Yep, another sneak peek at the next BMW M4, but we make no apologies for that: M cars are extremely important on PH. Lots of people want to read about them, watch them, discuss them and buy them, especially so when it concerns the M4 which, as a two-door M3, is about as core M car as it's possible to get.
This next one isn't going to have it easy. While the collective unrest at an 'M4' badge has now subsided, this next car will face a Mercedes-AMG C63 that's better than it's ever been and a facelifted Giulia Quadrifoglio that's due at some point this year - tough competition. As well as that, this G82 M4 will have to incorporate four-wheel drive into the smaller M car recipe for the first time, in addition to the new S58 engine. While ditching rear-wheel drive has posed no problem to the M5, there's no guarantee the same will be true for the M4. And that new 3.0-litre straight-six has so far only featured in the X3 and X4M, neither of which have enamoured many reviewers. Not solely the engine's fault, though hardly a promising sign either.
Then there's the big one: will BMW plonk a great big grille on the 4 Series, and render any reasonable assessment of it impossible? It's still unclear. The Concept 4, a car that's clearly influenced this one, was a handsome coupe spoilt by its schnozz, and this mule suggests similar might be afoot. While the 8 Series-esque headlights are pretty clear to see, any form of intake or grille is still under severe cladding. There's space for a numberplate, at least. But you have been warned...
Still, an iffy grille does not a bad car make, and there's a lot else to be encouraged by. The wheels look similar to those on the previous Comp Pack cars, tucked up nicely in the arches and here in front of some enormous ceramic brakes (note the gold calipers, a BMW trademark). Even through the cladding we can see some nicely blistered rear arches, lending some additional attitude, the familiar quad exhausts and the merest hint of a boot spoiler. It's the textbook M car overhaul, and none the worse for it.
The M4 has been mooted as a 2021 car, though quite what the current situation has done for that nobody yet knows. It would be unlike BMW for both standard 4 Series and M4 to be launched together; given we've not seen the standard 4, perhaps the M is further off than predicted. Then there are motor shows to consider: if a virtual replacement for the cancelled Paris motor show were to happen, the M4 might be seen there - undisguised grille and all. We'll keep you posted!
Images: S.Baldauf/S.B.Medien
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