Skip advert
Advertisement

evo Car of the Year 2017 - BMW M4 Competition Pack - evo Car of the Year best coupe

Transformed into the car it always should have been, the reworked M4 is the pick of the coupe bunch

The M3’s changed over the years, so much so that it’s now an M4. From the iconic E30 that’s still mourned for its delectable drive through two straight-sixes, a glorious V8 and now back to a ’six but with (whisper it) a brace of turbochargers the M3 has often hit the sweet spot but has also occasionally been somewhat wide of the mark.

Advertisement - Article continues below

And initially the M4 fell into that latter category. It wasn’t a lack of power that was the problem – with 425bhp and 406lb ft of torque it was scorchingly quick – but its chassis could easily be overwhelmed by the savage torque delivery making it a handful, especially in the wet. However, thanks to a series of updates from BMW and a Competition Package all that’s changed.

> Click here for our evo Supertest between the M4 and its rivals 

Comp Pack cars have an additional 19bhp – not that it was desperately needed – but it was the adoption of stiffer springs, recalibrated adaptive dampers, a remapped limited-slip differential and 20-inch alloys that has made such a difference to the way the M4 drives. From wayward wild child to a beautifully judged sporting coupe, the M4’s transformation has been nothing short of miraculous, being so much more predictable and progressive than before. 

The steering has plenty of weight to it and while it might still lack that final nuance of feedback it’s precise and hooked up to a front axle that now bites with real conviction. There’s far more confidence to be had in the front end now and when combined with a slightly less aggressive power delivery and a rear end that’s significantly more predictable it allows you to adjust your line with the throttle. 

The revised damping works a treat and while its ride is firm at low speed it’s not uncomfortable, while at higher speeds there’s more control with the M4 no longer being upset by dips and crests. And of course you can still choose from a myriad of settings for the power delivery, suspension, steering and gearbox to find your perfect set up.

In short, BMW has transformed the M4 from ugly duckling to swan with the latest Competition Package. It comprehensively beat the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63 S in our Supertest (evo 241) and is now good enough to be mentioned in the same breath as the iconic E30 M3. 

Highly commended

Audi RS5: for its thrust, quality of its damping, quattro four-wheel drive and impressive refinement.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS: for its steering, scintillating acceleration and unique handling balance.

evo cars of the year

Supermini: Peugeot 208 GTi by Peugeot SportHot hatch: Honda Civic Type RSports saloon: Alfa Romeo Giulia VeloceSupersaloon: Alfa Romeo Giulia QuadrifoglioSports car: Lotus Elise Sport 220Coupe: BMW M4 Competition PackSUV: Porsche Macan GTSGT: Bentley Continental GTSupercar: McLaren 720SHypercar: Bugatti ChironCar of the year: McLaren 720S

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

evo Car of the Year 2024: Video, contenders and podcast
evo Car of the Year 2024
Features

evo Car of the Year 2024: Video, contenders and podcast

Nine of the best performance cars of last year gather together for the year's biggest test: evo Car of Year 2024.
13 Jan 2025
evo Car of the Year issue 329 on sale now
evo issue 329
News

evo Car of the Year issue 329 on sale now

evo's 2024 Car of the Year issue has arrived – grab a copy in-store or via our online shop to read the spectacular 83-page test
4 Dec 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£8000 savings on Skoda’s Octavia VRS, and you still want an SUV?
Skoda Octavia vRS
News

£8000 savings on Skoda’s Octavia VRS, and you still want an SUV?

Skoda’s Octavia vRS has never been marked down for being too expensive, but with the latest savings to be had it’s even more of a performance car barg…
13 Jun 2025
Caterham 310 Encore is the end of the line for the Ford 1.6
Caterham Seven 310 Encore
News

Caterham 310 Encore is the end of the line for the Ford 1.6

It’s goodbye and goodnight for the Caterham Seven 310, with the 25-strong run of 310 Encores serving as the final farewell
11 Jun 2025
£15k off an Audi RS6 – 621bhp super estate discounted by over 10 per cent
Audi RS6
News

£15k off an Audi RS6 – 621bhp super estate discounted by over 10 per cent

Audi’s V8 titan is near the end of its life and high-spec examples are now available with big discounts
10 Jun 2025