Used 2020 BMW M4

Available as a coupe or hardtop convertible, the 2020 BMW M4 is the high-performance variant of the standard 4 Series. Like its luxury 2-door siblings, the M4 has premium appointments, a handsome design, and seating for four passengers.

The differentiator is muscle. Under the 2020 M4’s bulging hood is a twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder that makes 425 horsepower (or 444 with the Competition Package). In addition to its extra power, the M4 has track-ready hardware to help it corner better, brake harder, and be all-around faster.

Though this model is still a potent contender, an all-new BMW M4 is likely around the corner. While this current edition isn’t as technologically sophisticated as rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C 63 or Audi RS 5, the 2020 M4 remains a force to be reckoned with. And among its handful of rivals, it’s the only one left still offering a manual transmission.

The BMW M4 really is the 4 Series taken to another level. Whereas BWM’s standard 4 Series coupe and convertible are quick yet compliant, the M4 is menacing and moody. It does 0-60 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds, and you can shave that time if you’re lucky enough to score one of the more powerful, limited-edition M4 CS models.

The M4’s suspension is also tighter than that of the standard model, which enables it to stick to pavement, but alternately means a harsher ride quality in everyday commutes.

The M4 is only available in rear-wheel drive, so know what you’re getting into if you regularly deal with slick roads. If that’s the case, the all-wheel-drive Audi RS 5 might be a better choice. That high-performance luxury coupe, along with the rear-drive Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe, can also boast of 0-60-mph times of just 3.7 seconds.

Unlike its rivals, though, the BMW M4 still offers a manual transmission. The standard 6-speed manual offers rev-matched downshifts and is the real choice for drivers seeking the most engagement. We also simply prefer it to the optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that isn’t as refined as the competitors’ automatics.

Both the M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible have seating for four passengers, though it’s no surprise that the rear seats are snug. Up front, this current M4 is still based on an older BMW design. That means you won’t get the slick all-digital instrument cluster available in the latest 3 Series or that model’s latest tech.

But this BMW is hardly a dinosaur. There’s a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay integration, leather upholstery, and 14-way-power front seats. The steering wheel is thick and feels great. Controls and buttons to adjust audio and climate controls are easy to use and see. On a practical side, the M4 coupe has split-folding rear seats, while the M4 convertible has a pass-through for longer objects like skis.

The M4 coupe and convertible have similar designs as the standard 4 Series, but the M editions’ 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. In 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. Both models come with 18-inch wheels and high-performance non-run-flat tires.

HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE
Yes, the hardtop adds weight to the M4, but we still think it’s an acceptable trade-off for having two cars in one: a coupe with a metal roof that offers sturdiness and safety, and an open-air cruiser for when the weather is nice. It’s also a differentiator between the M4’s Mercedes rival that uses a fabric top.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Even among BMWs, the M4 is among the rarity still offering a manual transmission. The automaker also hasn’t indicated if the next-gen M3 and M4 will offer one. All that to say, if you still want a new M4 with a manual, you may want to act sooner vs. later.

Aside from its track-ready performance and extra power, the BMW M4 remains a luxury-sports coupe and convertible with a nice roster of premium features. Standard highlights include leather interior with carbon-fiber trim, 14-way-adjustable front seats with 3-stage heating, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, hands-free trunk opening, universal garage remote, and power-folding and heated mirrors.

The standard infotainment system bundles an 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation, 16-speaker Harman Kardon AM/FM/CD audio with HD Radio, SiriusXM, and 20-gig hard drive along with USB input and Bluetooth. With this BMW, you get Apple CarPlay compatibility, but not Android Auto.

Standard safety systems include lane-departure warning, frontal-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and lower-speed automatic emergency braking. The M4 for 2020 also gets three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

The Executive Package bundles a head-up display, surround-view camera system, automatic high-beam control, adaptive LED headlights, and an aid to help steer you into a parallel-parking space.

The Competition Package boosts horsepower to 444, brings 20-inch wheels, a sport exhaust, and tweaks aspects of the M4’s steering, differential, and stability control for higher performance.

Individual options include blind-spot monitoring, moonroof for the coupe and neck warmer for the convertible, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging and Wi-Fi hotspot, and carbon-ceramic brakes for a cool $8,150. The 7-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission is $2,900.

A good investment — and a good time — is the M Driver’s Package that gives you a day of driver training at one of BMW’s performance centers in California or South Carolina. The package also lifts the BWM M4’s top speed from 155 mph to 174 mph.

The BMW M4 uses a twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder that makes 425 horsepower, or 444 if you get the Competition Package. That’s a lot of power, but still less than the Mercedes-AMG C 63, which makes 469 horsepower in standard form and 503 horsepower in the S variant.

The BMW M4’s standard 6-speed manual is a joy to use and our preference, but many buyers will go for the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Rear-wheel drive is the only drivetrain offered. Like other new cars, the BMW M4 uses an engine start/stop system that cuts power at idle. Restarts can be rough, but there’s a button to disable the system.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
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)