2024 BMW M4 gets a power boost, but there’s a catch

The 2024 BMW M4 coupe and convertible have followed the lead of the regular 4 Series by receiving a mid-life facelift – but not all variants of the performance car gain the same upgrades.

Following the unveiling of the facelifted BMW 4 Series earlier today, the German marque uncovered its updated M4 ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ (LCI) coupe and convertible twins.

As with the car upon which it’s based, the 2024 BMW M4 gains new-look LED headlights – which produces both its low and high beams from the same module – laser LED tail lights from the M4 CSL, and BMW’s new iDrive 8.5 operating system.

However, the biggest changes to the high-performance M4 have occurred under the skin, with certain versions scoring additional power.

The flagship BMW M4 Competition xDrive’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine now produces 390kW of power and 650Nm of torque – a 15kW increase compared to the current model – which is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Unfortunately the rear-wheel-drive M4s receive no power boost, with the entry-level six-speed manual retaining its 353kW/550Nm outputs, and the M4 Competition continuing to produce 375kW/650Nm.

BMW claims the M4 Competition xDrive can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, though independent tests of the outgoing model have achieved even faster results.

Additional changes to the BMW M4 include a new flat-bottom steering wheel – wrapped in Alcantara and featuring a red 12 o’clock marker – plus a larger BMW Curved Display, which incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a new 14.9-inch infotainment screen.

The BMW M4’s climate controls have now moved to the infotainment display, with the physical buttons removed – following a similar path led by other brands.

BMW M4 coupe buyers can also option a new graphics package, consisting of either High Gloss Red or Black vinyl patterns which are applied to the bonnet and boot lid.

All rear-wheel-drive BMW M4s are equipped as standard with 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, while the M4 xDrive coupe and convertible step up to 19-inch and 20-inch rims, respectively.

BMW Australia is yet to confirm local pricing and timing for the 2024 BMW M4.

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