BMW M4 Concept Coupe Review

patrick_y · 2013-08-19T08:15:44Z

Patrick_y reviews the BMW M4 Concept Coupe, discussing its turbocharged engine, RWD, and the controversial name change from M3. Explore community debate on its performance and design.

patrick_y

WPS member · Automotive forum

11 replies3490 views8 photos

Patrick_y introduces the BMW M4 Concept Coupe, highlighting its role as the successor to the M3 Coupe and discussing key changes. He shares his personal preferences and concerns regarding the new model's engine, drivetrain, and controversial naming convention.

The new BMW M4 Coupe Concept will replace the current M3 Coupe. This current M4 Coupe Concept will closely resemble the actual production version.

The BMW M3 Coupe has been the epitome of performance coupes that are reasonably priced and offer near-super-car performance in a practical and usable package for any family. Starting with the spacious E46 M3, the car really propelled itself into the GT Category in a sense that the car was able to be used for a long-distance trip.

My personal favorite M3 Coupes have been the E46 (produced from 1999 to 2006) and E92 (produced from 2006 to 2013) Versions. I personally feel these cars are wonderful in every way except the brakes could be fixed calipers instead of sliding calipers. BMW has finally addressed this with offering the new M4 Coupe with fixed front brake calipers instead of using the sliding calipers. Although the E46 and E92 had very special engines (particularly the E92 has a V8 engine with eight individual throttle butterflies) that were completely naturally aspirated, they weren't able to continue that tradition, and the latest M4 will be expected to debut with a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection, much to my chagrin. However, that same engine is expected to generate around 450hp and 400 lb/ft of torque! Combined with the greater fuel efficiency, any enthusiast won't be able to resist that engine's power and performance.

Another thing I'm especially pleased with is the fact BMW is not going all-wheel-drive on the M4. Mercedes-Benz and their equivalent AMG line has been starting to produce AWD cars for the US Market. The E63 AMG will soon be an AWD car, much to my chagrin.

Lastly, the M4 does irk me in one annoying way. The car really should've been called the M3. However, BMW is adopting a naming nomenclature of odd numbers will be sedans and wagons, while even numbers will be coupes and convertibles. Unfortunately the coupe will have to be called the M3. A pity because the M3 name carries so much heritage that it is almost blasphemy to not continue to call this car the M3. I definitely prefer the M3 name. In addition to the history bestowed upon the line of M3 cars, the tetraphobia, and finally the fact that "emm-three" sounds better than "emm-four" I just wished we could keep the "M3" name.

Please enjoy the photos below. All photos and video are from BMW GmbH.

New LED eyes.

Notice the special aerodynamic mirrors. This will be exclusive to the M cars.

Notice the crease starts at the front fender and goes across the door and rear fender to the tail lamps. That's one nice character line.

The power dome on the hood is nothing short of impressive. It hints at the power lurking within.

That air dam sure has an aggressive look. Also notice the double slats in the grille.

Finally, a big fixed caliper brake. Looks like a massive six-piston caliper. I was tired of seeing less-performance oriented sliding calipers outfitted on the previous M3 coupes.

Don't know if the production car will have the tri-color racing stripe on the carbon fiber roof. But that would be cool!

Enjoy this video by BMW.

Key Points from the Discussion

The shift to turbocharged engines in modern cars is largely driven by emissions regulations, giving them an advantage over naturally aspirated engines despite potential differences in character and soul.
While acknowledging the philosophical opposition to forced induction, one contributor suggests giving BMW M the benefit of the doubt regarding the new turbo engine, given their consistent excellence in engine development.
The M4 Concept's aggressive front and rear styling is praised, with a preference for 6-cylinder over V8 sound, suggesting the new engine choice might be suitable if it performs like BMW's existing 306 hp engines.
The author expresses concern that the new turbocharged engine, despite its power, may lack the 'magical quality' and sound of the naturally aspirated V8 it replaces, drawing parallels to the V10 engine of the E60 M5.
The reduced weight of the M4 Coupe, under 3,300 lbs, is noted as a significant improvement that will enhance the 'fun factor' compared to previous E9X models.
The author dislikes the 'iPad' screen on the dashboard, believing it will negatively date the car in the future and reiterates his preference for the sound of the old naturally aspirated M3's V8 engine.

The Discussion

Sandgroper

Aug 19, 2013

compared to the M3. Thanks Patrick for the report. Cheers Francois

patrick_y

Aug 20, 2013

I don't dislike the rear either. Can't wait to see it in person. But I think the engine from the E92 M3 Coupe is still much more interesting than this engine. But, we'll see, this engine is going to be a stellar performer for sure!

patrick_y

Aug 20, 2013

I really think this engine will lack a certain magical quality. It may be better in every way, but will the sound and everything else be as magical and enticing as the V8 it replaces? The E60 M5 sedan had a magical V10 engine with a super smooth sound. I miss that engine immensely. It wasn't the most reliable engine (the transmission had the major reliability problems) but it was reliable with some major upkeep. But overall, that car had an interesting quality that the new M5 doesn't have.

Mark in Paris

Aug 20, 2013

I saw these this week-end and I find it absolutley stunning. Very agressive from front or rear but very pure from the side. Even if I'm not a turbo guy, I must say I don't like V8 sound and much prefer 6 cyl. or V10. So The new choice may be the right one if it works like the 306 hp engine they aleady have in the 135i for instance. I wonder how many changes they will make on the final version. Thanks for the pictures Patrick Cheers, Mark

G99

Aug 20, 2013

the western world and especially the EU have introduced emission targets for car companies which means turbos are in and V8's are out. you may not like it, but in 15 years you'll have forgotten all about it. i would love to find an original E30 M3 in good order. slow and poor handling in comparison too modern beemers, but just classic. G.

patrick_y

Aug 20, 2013

But some people will never forget. Remember the old Porsche 911 "993-chassis" with the air cooled engines? Some people will never forget the "good ole days."

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