New BMW M4 coupe review, test drive

This is the new M4 coupé, successor to the iconic M3 coupé and sister car to the four-door BMW M3. Not only does the BMW M4 create a whole new model designation for itself, it also houses a number of new driveline developments, including a new turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine. This new powerhouse produces a power peak of 422bhp and 56kgm of torque. BMW has managed to slash the weight of the car by 83kg with the use of lightweight materials, although the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic M-DCT gearbox, adds 40kg over the six-speed manual, taking the M4 coupé to 1,537kg.

When it comes to driving dynamics, the M4 coupé offers marvellous ease of driveability and extraordinary refinement at one end of the spectrum, along with amazing pace and tremendous dynamic proficiency at the other. It may be clichéd, but it really is a car for all occasions.

The key to its broad spread of talent is its Drive Performance Control, which allows the driver to tailor the properties of this new M-car over a significantly wider range than its predecessor. Accessed via three buttons on the centre console, you get the choice of Efficiency, Sport and Sport+ modes for the engine mapping together with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes for the suspension damping and electro-mechanical steering. And unlike on standard BMW models which restrict you to one common mode for all, this car allows you mix and match the engine, damping and steering setting to suit your needs. An M-mode function also allows you to save preferred combinations, which can then be easily accessed via a pair of buttons on the steering wheel.

In comfort mode, the car is not even remotely demanding. You could cover kilometres and kilometres without ever feeling remotely challenged – all in a sumptuous environment offering outstanding levels of interior comfort and first-rate ergonomics. In this sense, the M4 coupé proves to be a convincing everyday proposition.