BMW M4

As America awaits the introduction of the next-generation BMW 3-Series and it's a more performance-oriented avatar, the M3 performance sedan, BMW is offering a two-door hardtop coupe and a soft-top convertible version of its globally renowned sedan. The M4 performance sedan shares the exact same powerplant options, mechanicals and features as the outgoing M3 model.

Inside the cabin, BMW has toned down the sporty, racy aesthetics and the M4 sedan shares its interiors with the relatively far less expensive 4-door 3-Series and two-door 4-Series models. This means that the 2019 M4 features a very straightforward no-nonsense all-black interior in addition to other color schemes like Sonoma beige, Silverstone and Sakhir orange. The car gets a large trunk with an ample amount of cargo space and the rear seats can accommodate two adults but they might feel a little cramped. To save eight BMW has used carbon fiber to make components like the trunk lid, engine braces, and the coupe's roof.

The seating position in the M4 is very supportive yet comfortable especially for drivers who intend on taking their performance machines to the track. Other creature comforts include an infotainment system which sits atop the dashboard and is powered by BMW’s iDrive technology which is shared across all M4 models and comes paired to Harman/Kardon audio system. BMW M4 also gets the company's navigation and real-time traffic information system and an optional charging pocket which comes with inductive wireless charging and onboard 4G-LTE powered Wi-Fi hotspot. BMW also offers an optional executive package which comes with a heads up display, a self-parking feature, high beam headlamps, 360-degree exterior camera system and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

The 2019 BMW M4 hard-top coupe is priced at $69,150 whereas the soft-top convertible variant is offered with prices starting at $77,650. Both cars are powered by a TwinTurbo 3-liter inline 6 gasoline powerplant which comes with BMW’s M TwinPower Turbo technology which produces 425 BHP of power and 406 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes paired with a single piece forged magnesium crankshaft and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.1 seconds. The 2019 BMW M4 is available with two transmission options which include a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox which is offered as an optional extra.

BMW also offers a ‘Competition Package’ for the M4 which increases the power output to 444 BHP. The ‘Competition Package’ featuring the 7-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox get a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.8 seconds. The package also comes with a race-tuned adaptive M suspension which is offered with BMW M Dynamic mode that increases the steering ratio to improve the response from M4's 20-inch wheels.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rated the 2019 BMW M4 for its crash test safety so far, but BMW offers a range of active driver assistance technology. Some of the standard safety and driver assistance features include front collision warning with city collision mitigation, lane departure warning, pedestrian collision warning, and speed limit information relay.