Used 2019 BMW M4

In the 2019 BMW M4, you’ll find a coupe and convertible based on the already exceptional BMW 4 Series, only with the added benefit of the M treatment. As with the standard 4 Series, luxury abounds, but no one buys a new M4 exclusively for its features. Nope. With this one, it’s all about performance. The standard 6-cylinder turbo pumps out a healthy 425 horsepower, while the track-ready M4 CS bumps that figure to 454. With its aggressively massaged suspension and rear-drive setup, the M4 is a delight in the curves. Every bit the rival of cars like the Mercedes-AMG C63, Audi RS 5, Cadillac ATS-V and Lexus RC F, the nearly $70,000 BMW M4 isn’t cheap, but what it offers is worth every penny.

The new M4 is a ferocious counterpart to the standard 4 Series coupe and convertible. With 425 horsepower standard, the 2019 M4 coupe can hit 60 mph in under four seconds, while the M4 hardtop convertible does it in 4.2 seconds. Precise handling and excellent road feel have long been hallmarks of M cars, and that remains true. On a track it’s a blast but in stop-and-go city driving it can be a bit much, especially with the idle start/stop fuel-saving function. The M4 still offers a manual transmission, and it even features a rev-matching system for more fluid shifts. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is available, too, but in our testing, we found it rougher than the automatics used in rivals like the Lexus RC F and Cadillac ATS-V. The good news with the auto is that BMW touts the "Smokey Burnout" function, which does exactly what you think.

In the 2019 BMW M4 Coupe and Convertible, you’ll find seating for four adults, although the rear seats are a bit on the snug side. However, the M4’s 2-door configuration has us doubting most owners will care. We think they’ll be much more impressed by the view from behind the wheel. Sculpted 10-way-power sport seats with 4-way-power lumbar are ideal for spirited driving, and the thick-grip steering wheel feels oh-so right regardless of the driver’s hand size. Intuitive controls on the steering wheel and dash help minimize driver distraction, although we’re not big fans of the non-gated automatic transmission. Go for the manual, instead.

The M4 coupe and convertible look similar to those of the 4 Series, but their unique traits are easy to see if you know where to look. The hood features a power dome that you can think of as a bicep signaling this performance car’s extra muscle. Around back are quad exhaust outlets. While the M4’s wheelbase is nearly identical to the standard 4 Series, this beefed-up model has a wider track and overall stance. The M4 convertible has a metal roof that retracts, while the M4 coupe’s fixed roof is carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, part of a weight-saving effort.

HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE
Unlike a traditional convertible, the BMW M4 features a retractable hardtop that makes this open-air chariot as foul-weather friendly as its coupe cousin. The clever hardtop folds into a compact shape that fits easily into the M4’s trunk without seriously impinging on cargo space.

CS EDITION
The ultimate M4 isn’t for everyone, and will be offered only to a handful of drivers. It bumps horsepower to 454, offers a top speed of 174 mph and can dash to 60 mph in just under four seconds. The CS also includes adjustments to its brakes, suspensions, differential, transmission and steering.

The rationale for buying an M4 over a 4 Series is for its track-ready performance, and to that end every M4 coupe and convertible come with a 425-horsepower 6-cylinder turbo engine and a bevy of performance hardware. Aside from the go-fast upgrades, other notable ingredients include leather interior with carbon-fiber and black-chrome trim, 16-speaker Harman Kardon AM/FM/CD/HD Radio audio system with USB input and Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, sonar parking sensors, a navigation system, rearview camera and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Helpful features include a hands-free trunk opening and universal garage-door opener. Also included is BMW Ultimate Care — three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

In addition to the Competition Package is the Executive Package, which bundles features like side- and top-view camera, parking assistant, adaptive full LED headlights, auto high beams and head-up display. Individual options include a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging and Wi-Fi hotspot, and power rear sunshade. Among the performance upgrades are carbon-ceramic brakes, while a standard suspension is available for enhanced comfort. Safety aids include blind-spot monitoring and active driving assistant, which has lane-keeping assist and frontal-collision and pedestrian warnings. Various shades of leather are available inside, and if you want any exterior color other than basic white, that will cost extra.

Powering the 2019 BMW M4 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 pumping out a robust 425 horsepower. The Competition Package ups the output to 444 horsepower, while the limited-production (500 units) CS goes 10 better at 454 horsepower. The standard 6-speed manual is a joy and our preference, but many buyers will go for the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Rear-wheel drive is the only drivetrain offered.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (M4)
425 horsepower @ 5,500-7,300 rpm
444 horsepower @ 5,500-7,300 rpm w/Competition Package
406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (manual, coupe), 17/25 mpg (manual, convertible), 17/23 mpg (automatic, coupe), 16/22 mpg (automatic, convertible)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (CS)
454 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
442 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000-5,380 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg