BMW M4

‘Driver-focused’ is the first thing we noticed when we got inside the BMW M4. The cabin uses Merino leather and carbon fibre trims, and overall quality feels solid. We found it manages to feel premium without losing its sporty intent.

Cabin Layout and Quality

The dashboard features a curved display with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The layout is clean and modern, though many controls are now touchscreen-based. Fit and finish are excellent, and we didn’t notice any rattles over rough roads.

Seating Comfort

First Row

The front M Sport seats are supportive and heavily bolstered. They are electrically adjustable and hold you well during spirited driving. We also found them comfortable enough for longer drives. Visibility is decent for a coupe, though the low seating position does take some getting used to.

Second Row

The rear seats are strictly for two passengers, and while space is usable, it’s not generous. We found that average-sized adults can fit for short journeys, but it’s not where you’d want to spend hours. The sculpted seats hold you in place well, especially when the car is driven hard.

BMW has positioned the M4 at a premium, but it justifies this with strong performance and standard equipment. The Competition variant comes well-loaded, so you are not forced into adding many options.

However, optional extras like carbon ceramic brakes, bucket seats, and Individual paint can push the price up quickly. We found that while the base price looks competitive for the performance, the final on-road cost can rise significantly.

BMW M4 Ex-Showroom Prices in India

Buyers in this segment may not prioritise fuel efficiency, but in India, running costs still matter, especially for longer drives. The BMW M4 balances this reasonably well for a 530 bhp performance coupe, provided you drive it calmly.

Here’s what we found out in our tests:

• Fuel efficiency drops sharply when driven aggressively.
• In “Efficient” mode, the engine and gearbox help keep consumption in check.
• City driving results in lower mileage due to traffic conditions.

The following table outlines our observed mileage compared to expected figures.

Observed Fuel Efficiency During Testing

*Note: BMW does not officially publish ARAI figures for M models in India.

The BMW M4 comes with a strong mix of performance-focused hardware and modern safety systems.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

It gets six airbags as standard, which covers front, side and curtain protection. The car is based on the four-series platform with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Three-point seatbelts are available for all passengers, as well as the option of mounting the ISOFIX in the rear seats.

Active Safety and Stability Systems

Safety features include an ABS with Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Brake Control, and Dynamic Stability Control. You also get M Dynamic Mode and a 10-stage traction control system, which we found useful in managing slip during aggressive driving.

Standard features include cruise control with braking function, attentiveness assistance, and a speed limiter. The optional Driving Assistant Professional package includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and emergency stop assist. Parking support comes with sensors, a rear camera, and an optional 360 Degree system with a reversing assistant.

Safety Verdict

We should mention that the BMW M4 itself hasn't been crash tested separately, but it's inherited the five-star Euro NCAP rating of the 4 Series platform. What is striking is that it combines serious performance hardware with configurable safety systems, so you can either have control or confidence depending on how you choose to drive it.

The technology of the BMW M4 is geared towards the driver, yet it still has enough features for everyday usability.

Infotainment and Interface

• The system is fast and responsive, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay working without any issues.
• The Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system provides clear cabin sound throughout the cabin.
• The head-up display displays important M-specific information, such as revs and gear position.

Cabin Convenience and Practical Tech

• The front seats have electric adjustment, with memory for the driver.
• Seat heating is standard and ventilation is optional.
• Especially useful are the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering that can be used for quick drive mode changes.
• The three-zone climate control works nicely, but the climate functions within the touchscreen can be distracting.

The BMW M4 offers good boot space for a performance coupe:

• It has 440 litres of capacity with all seats up.
• It can easily fit two medium suitcases or weekend luggage.
• The wide opening makes loading simple.
• The rear seats can be folded to increase space further.

As we evaluated, this is a car that clearly prioritises the driver, but still manages to stay usable every day.

City Driving

In the city, we found the M4 to be more manageable than expected. In Efficient mode, the engine is calm and the gearbox is smooth at low speeds. The steering is light and makes driving through traffic effortless for a car of this size. The stiff suspension and low ground clearance are, however, still a concern.

Highway Driving

On the highway, the M4 is perfectly in its element. We found it very stable up high with a lot of acceleration to make overtaking other vehicles easy. The AWD system gives the driver confidence in corners, and the steering becomes sharper as speeds increase. That said, its weight can be felt during quick direction changes.

Siddharth adds,

“The dynamics are just unbelievably good. Actually no, make that great.”

BMW keeps the M4 lineup simple in India, with two clear versions. We evaluated both and found the focus stays firmly on performance.

• M4 Competition M xDrive: The standard model. It gets AWD as standard, 530 bhp, and balances daily usability with serious performance.
• M4 CS: A limited-run, more hardcore version with 543 bhp, reduced weight, and sharper tuning for track use.

Take a look at what the BMW M4 variants have on offer:

The Essentials That You Don't Get

• No manual gearbox option in India
• No rear-wheel-drive-only variant as standard
• No rear-axle steering
• No spare tyre

The decision to buy the right BMW M4 in India is not difficult. This actually comes down to whether you are looking for the standard all-rounder or just the more track-focused version.

Best for Most Buyers: M4 Competition M xDrive

For most buyers, this is the one. We found it balances daily usability with serious performance. You get 530 bhp, AWD grip, and enough comfort for regular use. This can very well double up as your daily driver and a sports car.

Best for Track Enthusiasts: M4 CS

If performance is your priority, go for the limited-edition M4 CS. It’s more powerful, lighter, and feels sharper to drive. We found it trades some comfort for a more focused, aggressive experience.