2018 BMW M4 Review

The 2018 BMW M4 comes in one trim level, so your big choices are whether to choose coupe or convertible and manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. The manual gives you a level of driver engagement that you don't get with the dual-clutch; the dual-clutch is quicker-shifting and much easier to...

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 six-cylinder 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, an M4 with a manual transmission hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 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 lots 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 is reasonably comfortable 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 that of 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 vision 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. The backseat access is a bit more awkward, of course, but not bad as coupes go.

This is a larger car than you might guess. The ample width allows plenty of shoulder and elbow room in front. Without the sunroof, headroom is no problem for 6-footers. In back, kids fit fine and adults will be OK on short trips.

Forward and side visibility are good, thanks to the relatively upright seating position and greenhouse. As with most modern cars, there are large blind spots at the rear roof pillars, and the deck is high-ish.

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 backseat, which folds, is nice, and should help with loading a set of golf clubs or skis.