The BMW 4 Series and M4 were redesigned from the ground up for the 2021 model year. Now in its second generation, the M4 model-line up has evolved a lot to include a wide array of options with something for everyone. For that thoroughbred analog driving experience, BMW still has a six-speed manual option.

But if you want to keep up with the times and want to exploit that M-Tuned heart, then you've got a trusty eight-speed ZF automatic on tap that offers lightning-fast shifts. Also, for the first time ever, BMW offers xDrive, which is BMW's AWD along with the option of a convertible on the top-spec model. Let's take a closer look at the 2022 BMW M4 range.

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2022 BMW M4 Performance And Capability

Any new car from BMW's M Division is bound to create a lot of buzz, but the M4 is the Bavarian automaker's top-of-the-line luxury compact coupe and forms the basis for the M-range of cars. It is the benchmark. The new generation M4 (G82) rides on BMW's CLAR platform. Here's what the M4 lineup looks like for 2022.

Available Trims

• Base
• Competition
• Competition xDrive (Also available as a soft-top)

Now regardless of the trim, you decide to go for, you get the same twin-turbo S58 3.0-liter in-line six with different states of tune. The base model puts out 473 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Step it up to the Competition and you get 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That is 50 more horsepower and 74 pound-feet more than the base M4.

Also, just like on the M3 sedan, the base M4 is only available with a six-speed manual. The competition features an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. Both pack rear-wheel drive, but for the first time in history, BMW will now offer xDrive AWD in the Competition trim for the 2022 model year. Thankfully this is a rear-biased AWD system with power going to the rear for the most part. The BMW M4 convertible can only be had with the top-spec xDrive trim.

Right from the base model, stuff like water and oil cooling systems, an M-tuned steering, Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers, an M Sport rear differential, M Drive modes, and slotted M Compound brakes all come as standard. M Carbon Ceramic brakes ($8,150) are a pricey upgrade, but ideal for hardcore track days.

The Drive Modes can be tailor-made to modify the characteristics of the engine and chassis. You can choose between the following modes

• Efficient
• Comfort
• Sport
• Sport Plus

On AWD competition models, you can choose between 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD, within the xDrive settings. Opting for the optional M Drivers Package ($900) will get you a ten-stage M Traction Control system, a lap timer app, and a drift analyzer that logs data pertaining to the angle of drift, distance covered, and duration of the drift.

You have the option to add the M Drive Professional Package, which includes a lap timer and drift analyzer included in the infotainment system. The M Driver's Package ($2500) will raise the top speed of your M4 from 155 mph to 180 mph and will get you a one-day class at your local BMW Performance center.

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Exterior Design

Now design is a subjective affair but you have the same large grille that's found on the M3. But once you get past the kidney grille, the M4 has some really nice details. There are some sleek-looking LED head and tail lights, with the option to add M Shadow lights ($300) and LED Laser lights ($1000).

An aggressive body kit comprising of a low chin, side sills, an equally aggressive diffuser, and enough M badges, are present to distinguish the base M4 from the 4 Series. For 2022, the extended shadow line trim will incur no cost. This means mirror caps, the rear spoiler, and tailpipes are finished in black chrome. The M Carbon Exterior Package ($4,700) will get you M Carbon mirror caps and upgraded side air inlets in the bumper and the rear diffuser.

The base M4 comes with either 18/19-inch rims as standard. However, you can choose from four different styles of 19/20-inch ($1,300) that come as standard on the M4 Competition.

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Interior Quality And Technology

The new M4's cabin is a big step up both in terms of the level of standard equipment on offer as well as technology compared to the outgoing model. The dash is identical to the one found on the M3, and fit and finish levels are what you expect in a vehicle from this class. To let more light in, you can choose a moonroof for no extra cost, but this will mean you'll have to forego the carbon roof.

Standard convenience features include

• Power/Heated front M Sport seats
• Ambient interior lighting
• Automatic climate control
• Comfort access keyless entry
• Auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors
• Automatic high beams

There are 16 different options of Merino leather to choose from, with 8 of them carrying a price premium ($2,550). As for contrasting trim pieces, aluminum Tetragon comes as standard. You can choose from carbon fiber ($950), Piano Black, Individual Aluminium, or open-pore black wood ($1,080) as well. The optional M Carbon bucket seats ($3,800) don't just help shed weight but are also designed to hold you in place while you tackle those G-forces while cornering.

Since the M4 Competition only comes with an automatic, carbon-fiber shift paddles replace the standard-stick shifter of the base M4. Sitting behind the thick-rimmed steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, which unfortunately isn't as configurable compared to some rivals.

The 10.25-inch central infotainment display comes with iDrive 7, and not the newest eight-gen software offered on the latest BMW models. But having said that, you still have a number of ways to interact with it, which includes touch, voice, gesture control (optional), and the rotary dial.

As standard, you get wireless smartphone connectivity with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a 16-speaker 464-watt Harmon-Kardon surround sound system, SiriusXM with 360L and 1-year all-access subscription, and a rearview camera.

The M4 also has rear seats, but given the sloping roofline, the headroom is rather tight. It is highly likely that the rear seats will hardly see any action, but you still have air-con vents, USB ports, and the same M-pattern on the seat belts as you have for the front seats.

The optional Executive Package ($800) adds a heated steering wheel, adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, Head-up display wireless charging, gesture control, and WiFi hotspot. As for cargo volume, the CLAR platform has its advantages and you have a generous 12 cubic feet in the trunk.

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2022 BMW M4 Price And Availability

The base model BMW M4 Coupe with rear-wheel drive starts at $72,000 MSRP. The most popular model remains the Competition xDrive model which comes in at $79,000. You can come up with your own M4 using the BMW configurator. The above prices exclude the $995 handling fee, tax, title, license, and registration charges.

Safety

The latest M4 hasn't been crash-tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS, however, the G20 BMW 3 Series also based on the CLAR platform did really well in the safety crash tests performed by both agencies.

The packs a lot of os safety equipment out-of-the-box and given how its blistering performance and pace, it sure does need them to protect its occupants. Apart from eight airbags, safety kit like cornering dynamic brake control, lane departure warning, fatigue, and focus alert, front and rear parking sensors along with a tire pressure monitoring system all come as standard.

The optional Executive Package ($1,550) and Driver Assistance Package ($800) will get you additional equipment like a heads-up display, rear-cross traffic alert, blind-spot detection, active cruise control, and active lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist and Stop & Go.

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Main Competition

Based on price alone, the 2022 M4's main competitors include the Audi RS5 Coupe, the aging Mercedes AMG C63 Coupe, and the Porsche Cayman S. The cars featured here range between $70,000 and $80,000. The Audi comes with AWD as standard, while the C63 packs more power. The Cayman meanwhile, just like the M4, also offers a six-speed manual, but it produces significantly less power, although it is lighter.

So overall, the entire BMW M4 range now offers a package that offers far more daily usability compared to the outgoing model. While it will continue to be a riot out on track with the added tech and creature comforts, it is a far more civilized experience this time around. But if you want something even more hardcore, i.e a bonafide track weapon, then the BMW M4 CSL has got you covered.

FAQ

Q: How much does a BMW M4 cost?

Prices for the base model 2022 BMW M4 Coupe start at $72,000 MSRP, excluding $995 towards destination fees. The top-of-the-line xDrive Competition coupe comes in at $79,000 plus destination.

Q: Is the BMW M4 a v8?

No, the 2022 BMW M4 features a 3.0 Liter Inline 6 cylinder engine which produces anywhere between 473 and 503 horsepower.

Q: Is the M4 faster than the M3?

Technically, with two fewer doors and lesser weight to lug around, the M4 depending on the transmission could be faster than the M3, despite both cars sharing the same engine.

Q: Is a BMW M4 a good investment?

Given the level of performance and trim choices available, the BMW offers outstanding performance and value for money. It should also hold its value well and is a good investment.