forward to the more powerful models becoming available locally later this year.
Styling wise, the new M cars were the recipients of redesigned headlights with two vertical LED units in an arrowhead shape, as well as redesigned logos with high-gloss black and silver detailing.
Adaptive LED headlights with anti-glare matrix high beams – recognisable by their blue inserts – are available as an extra, which if selected, will now be paired with new three-dimensional LED tail lamps that were first featured on the M4 CSL.
For additional customisation, the M4 coupe can be decorated with M design graphics on the bonnet and boot either in high-gloss black or high-gloss red, while the sheet metal part of the roof is finished in high-gloss black instead of body colour.
Inside the cockpit, the facelifted M4 sees a new steering wheel design with a flattened lower section, modified spokes, and red centre marking in the 12 o’clock position; alongside Dark Graphite matte finishes on the dashboard, Merino leather upholstery in four colours, and a redesigned instrument panel with fewer buttons and controls thanks to “advancements in the area of digital operation,” said BMW.
The equipment list continues with a curved display on the dash that houses a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and M-specific graphics and content such as a lap timer and drift analyser.
Nine-colour ambient lighting with new elements around the aircon vents is also standard, as are M Sport seats with electric adjustment and heating functions, a heads-up display, and a wireless smartphone charger.
Optionally, buyers can spec their aggressive BMW with fully-electric and heated M Carbon bucket seats, an Alcantara steering wheel, Sensatec leather instrument panels, carbon ceramic brakes, the M Carbon exterior package, and the M Race Track package.
Specifically for the convertible, an Air Collar system with three-stage adjustable airflow is also available to keep the necks of the front passengers warm during winter drives.
Potential price surprise
There is a possibility that the new M4 family could be more affordable than the current models once they reach showrooms, bucking a trend of price hikes that has continued for as long as the vehicle have existed.
Autocar reports that in the UK, the price of the updated M4 Competition is £2,415 (R57,000) lower than the pre-facelift model and that the pricing of the M4 Convertible has similarly dropped by £2,010 (R48,000).
TopAuto reached out to BMW South Africa to question whether our market will be receiving the same cuts, but the company did not respond by time of publication.
For reference, the M4 Competition currently retails at R2,145,797 for the coupe and R2,226,556 for the convertible in South Africa.
BMW M4
BMW M4 Convertible
Join the discussion