New BMW M4 coupe review, test drive

    All-new performance coupé boasts incredible performance and sublime handling, although the new engine lacks the engagement found in past M-cars.

    Published on May 12, 2014 02:29:00 PM

    25,469 Views

    Directional stability is exceptional, even at very high speeds. The electro-mechanical steering system also delivers excellent response, impressive directness and more constant weighting through its entire range than the old hydraulic arrangement it replaces. It could do with a little more feedback, but with Sport or Sport+ modes engaged, it delivers suitably urgent turn-in traits.

    The front end offers exceptional grip without any premature breakaway provided the surface is relatively smooth. With stability clutch control, which opens the clutches when sensors detect the loss of imminent traction and briefly reduces power to bring the car back on line, it resists understeer in a masterful manner, resulting in wonderfully neutral properties even in tight second-gear corners.

    Body control is also superb, providing the new M-car with a reassuringly flat cornering nature even when you begin to nibble at the very last remnants of available purchase. There is a wonderfully composed feel to the handling all the way up to the point where the dynamic stability control (DSC) intervenes.

    This is partly down to it boasting a lower centre of gravity than the car it replaces, but, I suspect, more because of the work that has gone into providing its largely bespoke suspension with ultra-stiff anchoring points.

    BMW M division’s decision to provide it with a new steel rear suspension sub-frame that bolts directly to the body structure without any rubber bushings gives the M4 tremendous on-the-limit clarity. The lines of communication are amplified to a whole new level, revealing its willingness to oblige beyond the dynamic boundaries of the M3 coupé.

    The adoption of a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic driveshaft has also added greater overall progressiveness to the handling thanks to lower reciprocating masses and the scope for a whole new approach to the settings of the electronically control active differential, allowing you to send it sideways at will with the DSC disabled.

    Copyright (c) Autocar UK. All rights reserved.

    Comments
    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now
    Search By Car Price
    Poll of the month

    Which brand showed the best India-bound two-wheelers at EICMA 2024?

    Hero (Xpulse 210, Xtreme 250, Karizma XMR 250, Vida Z)

     

    39.09%

    Royal Enfield (Classic 650 Twin, Bear 650, Flying Flea C6)

     

    28.69%

    KTM (390 Adventure R, 390 SMC R, 390 Enduro R)

     

    18.79%

    Aprilia (Tuono 457, Tuareg Rally)

     

    13.43%

    Total Votes : 990
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe