2016 BMW M4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Available in both 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible body styles, the high-performance BMW M4 receives only minimal updates for 2016. Split off from the automaker's 3 Series and its M3 variant in 2014, the M4 assumed its own persona, doing away with the rear doors to emphasize its sporty nature and adding a little distinctive styling as well, especially in the tail end. The M4 coupe displays a contoured roofline and a unique trunk lid, which meld together to channel air, reduce drag, and optimize aerodynamics. In addition, it features a unique integrated rear spoiler made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic that helps to distinguish it from the M3.
BMW also used carbon fiber and plastics in other exterior components in order to shave off weight. The M4 coupe's carbon-fiber roof, for instance, weighs 17 pounds less than its predecessor's. For the same reason, BMW used aluminum rather than steel in the M4's power-dome hood and front side walls. These weight-saving features, along with the M4's road-hugging stance, help lower its center of gravity and improve driving dynamics. The M4 now has a curb weight of 3,241 pounds, compared to the M3's 3,351 pounds and the previous generation's 3,704 pounds--although the M4 convertible tips the scales at about 525 pounds over the coupe, due in part to extra rigidity components.
The M4 coupe and convertible share a number of exterior features with the M3, including its wide track, flared rear wheel arches, and quad exhaust pipes. Both display attractive angular lines and a long nose with distinctive black double slats on the double-kidney grille. Large lower-front air intakes and M gill air intakes along the sides channel cooling air to the engine and enhance the M4's sporty nature. Features such as the M exterior mirrors and the rear apron with an integrated diffuser are M-specific and help separate the M4 from the standard 4 Series on which it's based.
The M4 convertible comes equipped with a retractable 3-piece hardtop, which opens electrically in about 20 seconds at speeds of up to 11 mph and is stored in the trunk. It also features a standard deployable windblock, which reduces cabin noise. Otherwise, the M4 convertible differs little from the fixed-roof coupe.
The M4 receives only minimal updates for 2016. BMW redesigned the M4's LED L-shaped taillights to help conserve electrical power and reduce weight, and added new Smoked Topaz metallic and Champagne Quartz metallic exterior colors. Inside, the M4 gets some additional chrome trim around the air vents, climate controls, and window switches. BMW updated the M4's optional next-generation navigation system to generate faster calculations and more realistic 3D mapping. It also incorporates LTE technology, which improves Bluetooth, USB, and smartphone integration.
Under the power-dome hood, the M4 shares its high-revving 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder with the M3. The turbocharged 6 pumps out 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, which is available at rpm as low as 1,850. The M4 goes from 0-60 in about 4.1 seconds with the standard 6-speed M manual transmission, and that number drops to 3.9 seconds with an optional third-generation 7-speed M dual-clutch automatic with integrated Launch Control and Drivelogic, which help ensure fast, smooth shifts at high revs. Fuel economy numbers for the M4 check in at 17 mpg city/26 highway with the manual shifter, and 17/24 with the automatic.
Inside, the M4's 4-passenger, driver-oriented cabin delivers good ergonomics, a wide range of tech features, and a high level of comfort. Borrowed from the base 3 Series and 4 Series, the cabin features a number of M enhancements, including M-design circular gauges, an M leather-wrapped steering wheel, an M gearshift lever, and shell-shaped M front bucket seats with enhanced body support. Buyers can add optional power-adjustable and heated seats, as well as two-tone leather seats with contrast stitching. Rear-seat passengers will find plenty of room, and the trunk offers a relatively generous 12 cubic feet of cargo space. (With the convertible's retractable top stored in the trunk, cargo space drops to 7.8 cubic feet.) The rear seatback splits 60/40 and folds for additional cargo-carrying capacity.
For 2016, BMW updates the automatic climate control display and ambient lighting, though these changes are fairly subtle. A keyless entry system and harman/kardon Surround Sound system with satellite radio become standard equipment and an Antracite roof liner adds a luxury feel. The widescreen display on the dash and the iDrive controller, both standard equipment, are placed within easy reach of the driver. Options include a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a rearview camera, and a head-up display.
The rear-wheel-drive M4 rides on an upgraded M suspension (compared to that of the base 4 Series) with aluminum components, which help keep the weight down. It includes a new 5-link rear configuration mounted directly to the body (borrowed from motor sports), ensuring overall stability, a stiffer ride, and less body roll in corners. Some reviewers, however, say the M4's suspension delivers a harsh road feel at times, especially at higher speeds.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the M4 naturally excels, thanks in part to features like its Active M limited-slip differential, which works in conjunction with the car's Dynamic Stability Control system to monitor the accelerator pedal, wheel speed, and other factors to control wheel spin on slippery surfaces and ensure optimal traction. Most drivers will want to keep the system in Normal mode around town and during everyday driving, but for those who desire greater wheel slippage and easier drifting, the Dynamic mode should ably fit the bill.
The M4's weight-optimized 18-inch M light-alloy front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels ensure good road grip while adding to the M4's sporty exterior appearance. The standard M compound brakes provide good stopping power and resistance to fade, but owners can add optional M carbon ceramic brakes, which are lighter and provide enhanced stopping performance.
The M4 also comes equipped with 3-mode M Servotronic electromechanical steering with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings, designed to provide a precise feel in all driving conditions. Buyers can opt for an available Adaptive M suspension, also with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, which enables the driver to choose softer or stiffer damper settings.
Not only did BMW split the M3 and M4's nomenclature in 2014, but the automaker also builds each vehicle in different assembly plants. The M4 is assembled at the automaker's Plant Munich, while the M3 comes to life at Plant Regensburg, where the base 4 Series and 3 Series are built, respectively. BMW says this helps it to maximize efficiency and accommodate market fluctuations for each series. Competitors for the well-reviewed M4 include the Porsche 911, the Chevy Corvette, Ford's Mustang, the new Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, and the turbocharged CLA45 AMG Coupe from Mercedes-Benz.
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2016 BMW M4 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.46
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Window trim: black
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 8.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: carbon · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.46
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Window trim: black
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 8.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.46
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Window trim: black
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 8.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent