2017 BMW M4 Review

The 2017 BMW M4 comes in just one trim level. But you do have to choose between the coupe or convertible and either the manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission (M-DCT). The manual makes driving an M4 engaging, but the automatic is no performance slouch and is certainly easier to live with. Beyo...

This car is a great example of cohesive integration of the primary driving controls. The manual gearbox in our test car had slick, bright and fast shifts. Drive this car every day and you'll be able to tell that its nuances were fussed over.

The turbo 3.0-liter inline-six feels eager, alert and powerful. Sharp at low revs, has a strong midrange and is willing to rev with great throttle response at any speed. In Edmunds testing, a manual transmission M4 hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and did the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 116 mph.

The M4's brake pedal is firm. The powerful (optional) carbon-ceramic brakes on our test car have excellent modulation and great stopping power. There are some groans at low speeds but that's expected. In a simulated-panic stop from 60 mph to zero, the M4 took just 106 feet, an excellent result.

Steering on the M4 is well-weighted and precise, but it's lacking the feel we expect from cars in this class. That lack of feel becomes even more pronounced when you get closer to the car's elevated handling limits, but in-town steering should be sufficient for most drivers.

No surprises here: The M4 has lots of grip and excellent agility. The car's immense handling capabilities inspire plenty of confidence while you're driving fast. This is especially rewarding for drivers who are attentive in managing weight transfer. We measured an impressive 0.98g around our skidpad...

This car is a great example of cohesive integration of the primary driving controls. The manual gearbox in our test car had slick, bright and fast shifts. Drive this car every day and you'll be able to tell that its nuances were fussed over.

Everyday use is no problem for this car. It's properly sporting but totally user-friendly. The ride is supple enough for your commute, and noise will never wear you down. Its seats in particular stand out for their ability to do it all.

Outstanding front-seat comfort no matter whether you are exploring a mountain road or just cruising. The combination of leather and cloth is unusual but effective. The backseat has reasonable comfort for adults.

This is a firm-riding car, no doubt, but there's a suppleness to the dampers that rounds off the edges. Nobody will mistake its ride quality for a Bentley, but for a sporting vehicle it is quite good.

Some road noise is evident from the low-profile tires on optional 20-inch wheels, but there is very little engine noise at a cruise. Prod the throttle and the engine perks up nicely, augmented by the stereo. Wind noise is not an issue.

The M4 has a practical driving position and intuitive cabin. Rear seat access and rear visibility are acceptable considering this is a two-door. The interior is easy to live with on a daily basis.

Logical and well-laid-out cabin controls make the M4's interior easy to use. The iDrive screen is large, bright and crisp, as are the simple gauges. Climate controls consist of temperature knobs and buttons for the rest. Limited brightwork prevents distracting reflections.

Being based on a sedan has its benefits. The door openings are easy to navigate gracefully. The stepover height is low, and the seat is higher than in a sports car. Backseat access is a bit more awkward, of course, but not bad as coupes go.

This is a larger car than you might guess. Ample width allows plenty of shoulder and elbow room in front, and space in back is reasonable for limited trips. Headroom is no problem for 6-footers in our no-sunroof test car.

Forward and side visibility are good, thanks to the relatively upright seating position and greenhouse. Like most modern cars there are large blind spots at the rear roof pillars, and the deck is high-ish. At this price point, it's hard to believe a rearview camera is optional.

Excellent fit and finish defines the M4's cabin. Cabin controls and features move smoothly and with precision. Materials are rich and appear to have been chosen to minimize distraction. The mixed-material seats are unusual but very effective.

There's enough space inside this coupe for four passengers, but cabin storage isn't very impressive. There are a few large door pockets, but the center console is shallow and the glovebox tiny. The split-folding backseat is nice, though, and should help with loading a set of golf clubs or skis.

BMW's iDrive interface is one of the best in the business. There's an above-average learning curve but eventually the straightforward menus, crisp graphics and fast processing times shine through. We recommend you opt for the available head-up display as well.