The controversial and stark-looking BMW M4 has finally been launched in India, in Competition spec only. The 2022 M4 Comp debuts with it, BMW’s latest design language and a straight-6 petrol engine putting out 510hp with all-wheel drive as well. All this is available at a price of 1.44 crore (Ex-showroom – India)
The Looks: The M4 has received massive amounts of love and hate for its new design language, with its grille being the conversation piece among other cues. What is guaranteed, however, is how striking the car looks from all angles. The front of the M4 is largely occupied by a vertical grille with 7 double slacked, horizontal louvers. This grille is split by two adaptive LED headlamps with laser lights on both sides. Below is a sharply creased bumper with large air intakes and aggressive cues. The design cues originate from the grille and flow into the bonnet as well, which features a twin bulge.
Moving to the side profile, we see the couple’s roofline which slopes downwards smoothly. The 19/20 inch forged alloy wheels lend a good amount of muscle to the side profile as well with the front fenders featuring air ducts as well.
The rear now gets a boot-mounted spoiler, along with a sharply sculpted rear bumper that features a multi-level diffuser that ends with twin tailpipes finished in black chrome. Look up and you will notice the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic roof, which saves a few kilos.
The new M4 is now 108mm longer, 18mm wider and 1mm taller than the older generation. The wheelbase has grown too, with it now at 2,857mm, 45mm more than before.
Interior: The styling we see here, is synonymous with other modern BMWs we already see and use in India. However, it does feature some M goodies in carbon fiber trims. The seats and steering are now M-sport ones and the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system also feature M-specific graphics and functions.
The M4 now debuts a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, 3-zone automatic climate control, a 16 speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, head-up display, powered front seats with memory function and lumbar support, wireless charging and phone integration, and more. Safety features include 6 airbags, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and more.
The cabin is now finished in an all-black theme with Merino leather, although it is just one of the many options available on offer as extras.
Additionally, the M4 can be specced with Driving Assistant Professional package, BMW display key, M compound brakes, gesture control, BMW drive recorder, exterior carbon fiber package, M racetrack package, and more.
Engine & Dynamics: Being an M4 and especially the competition variant, the new car features a fresh 3.0L, straight 6 petrol motor which puts out 510hp and 650Nm of torque. The same engine is also offered in a lower state of tune on the X3M which puts out 480hp.
All that power is delivered to all 4 wheels via a ZF 8 speed torque converter automatic gearbox, replacing the older 7 speed DCT. The M4 debuts an all wheel drive system, which comes as standard on the India-spec Competition cars. The M4 is said to do the 0-100 kmph sprint in 3.5 seconds and can go up till 250kmph which is the electronically restricted top speed.
The new M4, is 60hp and 100Nm more powerful than the outgoing model. It also comes with adaptive M suspension in addition to a M sport differential.
Competition: The M4 Competition will have to rub shoulders with the Audi RS5 sportback as its key rival.The RS5 is down on power from the M4 by a small margin, however it makes up for it by having 4 doors vs the M4s 2 and being more affordable at 1.07 crore vs 1.44 crore demanded for the M4C. The new generation of the C63 coupe is also set to arrive soon, with coupe and sedan variations increasing the competition in the segment.
Written by Aakash Kalro
