Meet the facelifted BMW M4 Competition xDrive! Though the controversial grille design has been carried over, the all-paw version of the high-performance 2-door model has gained even more power…
The facelifted BMW M4 Competition has broken cover, as part of the refreshed 4 Series range. While the Munich-based automaker has opted to retain the high-performance 2-door model’s divisive oversized grille design, it has also seen fit to hand the all-paw Competition variant’s straight-6 engine even more power.
Yes, the LCI (that’s Lifecycle Impulse, in BMW Speak) version of the G82-generation M4 Competition xDrive – which will again be available in both coupé and convertible form – has had its twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 motor suitably uprated.
Again set to be manufactured at the BMW Group Dingolfing plant in Germany, the refreshed M4 family is scheduled to hit initial markets soon after production commences in March 2024. BMW Group South Africa says the facelifted 4 Series range is due to touch down in Mzansi in the 3rd quarter of the year.
While the standard M4 that isn’t offered in South Africa sticks with the 353 kW/550 Nm engine tune (and the likewise rear-driven Competition stays at 375 kW), the Competition-badged xDrive derivatives have had their peak power output hiked by 15 kW to 390 kW (on tap at 6,250 r/min). Though maximum torque is unchanged at 650 Nm, it’s now available over a slightly wider rev range (from 2 750 to 5 730 r/min).
As before, M4 Competition models employ an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission in conjunction with the German firm’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The M4 Competition xDrive’s claimed 0-100 kph time remains 3.5 seconds, while the M4 Competition Convertible xDrive’s sprint likewise holds steady at 3.7 seconds. Top speed is listed as 250 kph, a figure that climbs to 280 kph (for the soft-top) or 290 kph (for the coupé) with the optional M Driver’s Package specified.
So, with the kidney grille design carried over, what has BMW changed on the exterior of the M4? Well, the LED headlights have been revised, while the LED taillights now feature laser technology and a likewise fresh layout.
Look even closer and BMW says you’ll notice a new design for the surrounding surface of the both the BMW logo and the M logo at the rear of the Competition models. In short, the base of the famous roundel is now finished in high-gloss black, while the M badge on the read lid gains a silver surround. As you can see in the accompanying images, BMW has also rolled out (thankfully optional) M design graphics for the coupé’s bonnet and the rear lid.
In addition, the M forged light-alloy wheels gain a new design, with Competition models using 19-inch items at the front and 20-inch items used the rear. Inside, you’ll find fresh steering-wheel designs (either a flat-bottomed leather-trimmed tiller or an Alcantara ‘wheel) and control elements as well as new materials for the instrument panel and interior trims.
Finally, there’s the latest version of the high-resolution BMW Curved Display, now based on the BMW Operating System 8.5. As a reminder, this set-up comprises a 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel and a control monitor with a 14.9-inch diagonal.
