Skip advert
Advertisement

2024 BMW M4 Competition gets 523bhp, ditches rear-wheel drive

The German sports coupe and convertible gets a facelift but is four-wheel drive only from now on

  • Updates to the exterior and interior
  • Increase in power to 523bhp
  • To start from £84,250

You’re looking at the 2024 BMW M4 Competition, following hot on the heels of the facelifted regular BMW 4 Series. Its predecessor’s somewhat polarising design has been subtly tweaked, although the giant kidney grilles remain, and there’s a helping of extra power to bolster the M4’s already superb performance credentials.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Notably absent from the spec sheet for the M4 Competition is a rear-wheel drive variant. Previously the entry point to the M4 Competition range, BMW has decided to drop this model in favour of its xDrive four-wheel drive system. Prices start from £84,250 with first deliveries expected in April.

What’s new for the 2024 BMW M4 Competition?

The exterior of the facelifted BMW M4 Competition is much the same as the outgoing model, with no changes to the sheet metal. Up front, it gets the new LED matrix headlights from the facelifted 4 Series, along with that car’s intricate laser tail-lights which were previously exclusive to the limited-run M4 CSL. The alloy wheels can now be optioned in silver, alongside the existing two-tone finish.

Inside, the only major change to speak of is a redesigned central air vent, surrounded by a new trim piece – carbon fibre is optional. The curved digital display introduced in 2022 remains, now running BMW’s latest operating system with M-specific features. Also new is the steering wheel and its pair of accompanying carbon fibre gearshift paddles.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Under the bonnet, there are no physical changes to the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine but through software wizardry, BMW M engineers have unlocked an additional 20bhp, raising the total to 523bhp. Despite the extra power, acceleration times remain the same, with the coupe launching from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and the heavier convertible only 0.2 seconds behind. While other markets get the non-Competition M4 with a six-speed manual gearbox, the eight-speed automatic is still the only option in the UK.

The biggest departure from the outgoing M4 Competition is the lack of an entry-level rear-wheel drive variant. BMW has removed the cheaper and lighter model from the lineup, instead offering the M4 Competition solely with its xDrive four-wheel drive system. This is unlikely to deter many customers, as xDrive can switch between four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, while also providing better traction in slippery conditions and quicker acceleration off the line.

How much will the 2024 BMW M4 Competition cost and when can I order one?

The BMW M4 Competition xDrive starts from £84,250. That’s marginally more expensive than the outgoing rear-wheel drive M4 Competition, but is actually around £2,400 cheaper than the equivalent, outgoing M4 Competition xDrive. The convertible variant costs from £88,255. With an extensive and often pricey options list, expect those starting prices to inflate once you’ve selected a few extra niceties.

BMW has scheduled the first deliveries for April. We expect the same tweaks to find their way to the BMW M3 saloon and estate models later this year too.

The BMW M4 will face stiff rivalry from its German competition. Read about the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 53…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mazda MX-5 review – the benchmark affordable sports car
Carbuyer Best Convertible Award – Mazda MX-5
In-depth reviews
4 Dec 2024

Mazda MX-5 review – the benchmark affordable sports car

MINI Cooper Convertible review – more modern, but just as fun as before
MINI Cooper Convertible front quarter
In-depth reviews
20 Nov 2024

MINI Cooper Convertible review – more modern, but just as fun as before

Audi TT coupe review (2014-2023)
Audi TT Coupe
In-depth reviews
6 Nov 2024

Audi TT coupe review (2014-2023)

MINI Convertible review (2016-2024)
Best Convertible: MINI Convertible
In-depth reviews
6 Nov 2024

MINI Convertible review (2016-2024)

Most Popular

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you
Vauxhall Frontera front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2024

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024