2025 BMW M4 Competition Review: Midlife Refresh with More Power, Smarter Tech – How Does it Compare?
Watch Vicki Butler-Henderson give her verdict on the 2025 BMW M4 Competition:
Join Vicki Butler-Henderson as she explores the updated BMW M4 Competition, a high-performance coupé that combines cutting-edge design, exhilarating power, and refined technology. Starting at £84,000, this M car combines precision engineering with bold design, and with its midlife update for 2025, it’s sharper and more refined than ever.
Specifications
Price: From £84,000
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six
Power Output: 523 bhp, 650 Nm of torque
Transmission: 8-speed M Steptronic automatic
0-62 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 174 mph (with optional M Driver’s Package)
Exterior & Design
The BMW M4 Competition makes a bold statement with its aggressive styling and functional design. The oversized kidney grille, though divisive, has become a defining feature of the M4’s identity, ensuring it stands out from the crowd.
Updates from the midlife refresh include sleeker headlights that give the front end a sharper, more focused look, and newly designed multi-spoke alloy wheels that enhance the car’s athletic stance. The carbon-fibre-reinforced roof, a staple of BMW’s M models, is both stylish and functional, lowering the car’s centre of gravity for improved handling.
For those who want to amplify its sporty aesthetic, the Carbon Pack (£4,000) adds carbon-fibre detailing to the mirrors, front air intakes, rear diffuser, and boot spoiler. The addition of gold brake callipers, available with the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes (£7,500), further enhances its motorsport-inspired look while signalling upgraded stopping power.
At the rear, quad exhaust pipes and a subtle boot spoiler highlight its performance pedigree, making the M4’s exterior a perfect blend of boldness and sophistication.
Interior & Technology
Inside, the M4 Competition combines luxury with a driver-focused design. The cabin features premium materials like leather and carbon fibre, though some soft-touch plastics detract slightly from the high-end feel. Optional carbon bucket seats (£12,000) offer superb support for spirited driving while remaining comfortable enough for longer journeys.
As part of the midlife refresh, BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5 has been introduced, powering a more intuitive infotainment system. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a rotary controller make it easy to use, while the optional Ultimate Pack (£13,000) adds even more conveniences, including a heated steering wheel and semi-autonomous driving aids.
Wheels & Tyres
The M4 Competition comes equipped with stylish multi-spoke alloy wheels. These wheels are paired with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, renowned for their exceptional grip, stability, and performance. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by DriverReviews users, these tyres provide the confidence and control needed to extract the M4’s full potential, whether carving through corners or cruising at speed.
These tyres were also named Best Tyres for High-Performance Cars in the DriverReviews Customer Choice Awards, a testament to their capabilities in both everyday driving and spirited performance scenarios.
Engine & Performance
The updated 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine now delivers 523 bhp, a boost over the previous model, making the M4 Competition xDrive quicker and more exhilarating. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes just 3.5 seconds, with the optional M Driver’s Package (£2,500) pushing the top speed to 174 mph.
The xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures exceptional grip and stability, giving the M4 a planted feel in all conditions. However, for driving purists, the system can be switched to rear-wheel drive, transforming the M4 into a playful machine that lets the rear wheels take control. This dual configuration offers versatility for both high-performance driving and everyday usability.
The M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, distinguished by their gold callipers, provide superior stopping power and reduced fade during high-performance driving. This upgrade also reduces unsprung weight, enhancing the car’s handling dynamics. Paired with the xDrive system, these brakes ensure confidence and control, whether on the road or the track.
Driving Experience
The BMW M4 Competition is designed to excel on any road. Its adaptive dampers deliver a firm but controlled ride, striking a balance between comfort and precision. Steering is sharp and communicative, giving drivers confidence through tight corners or high-speed manoeuvres. Body control is excellent, making the M4 feel agile and composed despite its 1,850 kg weight.
For track enthusiasts, the M Drift Analyser adds a fun, interactive element, letting you track and fine-tune your cornering skills. Whether you’re carving through winding B-roads or cruising on the motorway, the M4 feels like a car that’s always ready for more.
Practicality
Despite its focus on performance, the M4 Competition is surprisingly practical for daily use. The rear seats are snug but suitable for occasional passengers or extra storage, while the boot is large enough for weekend luggage. If you need more versatility, the M3 saloon offers greater space without compromising performance.
Vicki’s Verdict
“The M4 is an absolute wolf in sheep's clothing, albeit one that has been sheared for the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week. And once you have clambered into that seat, you will not want to move, the whole car just pivots around you.”
With sharper looks, added power, and enhanced technology, the 2025 BMW M4 Competition is a true evolution of an iconic performance coupé. While optional extras can push the price well beyond £100,000, the result is a car that rewards drivers with every turn of the wheel.
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