Auto review by Veeno Dewan
The M4 xDrive Competition is genuinely one of the most well-rounded and expertly executed performance coupes on the planet. The M4 is particularly striking -looking and shouts performance with a range of standard and optional M Performance Parts, The M Competition is pricy at a base price of $91,600. Plus, BMW Destination charge of $2,480. What you get is the 503 hp engine, M exterior bodyworks, wheels, and an interior chock full of signature M touches, such as M-specific leather seats, chunky new steering wheel with red M buttons, M-coloured seat belts, unique digital displays, and a new gear shifter. New for 2022 is an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, replacing the previous dual clutch 7-speed unit. Staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch wheels an adaptive suspension, adjustable brake pedal feel, and an adjustable exhaust sound are also standard spec.
The AWD variant costs $2,500 more than the RWD. Power and output remains the same at 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, but the AWD will reach 0-100 km/h four-tenths of a second faster at 3.5 seconds. The AWD version has a revised front axle geometry and steering ratio been revised for this model.
We tested the high performance2022 BMW M4 M Competition with the signature M quad exhausts and the aggressive front and rear body kit. There is a sportier wide track stance and the latest-generation suspension, and improved aerodynamics. In Canada, the M4 is available in two models: the xDrive30i powered by a turbocharged inline-four producing 248 hp/258 lb-ft; and the X4 M40i with a twin-scroll, turbocharged inline-six generating 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The Competition model as tested features the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six. Torque is: 479 lb-ft @ 2,750 – 5,500rpm at 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque to a ground pounding 503 hp! A new ZF 8-speed transmission unit takes care of the shifting duties.
The interior features an impressive, neat high-quality cabin with superb materials and workmanship. Up front room is fine as is the rear ,but the rear seats are still cramped mind you. The thick-rimmed steering wheel is flanked by red M buttons that can be conveniently programmed to any custom driving mode. Actual dials and buttons are paired with a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen.
Feature wise, the Infotainment is supplied via the 10.25-inch display using the BMW iDrive interface, controlled by the rotary iTouch controller knob, or through cloud-supported intelligent voice commands. You can also opt to use “gesture display”, by waving out your command on the controller knob’s surface. Interior options include high quality red leather seats, electroplated trim, three-zone climate control, ventilated seats, and ambient lighting. There’s also an electrically operated sun blind and optional Wi-Fi hotspot that can accommodate up to 10 devices. Standard electronic safety and handling features include dynamic traction control, dynamic brake control, dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, hill descent control, and Start-Off Assistant.
Optional Equipment in our tester, included the $6,300 Premium package with such features as: M Drive Pro, Ventilated Front Seats, Galvanic Controls, BMW Laser-light Headlights, Parking Assistant Plus Incl. Surround View, Head-Up Display, Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System, BMW Drive Recorder and more. Stand alone options comprised: Aluminium Fabric Trim, 19″ and /20″ inch Double spoke M Forged Wheels, Isle of Man Green Metallic paint and the simply wonderful Tartufo Merino Leather interior. Total price for our tester with options reached a hefty $102,545.
It’s really all about the performance and the X4 M does not disappoint! Competition models receive 503 hp as a result of more turbo boost and a highly efficient M Sport exhaust. All BMW engines are silky smooth works of art, and the S58 straight-six engine revs up like a jet engine with a suitably shrieking banshee wail. Acceleration is tremendous and it is just incredible how much ground the Competition can cover so quickly. The X4 M Competition sprints from 0-100 km/h in a scant 4.1 seconds. Sport Plus Mode is the way to go for maximum performance. The X4 M comes with adjustable M modes selected by buttons on the centre console customising the steering, suspension, and engine response. Use the enigmatic looking red M buttons that flank the steering wheel and drivers can program further performance settings at will. The uprated 8-speed ZF offers quick, tight upshifts – and is hooked up to an M xDrive all-wheel drive system with rear wheel-bias. Ride and handling is taken care of with stiffer springs, and retuned adaptive dampers. The M brakes are noteworthy for the strong fast no fade action. Fuel Consumption is rated at (City / Highway / Combined) L/100km: 15.8.
Downsides are few- expect a hard ride for starters, and the Coupe style body compromises rear visibility and cargo space slightly. And then there is the price – steep for us mere mortals, but well worth it, if performance is paramount. The specification is world class and the BMW ownership experience and performance beyond compare. Nicely done!
2022 BMW X4 M Competition: Priced from:$91,600. Price as tested: $102,545 plus destination charge. More info at www.bmw.ca
