2019 BMW M4 Coupe Review: The Sports Coupe Benchmark
The 2019 M4 Coupe is the performance-focused range-topping derivative of the 4 Series Coupe lineup. The current model is part of the first generation M4 introduced in 2015. In the past, it would be called an M3 Coupe, but after the sedan and coupe nomenclatures were split, coupes became known as the 4 Series... that is, until they blurred the lines even further with the 4 Series Gran Coupe - a story for another day. The M4 has a reputation for razor-sharp handling and jaw-dropping performance while still being practical enough as a daily driver. The combination of the 425-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six, or up to 444 hp with the Competition Package, with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch auto is a winning one, and buyers can't go wrong with either. Still, for those in search of something exclusive, the M4 CS gets 454 hp and less weight. Staying true to its heritage, it's only available in rear-wheel-drive. Despite its credentials, there's no way for the M4 to rest on its laurels with the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe and Audi RS5 coupe breathing down its neck.
What's the Price of the 2019 BMW M4 Coupe?
The BMW M4 Coupe starts at a price of $69,150 for the manual M4, excluding the delivery fee of $995. Opting for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox adds another $2,900 to the asking price. In addition to the starting price, there are also licensing, registration, and taxes to be paid. For those seeking one of only 500 2019 M4 CS models, expect to pay a base MSRP of $103,100 - provided you can find a dealership that won't bump the price up for the sake of exclusivity.
2019 M4 Coupe Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184.5 in | 110.7 in | 54.4 in | 79.3 in | 62.2 in | 63.1 in | 3,625.0 lbs |
2019 M4 Coupe Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Despite the impressive performance numbers, the M4 is an everyday sports car that's equally at home on the school run or on the track. The drive is firm enough for sporty applications while still being soft enough for everyday driving. Unfortunately, the electronically assisted steering numbs some of the steering's feel, leaving it a bit vague compared to older models, but hey, that's progress, according to BMW. Many have complained about the mediocre engine note that has a sufferable drone at lower speeds, but it's a small price to pay for the sake of the inline-six's storming performance.
While steering feel and ride comfort may have suffered somewhat compared to M3 Coupe's of old, the M4 still retains benchmark status in the compact luxury coupe segment. It might lack feel, but it's razor-sharp and can dismantle a canyon road or racetrack better than almost all rivals - dismissing corners in a cold, sterile, typically German way.
But things have improved, and year on year BMW seems to have made the most incremental updates to the software at play that mean the current iteration of the M4 is also the best yet. Compared to early models, it rides better, handles sweeter, and deploys its power in a more manageable fashion. The CS just offers more of everything, but the differences over the Competition Package are so incremental that we can't justify the price premium.
2019 M4 Coupe Interior
2019 M4 Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 BMW M4 Coupe A Good car?
Five years into its tenure as the range-topping BMW 4 Series, the M4 will soon be coming up for replacement. Yet for those in search of a compact performance luxury coupe, it's still the go-to choice. Incredible performance from lower outputs than rivals, incisive handling, and the availability of a manual gearbox, are all key drawcards here, and although it may lack the refinement and technological advancement of rival sports coupes, the M4 still holds a special place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts. Through each year model, BMW has made incremental changes that see the 2019 M4 being the best it's ever been. For precision rear-wheel-drive thrills, the M4 is still the benchmark, even if we do wish it felt a little more special, and a little more involving.
What BMW M4 Coupe Model Should I Buy?
With three effective combinations to choose from, there's an M4 suited to various kinds of buyers, but we'd recommend staying clear of the M4 CS as the price doesn't justify the upgrades it comes equipped with. The standard M4 equipped with the Competition Package is a perfect match, especially when paired with the seven-speed DCT gearbox. The Executive Package adds some much-needed technological enhancements to the M4, making it the perfect pick, at a not-too-eye-watering price of $78,900. It's the best balance of performance and practicality, and takes the M4 to the levels it should've been at from the start.
2019 BMW M4 Coupe Comparisons
2019 BMW M4 Coupe vs Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe
Traditionally BMW has always offered a more exhilarating driving experience, while Mercedes was more luxury-orientated - but the lines have been blurred in recent years with both straying into the other's territory. The C63 starts at $68,750 and has a 469-hp turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive, with the option to upgrade to a 503 hp S version. It has a splendid interior that's lightyears ahead of the BMW, and offers many more features and driver aids. Despite being older, the M4 still has more of a sporty and aggressive look compared to the elegant lines of the AMG C63 Coupe. While the M4 might look better, the V8 in the AMG C63 Coupe definitely sounds better with more of a roar than a drone. The M4 starts at $69,150 and has 44 hp less than the Mercedes. It also has the option of a manual transmission that Mercedes doesn't offer. For a fun sports car with a manual transmission, the M4 is fantastic, but the AMG C63 Coupe is a more rounded performer for roughly the same price.
2019 BMW M4 Coupe vs Audi RS5 Coupe
The Audi RS5 Coupe is another thorn in the side of the M4, but starts off at a much higher price of $74,200. The RS5 Coupe has a more modern look than the M4 and was only introduced in 2018. It's powered by a 444-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel-drive system. Not only is the RS5 Coupe more powerful than the M4, but it can also challenge it when it comes to fantastic handling and a more direct steering feel. The interior of the Audi has a futuristic look that leaves the M4 in its dust, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard features. While the RS5 Coupe may be the better car for daily driving, the M4 has some special qualities that the Audi can't touch. The fact that the M4 comes in rear-wheel-drive with the optional manual transmission gives it a drive quality that's hard to match, and fans should enjoy it while they can.