When I've seen it announced - I've laughed. Year later - it's my next car on the list to buy when my current lease ends... The design really grew on me
These look better in the flesh than I thought, especially in dark colours, but they've crossed a design line (too superficially aggressive and over-done) that means I wouldn't want one.
I heard from a few people saying in the flesh they could live with this design and it's not as bad. My opinion did not change seeing this on the road it's as hideous as in the pictures
It's always going to be subjective, but I for one agree - if anything I thought it looked worse in person - it's fussy and gapped and out of proportion all over the place.
I would argue that it’s worse in the flesh than in the pictures. And that the nose is the least of its worries when it comes to looks. The whole shape of the current four series is just hideous.
@John Peter looks wise? No. Every gen before this is better looking. This car performs well based on all its reviews though. Still. M cars used to be motor inspired road cars. Not anymore.
JayEmm congratulations on 200k subscribers, you have reviewed some of the best cars out there with your honest opinion some of it burst my bubbles as a petrol head. Your channel has grown on me and damn it took time due to your brutal reviews which I truly cherish this channel for so well done.
every car ive driven i check jays review afterwards and he's always 100% spot on. while looking for a hot hatch i drove a fabia vrs (mk1 and 2), r56 jcw, abarth 595 competitzione, fn2 type r, ep3 type r, audi s3, fiesta st, and golf gti and every observation i had jay picked up on it and other stuff that i thought 'yeah actually that was the case'. he truly is the best in the business atm i reckon, and ill take his opinion on a car far more seriously than any other youtuber or journalist.
I fear this will become the face of future models, appealing mostly to the US and Chinese markets. For a similar list price (not sure about PCP) I'd go for the classy, more exclusive and practical Alpina B3 Touring and fly under the radar......
@@gaara4667 in 2-3 years time, and PCP deals end simultaneously, guess the second hand values will take a hit..... assuming the current world issues, don't further exacerbate production....
100% agree that they look better in person than on photos and videos. I still prefer the smaller grille style, but it's certainly better than I thought when I first saw photos of the early ones. Overall styling seems to have gone a bit over the top, like the more modern Civics, but it's still a nice looking car. The interior is great, I have a 70 plate 330e and it looks like an improved version of that inside, so it gets my vote.
Same, I cannot say for sure as I don't own or drive cars like this. Whilst not on too small a budget, I buy new hatchbacks cars like this would be a struggle for me but this stuff does trickle down. More settings than a smartphone, touch screen infotainment heating controls, all of those sticking out bits around the outside begging to be bashed off in a super market car park and I hate to think how much all of those adaptive dampers and other gadgets cost to replace.
I have to agree. I think it is car manufacturers justifying increasingly sky high list prices, (only affordable if you’re signing your life away on finance) building in obsolescence, increased maintenance costs for the future and the opposite of what the should be doing which is developing cars which will be reliable over a long period. But of course they wouldn’t make so much money out of that approach so ‘short termism’ rules sadly 😔
That's never going to happy. The USP of these cars is their technology and people always want the latest and "best" (look at iPhones for example) so these cars will continue to get more and more complicated.
I started off hating it's looks, but after while, it started to grow on me. After the test drive I ended up ordering one. It is such a good car to drive than it's predecessor.
I actually like the looks of the new M3/4... I think they're a great piece of design. I heard it said once that great design should evoke a visceral reaction and this most certainly achieves that. You either love it or you hate it, but nobody has no opinion of it and I like that. Maybe I'm just deliberately obtuse.
No true, most previous 3-series was well received as great designs from day one, with exception of the E36 and the E46 even if the Coupe was much better. Also who ever said the Jaguar E-type that came in the 1960`s "needed time" to be appreciated? And it`s regarded as the greatest design of all times. Fair enough some designs improve with time, but sadly not this BMW. And it will NEVER be regarded as a great design, same as the E36. Well of course not every BMW can be a great design, that would be boring.
I've seen a few out and about now and the front is awful but the side and rear profiles are even worse, there is too much car above the rear wheels. The way the front grill folds over the bonnet makes it looked that it's been stretched backwards like a bad facelift. The wheels don't help either, overly fussy. From the company that gave us the 163M wheels, some of the best looking wheels of the last few decades. I didn't even consider a BMW when I last bought a car, they were my favourite marque throughout my 20s.
Sadly performance car design at the moment is dominated by excessively fussy scoops and creases. BMW have really taken the cake on it with this horrific beast though. Bet it's a pain in the arse to clean too.
God I completely agree. I've been saying this since it came out. The front is pretty average/bad, but the side profile and back is awful. It's so bloated and it makes the back wheels look tiny.
Ironically that green colour everyone is buying is the one that makes the front grille look the worst in my opinion. I saw one on the road the other day and it's different but not as offensive as you might think though; I could certainly live with it. The carbon seats look way too fussy to me and I think I'd go with the standard one in preference. As far as gearbox is concerned, I'm a big fan of ZF auto's and I don't think I would care that the shift speed is a bit slower than a DSG equivalent or even an earlier ZF type. 99% of everyone's driving is going somewhere (in auto), and the other 1% you might shift with the paddle. It's just a non issue really.
When I first seen pics of the new grill I 🤮 but when I started seeing them out and about and walked up on one I really liked it. For me the "seeing it in the metal" really applied! Btw that green color is sexx🔥🔥
It’s more than shift speed. There are more parasitic power losses through a torque converter than through clutches. A DCT is superior in every way. Going to a torque converter is a clear regression.
I disagree. I think with the m340i front end, the M3 would have been too generic and less special. Having owned the new car, the smaller grills on the last gen m3/m4 look tiny and disproportional to me. :)
It will be interesting to see what people will think about the looks 10-12 years from now, maybe it will age well, even tough today is more like love it or hate it. I saw yesterday a review of the newest Lexus LX600h in the top spec posible, have a look on that one front grill, it might change your opinion about BMW grills 😁
Chap, there's dimensions, and there's intégration. M front end is just awefull and not well integrated. Lexus, has big grills but well integrated, as audi or even Peugeot.
I’m fortunate enough to have owned a manual v8 M3, a 67 plate M3 comp dsg, a 21 plate m3 2wd and now the m4 xdrive. The v8 was an aural pleasure but driving the thing was almost lethal in the wet; it couldn’t pull away at roundabouts without wheel spin and drama. The 67 plate model only came alive at speeds that were fine on a track but not on the road. The xdrive trumps the 2wd because it can be both. In 4wd mode, its traction through the twisties is very assured. My goodness, it shifts and overtakes in a blink of an eye. When you’re driving it, looks are irrelevant. Now even the looks have settled in; it looks strong and unique. Anyway…. another great video prompting a response 👍
I looked at a new model, wasn’t a fan so bought another F80. Sure it’s not as fast, or as composed but it has character is much prettier and the old gear box makes the car feel special.
I have a rental company and I was really against this car but … it got requested enough for me to buy it … HONESTLY ITS AN AMAZING CAR and I got used to the front grill seeing it a lot . It’s a white M3 with Hermes orange carbon seats.
I thought i was the only person who thought the e92 was their favorite m3. Slowly starting to see more people like it as time goes on. A lot of people just labeled it as fat and heavy for the time, which it kinda was but you don't feel that at all when you're driving it. It could use a little more torque but besides that I think its a gem of a car.
Come on, an 8250rpm V8 M3 that doesn't weigh that much more than the older E46 is bound to have some cult following at the very least. I love it when it was new, and I still love it today. More than E46, surprisingly.
@@AntoniusTyas yea its my favorite bmw ever. Its definitely heavier though its 500 lbs heavier than the e46. You don’t really feel it though imo. E92 is s great chassis.
Really fair review. I happened to be given one as a courtesy car following some numpty crashing into my f82 cp. I was indifferent but wanted to know what it drove like. Amazing, never thought I'd say this, but the design grew on me. Hopefully this year or next I will be trading my much loved f82cp for the g82 - in stunning sao paolo yellow. Amazing daily and for people with family!
Just cant deal with bmw styling the past decade. The M2 is the only “looker” of the last two generations….. the new one undoing such in true BMW tradition.
Loving these new style reviews (with the use of maker stock footage and your voice over) These are like the old proper car reviews that Top Gear and Fifth Gear used to do decades ago but with a great modern twist. This was before they turned into increasingly silly 'entertainment' shows that were more about childish, brainless, hideously scripted and poorly acted challenges. These all had little to do with cars (the whole reason I was watching the show was for the cars!) and more to do with lowest common denominator 'comedy' (eg 'Hammond you blithering idiot', 'here comes Mr Slow' etc.)
Having seen both M3 and M4 in real life, I found myself agreeing with you, James. I genuinely love it. I thought I was going to hate it after seeing the press photos, but in the flesh it's stunning. Especially in ridiculous colour like Sao Paulo Yellow or IoM Green. I want mine in Mexico Blue, please. Or Fire Orange. EDIT: I always maintain that the new M4 is the true modern-day Supra. It's kind of heavy, it got big-powered twin turbo straight six, it's a two-door 4-seater coupe, kind of expensive, fast as all hell, and is terrifyingly tuneable.
Love your thoughts on the colors. As for the Supra take, I find that quite interesting. I hadn’t considered the Supra, but it makes sense. I called it a German take on the Nissan R35 launch from the 2000’s only with all the options you wanted Nissan to have for that car. Manual, auto, RWD, AWD, coupe, and sedan with a reliable gearbox, underrated power, and highly capable on a backroad.
Very nice car. I’d get a more bright colour and cognac colour interior. The artificial interior sound would have to be disabled. Love the wheels on this car they remind me of concept cars of when I was younger. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
A very nice review. I watched 24 minutes and no minute of it was boring. I do not agree with so many haters. Front of the car is awesome as well as the back. I have only one problem in the side profile. Hoffmeister kick was replaced but I am not sure it has the ideal lines. Well done BMW. I wish I will have the money to buy it. It is definetely a Porsche beater with it's all around ability.
I feel morally wrong for loving these, Grille included. Maybe love is a bit of a strong word since my favorite BMWs will be when they were shoving V10s in everything, but this is as good as we're gonna get in this day and age.
So many people say the looks 'grew' on them. A car costing this much should not have to grow on anyone. No one said the E30, E46 or F80 had to grow on them.
I violently disagree with the direction of BMWs styling department. This looks fine from the rear, but the front-end would benefit from being driven into a hedge at high speed.
That's because it does not give the impression of going across and over the bumper line... BMW broke their own design code, but the G82 M needed all that extra air intake.
I'm sure that it's brilliant. Even the looks have grown on me. But why soften the top performance model with torque converter autos and 1800kg when you can just satisfy the needs of the average driver with a lesser model? Especially since, price wise, you're paying for the best that BMW can offer in the segment...
Unfortunately the DCT can't handle the torque and the m5s kept munching transmissions. Instead of developing that which costs money its easier to stick then tried and tested slush box in everything
Great review of the car and it seems like a lovely piece of machinery. I was distracted severely and bloody impressed by the Rick Flair shirt. Bloody tremendous!
The problem I find with its desing is that if has grown to be a gt, rendering the previous 6 series coupe a bit useless, and also gaining that extra size, to allow BMW to kill the 3 series GT, and make the gran coupe 4 series big enough to compensate and cover than niche too, making the 4 series platform a bigger bulkier car with not very usable backseat, which even in an M2 has. So for the first time in some generations, I think I'd rather have the 4 door because one of the things that I loved about the 4 series were the big fenders, and the "mustangy" coupe has lost them because of all the above mentioned
For me the front was never a problem. I always had more issues with the proportion of front and rear, which somehow seems out of balance to me - with too much rear for too little front.
When I picked my f82 up, the dude had a new m3, had them side by side.. just not right at all f82 80 is superior on the outside.. but inside well, the new interior is amazing
While I'm not a fan of any of bmw boosted engine's noise (I have a n54 myself, and it just sounds like....noise coming out of the exhaust, the turbo spool and blow off noise is much cooler than the exhaust) I actually kinda like the way the s55 cars sounded from the inside at least. They have a gruntier more muscle noise (some of which is piped in) it kinda matches the grunt of the torquey in comparison S engines.
“For your younger driver who’s looking to upgrade from a golf GTI this is probably gonna be too much of a financial leap” Damn it…me sitting here looking at the classifieds for these with a wrx parked outside.
It was designed for a specific purpose. If you want a road car buy a M340 M440. Looks have nothing to do with it's capability that will be sorely wasted on the A56.
Good point tbh. But still what percentage of people buy these for their intended use? A very small margin will actually track them. Its like land rover and there offroad capabilities. Used mainly for picking up the kids.
@@s4ms0n1t3 yeah, the range rover is an expellent offroader when I do buy one I'm definitely going to offroad it even though its a Chelsea tractor haha
The main reason I'd have the xDrive over RWD is so I can pull away from lights easier. Though apparently the RWD is a bit magical with regards to grip, so maybe it'd still be fine.
JayEmm: For a historical reference to the new large BMW grilles, go look at the 'kidneys' on a '67ish 200CS. I had one in Euro trim in the US. I can't say that I like new grills on the 3s or 4s. Keep up the great work. Cheers.d
Just bought a used '21 plate G82. I agree with nearly everything...except the comments about the gearbox and the brakes. I find Comfort brakes too soft in comparison to Sport (Plus) everything else. The Sport brake mode is pretty nice. The ZF gearbox seems to be very fast and massive improvement of the last ZF I used (a '17 330d). Downshifts are fast and upshifts feel instant to me in the most aggressive mode. Maybe I have not yet discovered the situations where it is not. This is the most powerful car I have owned, my previous being a Q60 RS. The G82 is utterly exhilarating!
I found the new m4 comp xdrive quite grippy on the road compared to the 2019 model when I reviewed it for my channel. Sao Paulo yellow is very eye catching!
12:00 - It must be because I came from the notoriously narrow-rear-tired W204 C63 before driving an F80 M3 that I find the latter's power delivery in the wet or dry to be perfectly fine. If you're delicate with throttle application (don't read that as driving slowly, but moving your ankle precisely) it should be fine.
Still not convinced I'd have one of these over an M2 comp/CS.In the UK probably none of them are any quicker in reality than those superhatches RS3 etc or even those really hot hatches...Type R etc. Why have one car when you could have 2 cars on the drive which could fulfil two totally different experiences.
@@andyhunt457 it’s the running costs of insurance and tax and servicing and the fact you can only drive one at a time. The M4 is best of both worlds and that’s why it’s always been a favourite. I looked at 2 cars myself but I’d rather drive an M4 all the time. I have a M2c right now and it’s going for an M4x next week.
@@mattx4253 It's still cheaper to run two cars in comparison if you spend 20k less.An M4 isn't a lightweight sports car or a luxury 4 door saloon or what other combination you care to have.
My local Porsche dealer's(that is right i tried 3 of them) wouldn't let me order a Porsche 911 Carrera S in New Jersey even though I just got a Macan S. They would only let me have an allocation for a regular 911 and the dealer adjusted makeup was 10-15% OVER LIST PRICE! One even told me I can't let you order a 911 unless you buy a used 911 first becasue I can not just sell 1 car and you would help us out more. So I took the hit lost 15 grand on the Macan S and trade in that piece of crap for a 2025 M4 Competition xDrive. I will never look back and keep the BMW forever. The BMW dealer was even nice to me unlike the Porsche dealers who told me they were doing me a favor.
Splitting the kidney grill in half with the license plate helps. Probably the first time a front plate actually improved a car’s looks. The profile is totally Ford Mustang.
I will say the strut brace is a thing I totally feel opposite about. The previous one was always looks over function, so much so that it was quite embarrasing they put it there; think fake vents times a hundred. Halfords stick on carbon fiber hood scoops level bad. I guess they knew what they were doing since some people apprently thought it worked (including you?), but even BMW themselves will gladly admit it was pretty much just for looks. In that regard, the new item has the potential of actually doing something, so I am glad they took that route and got rid of the poser stuff. Time will tell if there are more people that understand function, or who prefer the looks. Not holding my breath to be honest if even a reasonably knowledgable car guy such as Jayemm seemingly didnt know that, or preferred it just looked cool. Anyway, the best news is about the steering, No BMW that isnt hydraulic has impressed me, the F series variable rack being horrible for my tastes. Hopefully this is better.
cannot shift the rear wheel drive cars dealers as everyone is after all wheel drive! spoke to number of dealers and was 14 cars (new) in stock but all rear wheel drive! just got me a spot for xdrive for late may and that was only because cancel order! got over 4k off price so not bad deal really
The m3 used to look muscular but still agile, this thing looks far to big and bulky and has far to many messy lines. It doesn’t have nice wheels though
To each his own, but I just don't understand why they keep saying the front grill of the new M4 is controversial. I totally love the new grill. It makes the car look like a fighter jet. The only reason the grill is ugly is due to putting a huge license plate over it. Now that's ugly!!
Been across country from Oxford to Hereford and back today in my G20 M340i xDrive and I cannot comprehend what the engine in this must be like. The B58 already goes like a banshee and part of me (the really dull part) fails to see the point of anything more. Yeah, I know… Not really the point.
An interesting thing (possibly) is my previous M4 F82 (poverty spec version), had the Competition dampers as standard. BMW seem to have a habit of tweaking their cars subtly over their lifetime and it's not unknown for parts from the next version up, to creep into the adjacent model below.
I understand that Evolve Automotive (Evaero) can supply new bumpers for the new M3/M4 with smaller kidney grills and identical air flow. Makes the cars look sharp again, much, much better….
People with Cup2's are less of an issue, because generally you will get the feeling on UHP tyres (Cup2's being like UUUHP+) that you have no grip and you simply can get to any speed to even get a crash. The worst are the ones of all season tyres who think they are invincible despite have no experience whatsoever of how to handle the car in wintry conditions... and that is why I hate all season tyres - they give you confidence all the way until you hit the patch which is frozen over and then studently there is absolutely not grip. Yes all season tyres works great on slush and wet snow, but on ice the yare exactly the same as summer tyre. Except with summer tyre you will be taking corner at 20MPH knowing you have no grip and it is better not to push the luck, with all seasons you maybe taking same corner at 60MPH, because all the way until there they felt very reassuring... And as with all accidents - it is not the speed which kills, it is choosing wrong speed for give situation that does and people on all-seasons in UK drive like it's bloody summer.
@@tonymoreton7166 Had one and found it overrated nice noise perfect balance, but found the engine dominates, and rod bearings actuators , small tank you worry about the oil is it warm enough, road tax, BMW warranty on engine /month. Just found better car for the performance. Cheaper tax and fuel.
@@incognito96 Your opinion & fair enough. Personally, I buy an M3 for the engine to 'dominate'. Not worried about fuel economy. Had actuators done, no issue with rod bearings. Fully serviced, 115k miles & no issues other than consumables/wear items. As a daily it's perfect for me. I have another toy for proper engine noise.
Totally wrong about the Porsches although I do see why you may have thought it. 781 was launched early 2016 and GTS announced only 18 months odd later (iirc though it took a fair while for cars to start arriving) The 992 though was a return to form. Car has been out since late 2018 but GTS didn't arrive till mid to late 2021 (almost 3 yrs from launch)
Having owned multiple previous M 3s,5s and one 6 as well as an E9 CSL this looks appalling...sounds like otherwise it is a good car. However I wouldn't buy one - totally unnecessary of BMW to make the front end look so utterly appalling - great review though!!!
Came across your site and watched the video as I have an M4 Competition which I really like. Subscribed as I enjoy your pithy commentary style--so Brit-like to us Americans. The car is a perfect combination of luxury and performance--nothing in its class is quicker or better built, and the quality of the materials inside is top notch. On my black car, the grill looks perfect--and is needed as cooling is a big requirement for this engine. It is 100% functional. The vast majority of haters couldn't afford the car in the first place. Sour grapes are cheap money...Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
It’s not that bad in person. But that’s not saying much. I would totally get this if the front was different but it looks like I’m going for a 911 or I’m eye the Emira as well.
When I've seen it announced - I've laughed. Year later - it's my next car on the list to buy when my current lease ends... The design really grew on me
Still hate the grill but I’d forgive it for the performance
These look better in the flesh than I thought, especially in dark colours, but they've crossed a design line (too superficially aggressive and over-done) that means I wouldn't want one.
"Too superficially aggressive?" Like your statements. I couldn't figure out my own dislike? Thank you.
no they don't - at best they're tolerable in the flesh but still hideous, the car is waaaaaay too big too
@@ryanhall9347 These look massive in person but the worse offender is the Porsche Taycan it looks as wide as a bus.
@@WarrenF New Porsche 911s are also massive
it is still the worst car design since the fiat miltipla
I heard from a few people saying in the flesh they could live with this design and it's not as bad. My opinion did not change seeing this on the road it's as hideous as in the pictures
It's always going to be subjective, but I for one agree - if anything I thought it looked worse in person - it's fussy and gapped and out of proportion all over the place.
I would argue that it’s worse in the flesh than in the pictures. And that the nose is the least of its worries when it comes to looks. The whole shape of the current four series is just hideous.
Each generation out weighs the previous. Longer, wider, fatter.
Previous generation m4 CS is simply beautiful compared to this.
This gen looks like a mustang from the side
@John Peter looks wise? No. Every gen before this is better looking. This car performs well based on all its reviews though. Still. M cars used to be motor inspired road cars. Not anymore.
@John Peter the m2 cs is a very good looking car
JayEmm congratulations on 200k subscribers, you have reviewed some of the best cars out there with your honest opinion some of it burst my bubbles as a petrol head. Your channel has grown on me and damn it took time due to your brutal reviews which I truly cherish this channel for so well done.
every car ive driven i check jays review afterwards and he's always 100% spot on. while looking for a hot hatch i drove a fabia vrs (mk1 and 2), r56 jcw, abarth 595 competitzione, fn2 type r, ep3 type r, audi s3, fiesta st, and golf gti and every observation i had jay picked up on it and other stuff that i thought 'yeah actually that was the case'.
he truly is the best in the business atm i reckon, and ill take his opinion on a car far more seriously than any other youtuber or journalist.
I fear this will become the face of future models, appealing mostly to the US and Chinese markets. For a similar list price (not sure about PCP) I'd go for the classy, more exclusive and practical Alpina B3 Touring and fly under the radar......
I agree entirely with your comment but, tbh, just wanted to reply purely because of your youtube name! Looks like I've a twin! 😂
Just hope aftermarket steps up
@@gaara4667 in 2-3 years time, and PCP deals end simultaneously, guess the second hand values will take a hit..... assuming the current world issues, don't further exacerbate production....
I'd take the saloon b3
Just to help out...no, we don't like the front end in the U.S., either.
100% agree that they look better in person than on photos and videos. I still prefer the smaller grille style, but it's certainly better than I thought when I first saw photos of the early ones.
Overall styling seems to have gone a bit over the top, like the more modern Civics, but it's still a nice looking car.
The interior is great, I have a 70 plate 330e and it looks like an improved version of that inside, so it gets my vote.
The editing on this channel is absolutely first class, this could literally be a finished tv episode. Great reviews great presenting 👌
The new M cars actually look fine until you remember what the E92 and the 1M look like
Those look great, but I think the F series was the pinnacle for looks.
@@RB-xv4si nahhhh e36/46/9x was peak bmw
E92 hasnt aged that well. F80 cs is the best looking modern M car.
@@grtbgf e9x still turns heads and looks incredibly modern for a 14+ year old design. The F8X were definitely beautiful as well.
@@grtbgf are you talking about the rear end? The front end has definitely aged very well
these modern cars convince me of that we need to go back to simpler, more sensible cars and styling
Same, I cannot say for sure as I don't own or drive cars like this. Whilst not on too small a budget, I buy new hatchbacks cars like this would be a struggle for me but this stuff does trickle down. More settings than a smartphone, touch screen infotainment heating controls, all of those sticking out bits around the outside begging to be bashed off in a super market car park and I hate to think how much all of those adaptive dampers and other gadgets cost to replace.
I have to agree. I think it is car manufacturers justifying increasingly sky high list prices, (only affordable if you’re signing your life away on finance) building in obsolescence, increased maintenance costs for the future and the opposite of what the should be doing which is developing cars which will be reliable over a long period. But of course they wouldn’t make so much money out of that approach so ‘short termism’ rules sadly 😔
This gen m3/m4 is way more sensible and divided opinion as a result
That's never going to happy. The USP of these cars is their technology and people always want the latest and "best" (look at iPhones for example) so these cars will continue to get more and more complicated.
Why?
BMW used to make beautiful cars. Now they make other cars look beautiful.
Hence why the sales are through the roof
Thats amazing information about BMW: ua-cam.com/video/9yj9W9Zi6IY/v-deo.html
I started off hating it's looks, but after while, it started to grow on me. After the test drive I ended up ordering one. It is such a good car to drive than it's predecessor.
I actually like the looks of the new M3/4... I think they're a great piece of design.
I heard it said once that great design should evoke a visceral reaction and this most certainly achieves that. You either love it or you hate it, but nobody has no opinion of it and I like that.
Maybe I'm just deliberately obtuse.
The issue is that most reactions are either they hate it or they can 'live' with it. Very very few people proclaim to love it.
No true, most previous 3-series was well received as great designs from day one, with exception of the E36 and the E46 even if the Coupe was much better. Also who ever said the Jaguar E-type that came in the 1960`s "needed time" to be appreciated? And it`s regarded as the greatest design of all times. Fair enough some designs improve with time, but sadly not this BMW. And it will NEVER be regarded as a great design, same as the E36. Well of course not every BMW can be a great design, that would be boring.
I've seen a few out and about now and the front is awful but the side and rear profiles are even worse, there is too much car above the rear wheels.
The way the front grill folds over the bonnet makes it looked that it's been stretched backwards like a bad facelift.
The wheels don't help either, overly fussy. From the company that gave us the 163M wheels, some of the best looking wheels of the last few decades.
I didn't even consider a BMW when I last bought a car, they were my favourite marque throughout my 20s.
Sadly performance car design at the moment is dominated by excessively fussy scoops and creases. BMW have really taken the cake on it with this horrific beast though. Bet it's a pain in the arse to clean too.
I just cant get into this design. I would go M5 if I had to buy new. At least the body lines work. Inside and out, a car has to completely wow me.
I totally agree, this model will go into history as a failed design, same as the E36, only the E36 is actually better...
I think these look worse in the flesh, they're huge cars and the styling lacks taste or subtly
God I completely agree. I've been saying this since it came out. The front is pretty average/bad, but the side profile and back is awful. It's so bloated and it makes the back wheels look tiny.
Ironically that green colour everyone is buying is the one that makes the front grille look the worst in my opinion. I saw one on the road the other day and it's different but not as offensive as you might think though; I could certainly live with it.
The carbon seats look way too fussy to me and I think I'd go with the standard one in preference.
As far as gearbox is concerned, I'm a big fan of ZF auto's and I don't think I would care that the shift speed is a bit slower than a DSG equivalent or even an earlier ZF type. 99% of everyone's driving is going somewhere (in auto), and the other 1% you might shift with the paddle. It's just a non issue really.
When I first seen pics of the new grill I 🤮 but when I started seeing them out and about and walked up on one I really liked it. For me the "seeing it in the metal" really applied!
Btw that green color is sexx🔥🔥
It’s more than shift speed. There are more parasitic power losses through a torque converter than through clutches. A DCT is superior in every way. Going to a torque converter is a clear regression.
@@RB-xv4si I don't doubt it is technically superior, I'm just saying that in the real world its irrelevant 99% of the time.
@@RB-xv4si agreed!
@@ric355 in the real world, people buy M cars because they want something special. The new transmission is not special.
For those who hate the grill there is a mod that splits it in half without relying on the number plate and actually looks good and OEM.
If only the m3 had the regular front end like was rumoured at first, could have been my next car
Sadly the aftermarket bumpers that I've seen arent much better either.
@@grtbgf the prior design one actually looks better
The M340i is still a LOT of car and has the 'regular' front....
@@cconcannon5145 exactly. and easy M3 power with some simple mods
I disagree. I think with the m340i front end, the M3 would have been too generic and less special. Having owned the new car, the smaller grills on the last gen m3/m4 look tiny and disproportional to me. :)
Those are looks only a mother could love. But the BMW sheep will still buy it in their droves.
I appreciate that you call modifications, modifications and not 'mods'. Thank you.
It will be interesting to see what people will think about the looks 10-12 years from now, maybe it will age well, even tough today is more like love it or hate it. I saw yesterday a review of the newest Lexus LX600h in the top spec posible, have a look on that one front grill, it might change your opinion about BMW grills 😁
Chap, there's dimensions, and there's intégration.
M front end is just awefull and not well integrated.
Lexus, has big grills but well integrated, as audi or even Peugeot.
10 years from now everything will be EV and EVs don't need grills at all
@@TriniZx3 Now I kinda root for WW3
I’m fortunate enough to have owned a manual v8 M3, a 67 plate M3 comp dsg, a 21 plate m3 2wd and now the m4 xdrive. The v8 was an aural pleasure but driving the thing was almost lethal in the wet; it couldn’t pull away at roundabouts without wheel spin and drama. The 67 plate model only came alive at speeds that were fine on a track but not on the road. The xdrive trumps the 2wd because it can be both. In 4wd mode, its traction through the twisties is very assured. My goodness, it shifts and overtakes in a blink of an eye. When you’re driving it, looks are irrelevant. Now even the looks have settled in; it looks strong and unique. Anyway…. another great video prompting a response 👍
For all intensive purpouses, the car itself is probably a treat to drive, but dear god that grill..
For all intents and purposes?
Yes that grill is minging
I looked at a new model, wasn’t a fan so bought another F80. Sure it’s not as fast, or as composed but it has character is much prettier and the old gear box makes the car feel special.
F80 FTW!
I have a rental company and I was really against this car but … it got requested enough for me to buy it … HONESTLY ITS AN AMAZING CAR and I got used to the front grill seeing it a lot . It’s a white M3 with Hermes orange carbon seats.
calling KO orange hermes is rich lol
I thought i was the only person who thought the e92 was their favorite m3. Slowly starting to see more people like it as time goes on. A lot of people just labeled it as fat and heavy for the time, which it kinda was but you don't feel that at all when you're driving it. It could use a little more torque but besides that I think its a gem of a car.
Come on, an 8250rpm V8 M3 that doesn't weigh that much more than the older E46 is bound to have some cult following at the very least. I love it when it was new, and I still love it today.
More than E46, surprisingly.
@@AntoniusTyas yea its my favorite bmw ever. Its definitely heavier though its 500 lbs heavier than the e46. You don’t really feel it though imo. E92 is s great chassis.
My E90 M3 DCT comp is my favourite M car Ive had and I’ve owned E36 and E46 beforehand. They’re just too brittle to run now they’re 10+ years old.
incredible timing James as I saw one yesterday for the first time (same colour) & i think it looks fantastic. bold.
Pictures don’t do this justice in person its like a supercar
It drive like a Super car too. I enjoyed 10,000 miles so far since March 2021 .
Detailed video which addressed many real world concerns with the car without unnecessary glorification. Thanks for this!
Really fair review. I happened to be given one as a courtesy car following some numpty crashing into my f82 cp. I was indifferent but wanted to know what it drove like. Amazing, never thought I'd say this, but the design grew on me. Hopefully this year or next I will be trading my much loved f82cp for the g82 - in stunning sao paolo yellow. Amazing daily and for people with family!
Brave colour choice. I commend you for going bold. Individual colours are amazing too but those are expensive.
Why do BMW go through these phases of making their cars look so bloody ugly....?
Market research: majority of buyers in Chy-na love this design, and there are more buyers there than anywhere else.
Someone once said to me, and I haven't been able to unsee it since, that the new M4 looks like one of Michael Bay's Transformers shagged a pig.
Just cant deal with bmw styling the past decade. The M2 is the only “looker” of the last two generations….. the new one undoing such in true BMW tradition.
I’m now used to the front of the G82 M4 and G80 M3.
Loving these new style reviews (with the use of maker stock footage and your voice over) These are like the old proper car reviews that Top Gear and Fifth Gear used to do decades ago but with a great modern twist. This was before they turned into increasingly silly 'entertainment' shows that were more about childish, brainless, hideously scripted and poorly acted challenges. These all had little to do with cars (the whole reason I was watching the show was for the cars!) and more to do with lowest common denominator 'comedy' (eg 'Hammond you blithering idiot', 'here comes Mr Slow' etc.)
BMW M and Ric Flair are a combo I didn't expect but I welcome very much
Having seen both M3 and M4 in real life, I found myself agreeing with you, James. I genuinely love it. I thought I was going to hate it after seeing the press photos, but in the flesh it's stunning. Especially in ridiculous colour like Sao Paulo Yellow or IoM Green.
I want mine in Mexico Blue, please. Or Fire Orange.
EDIT: I always maintain that the new M4 is the true modern-day Supra. It's kind of heavy, it got big-powered twin turbo straight six, it's a two-door 4-seater coupe, kind of expensive, fast as all hell, and is terrifyingly tuneable.
Love your thoughts on the colors. As for the Supra take, I find that quite interesting. I hadn’t considered the Supra, but it makes sense. I called it a German take on the Nissan R35 launch from the 2000’s only with all the options you wanted Nissan to have for that car. Manual, auto, RWD, AWD, coupe, and sedan with a reliable gearbox, underrated power, and highly capable on a backroad.
Not the review I was expecting but haven't driven one yet so will be exited to see what it's all about.
Very nice car. I’d get a more bright colour and cognac colour interior. The artificial interior sound would have to be disabled. Love the wheels on this car they remind me of concept cars of when I was younger. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
The darker colour hides the grille
A very nice review. I watched 24 minutes and no minute of it was boring. I do not agree with so many haters. Front of the car is awesome as well as the back. I have only one problem in the side profile. Hoffmeister kick was replaced but I am not sure it has the ideal lines. Well done BMW. I wish I will have the money to buy it. It is definetely a Porsche beater with it's all around ability.
It somehow looks overly styled and crushingly boring at the same time
@@Lewis1995 baffled anyone can think this looks boring
I feel morally wrong for loving these, Grille included. Maybe love is a bit of a strong word since my favorite BMWs will be when they were shoving V10s in everything, but this is as good as we're gonna get in this day and age.
So many people say the looks 'grew' on them. A car costing this much should not have to grow on anyone. No one said the E30, E46 or F80 had to grow on them.
A lot of people hated the F80 when it came out. Now people love the F80
@@verde629 no one ever complained about the looks. They complained about the turbo charged engine and lack of traction.
I violently disagree with the direction of BMWs styling department. This looks fine from the rear, but the front-end would benefit from being driven into a hedge at high speed.
🤣🤣🤣
I found it odd that BMW can get the grille design right with the CSL 3.0 Hommage Concept, but not with G82.
That's because it does not give the impression of going across and over the bumper line... BMW broke their own design code, but the G82 M needed all that extra air intake.
Some say, you have to see something 32 times before you start accepting/ remembering it. Love that spec save the black wheels
The E92 M3 was love at first sight….. and still is today.
I'm sure that it's brilliant. Even the looks have grown on me. But why soften the top performance model with torque converter autos and 1800kg when you can just satisfy the needs of the average driver with a lesser model? Especially since, price wise, you're paying for the best that BMW can offer in the segment...
Unfortunately the DCT can't handle the torque and the m5s kept munching transmissions. Instead of developing that which costs money its easier to stick then tried and tested slush box in everything
They should offer a towbar as a free option then.
Great review of the car and it seems like a lovely piece of machinery. I was distracted severely and bloody impressed by the Rick Flair shirt. Bloody tremendous!
I like the looks. It’s good to be different. Why does everyone want to be the same ? I love it
Looks like a Mustang....now I cannot get that out of my brain. 90k GBP....that is a lot.
The problem I find with its desing is that if has grown to be a gt, rendering the previous 6 series coupe a bit useless, and also gaining that extra size, to allow BMW to kill the 3 series GT, and make the gran coupe 4 series big enough to compensate and cover than niche too, making the 4 series platform a bigger bulkier car with not very usable backseat, which even in an M2 has. So for the first time in some generations, I think I'd rather have the 4 door because one of the things that I loved about the 4 series were the big fenders, and the "mustangy" coupe has lost them because of all the above mentioned
For me the front was never a problem. I always had more issues with the proportion of front and rear, which somehow seems out of balance to me - with too much rear for too little front.
When I picked my f82 up, the dude had a new m3, had them side by side.. just not right at all f82 80 is superior on the outside.. but inside well, the new interior is amazing
While I'm not a fan of any of bmw boosted engine's noise (I have a n54 myself, and it just sounds like....noise coming out of the exhaust, the turbo spool and blow off noise is much cooler than the exhaust) I actually kinda like the way the s55 cars sounded from the inside at least. They have a gruntier more muscle noise (some of which is piped in) it kinda matches the grunt of the torquey in comparison S engines.
“For your younger driver who’s looking to upgrade from a golf GTI this is probably gonna be too much of a financial leap”
Damn it…me sitting here looking at the classifieds for these with a wrx parked outside.
Great in depth video buddy 👌👏🎬
The grill will grow on people and the M4 is very spec dependent
The rear end of this car is so good.
Bit too fiddly
It was designed for a specific purpose. If you want a road car buy a M340 M440. Looks have nothing to do with it's capability that will be sorely wasted on the A56.
Good point tbh. But still what percentage of people buy these for their intended use? A very small margin will actually track them. Its like land rover and there offroad capabilities. Used mainly for picking up the kids.
@@s4ms0n1t3 yeah, the range rover is an expellent offroader when I do buy one I'm definitely going to offroad it even though its a Chelsea tractor haha
Glad you could finally get your mits on the M4. Wonder why BMW were worried about an honest and informative (and actually quite positive) review!?
Beats me, BMW PR have never even replied to any of my mails. Maybe they aren't getting them!
The main reason I'd have the xDrive over RWD is so I can pull away from lights easier. Though apparently the RWD is a bit magical with regards to grip, so maybe it'd still be fine.
Yes Jay. The M3 should have used the same grille as the 3 series and the M4 as the 4 series. Perspicacious
JayEmm: For a historical reference to the new large BMW grilles, go look at the 'kidneys' on a '67ish 200CS. I had one in Euro trim in the US. I can't say that I like new grills on the 3s or 4s.
Keep up the great work. Cheers.d
Just bought a used '21 plate G82. I agree with nearly everything...except the comments about the gearbox and the brakes. I find Comfort brakes too soft in comparison to Sport (Plus) everything else. The Sport brake mode is pretty nice. The ZF gearbox seems to be very fast and massive improvement of the last ZF I used (a '17 330d). Downshifts are fast and upshifts feel instant to me in the most aggressive mode. Maybe I have not yet discovered the situations where it is not.
This is the most powerful car I have owned, my previous being a Q60 RS. The G82 is utterly exhilarating!
@@Kefuddle hey, looking at a g82 too also, live in London, do you have the RWD or the AWD? And if so any issues when driving? Thanks
I found the new m4 comp xdrive quite grippy on the road compared to the 2019 model when I reviewed it for my channel.
Sao Paulo yellow is very eye catching!
12:00 - It must be because I came from the notoriously narrow-rear-tired W204 C63 before driving an F80 M3 that I find the latter's power delivery in the wet or dry to be perfectly fine. If you're delicate with throttle application (don't read that as driving slowly, but moving your ankle precisely) it should be fine.
Still not convinced I'd have one of these over an M2 comp/CS.In the UK probably none of them are any quicker in reality than those superhatches RS3 etc or even those really hot hatches...Type R etc.
Why have one car when you could have 2 cars on the drive which could fulfil two totally different experiences.
Cost.
@@mattx4253 You can get 2 cars that offer more than 1 M4 for less money.See James own selection for example
@@andyhunt457 it’s the running costs of insurance and tax and servicing and the fact you can only drive one at a time. The M4 is best of both worlds and that’s why it’s always been a favourite. I looked at 2 cars myself but I’d rather drive an M4 all the time. I have a M2c right now and it’s going for an M4x next week.
@@mattx4253 It's still cheaper to run two cars in comparison if you spend 20k less.An M4 isn't a lightweight sports car or a luxury 4 door saloon or what other combination you care to have.
My local Porsche dealer's(that is right i tried 3 of them) wouldn't let me order a Porsche 911 Carrera S in New Jersey even though I just got a Macan S. They would only let me have an allocation for a regular 911 and the dealer adjusted makeup was 10-15% OVER LIST PRICE! One even told me I can't let you order a 911 unless you buy a used 911 first becasue I can not just sell 1 car and you would help us out more. So I took the hit lost 15 grand on the Macan S and trade in that piece of crap for a 2025 M4 Competition xDrive. I will never look back and keep the BMW forever. The BMW dealer was even nice to me unlike the Porsche dealers who told me they were doing me a favor.
"Good morninig ladies, gentlemen and everybody in between"
That was a good one
Few of these popping up for sub 50k with less than 10k on clock. So tempted Jay!!
I just got 11% off a new M4 competition. Look around for new unregistered cars at dealerships and haggle the shit out of them!
The grille looks OK on darker colours but it’s still a bit shocking with lighter paint colours
Splitting the kidney grill in half with the license plate helps. Probably the first time a front plate actually improved a car’s looks. The profile is totally Ford Mustang.
I will say the strut brace is a thing I totally feel opposite about. The previous one was always looks over function, so much so that it was quite embarrasing they put it there; think fake vents times a hundred. Halfords stick on carbon fiber hood scoops level bad.
I guess they knew what they were doing since some people apprently thought it worked (including you?), but even BMW themselves will gladly admit it was pretty much just for looks.
In that regard, the new item has the potential of actually doing something, so I am glad they took that route and got rid of the poser stuff. Time will tell if there are more people that understand function, or who prefer the looks. Not holding my breath to be honest if even a reasonably knowledgable car guy such as Jayemm seemingly didnt know that, or preferred it just looked cool.
Anyway, the best news is about the steering, No BMW that isnt hydraulic has impressed me, the F series variable rack being horrible for my tastes. Hopefully this is better.
cannot shift the rear wheel drive cars dealers as everyone is after all wheel drive! spoke to number of dealers and was 14 cars (new) in stock but all rear wheel drive! just got me a spot for xdrive for late may and that was only because cancel order! got over 4k off price so not bad deal really
The m3 used to look muscular but still agile, this thing looks far to big and bulky and has far to many messy lines. It doesn’t have nice wheels though
I really like the looks of it too...I don't type that lightly either.
To each his own, but I just don't understand why they keep saying the front grill of the new M4 is controversial. I totally love the new grill. It makes the car look like a fighter jet. The only reason the grill is ugly is due to putting a huge license plate over it. Now that's ugly!!
Been across country from Oxford to Hereford and back today in my G20 M340i xDrive and I cannot comprehend what the engine in this must be like. The B58 already goes like a banshee and part of me (the really dull part) fails to see the point of anything more. Yeah, I know… Not really the point.
Absolutely loved the analogy about the drunk friend
An interesting thing (possibly) is my previous M4 F82 (poverty spec version), had the Competition dampers as standard. BMW seem to have a habit of tweaking their cars subtly over their lifetime and it's not unknown for parts from the next version up, to creep into the adjacent model below.
I understand that Evolve Automotive (Evaero) can supply new bumpers for the new M3/M4 with smaller kidney grills and identical air flow. Makes the cars look sharp again, much, much better….
I just googled it. It's not perfect but its so, so much better than the stock version.
People with Cup2's are less of an issue, because generally you will get the feeling on UHP tyres (Cup2's being like UUUHP+) that you have no grip and you simply can get to any speed to even get a crash. The worst are the ones of all season tyres who think they are invincible despite have no experience whatsoever of how to handle the car in wintry conditions... and that is why I hate all season tyres - they give you confidence all the way until you hit the patch which is frozen over and then studently there is absolutely not grip. Yes all season tyres works great on slush and wet snow, but on ice the yare exactly the same as summer tyre. Except with summer tyre you will be taking corner at 20MPH knowing you have no grip and it is better not to push the luck, with all seasons you maybe taking same corner at 60MPH, because all the way until there they felt very reassuring... And as with all accidents - it is not the speed which kills, it is choosing wrong speed for give situation that does and people on all-seasons in UK drive like it's bloody summer.
From the thumbnail, the proportions are more akin to suv than sportscar lol
I can’t get over how much the new M4 has gone up in price from the original, list price is 20k more
Nice one Jay, if you're ever up in West Canada I've got the a m4CS for you to review. I think you will find some of the same refinements
They are already dropping the "beaver tooth" "venetian blinds" grille on the newer models.
I just got mine last week, its a thing of beauty. GEEEEEEEEEZ
Still sticking with my E92.
Slow by comparison & drinks like Oliver Reed, but manual, NA, & no depreciation.
Overrated Im afraid.
@@incognito96 No need to be afraid pal.
@@tonymoreton7166 Had one and found it overrated nice noise perfect balance, but found the engine dominates, and rod bearings actuators , small tank you worry about the oil is it warm enough, road tax, BMW warranty on engine /month. Just found better car for the performance. Cheaper tax and fuel.
@@incognito96 Your opinion & fair enough. Personally, I buy an M3 for the engine to 'dominate'. Not worried about fuel economy. Had actuators done, no issue with rod bearings. Fully serviced, 115k miles & no issues other than consumables/wear items. As a daily it's perfect for me. I have another toy for proper engine noise.
Nice, you've produced another gem. I think it looks awesome.
Cool review JayEmm. Do you think you can do a review on Nissan Maxima maybe the 2003 model?
Totally wrong about the Porsches although I do see why you may have thought it.
781 was launched early 2016 and GTS announced only 18 months odd later (iirc though it took a fair while for cars to start arriving)
The 992 though was a return to form. Car has been out since late 2018 but GTS didn't arrive till mid to late 2021 (almost 3 yrs from launch)
Best m3 ever obviously. Looks amazing today and will in 20 years. The manual transmission works incredibly well on this car
Shit looks like something from gta, ugly front, mustang side and lexus rear
@@gabrielpokrajac3955 @Gabriel beta male
Imagine liking your own comments. 😂
Was waiting for this one, I do actually like the new M4 :)
Having owned multiple previous M 3s,5s and one 6 as well as an E9 CSL this looks appalling...sounds like otherwise it is a good car. However I wouldn't buy one - totally unnecessary of BMW to make the front end look so utterly appalling - great review though!!!
Is this the same gearbox as in the M340i?
Came across your site and watched the video as I have an M4 Competition which I really like. Subscribed as I enjoy your pithy commentary style--so Brit-like to us Americans. The car is a perfect combination of luxury and performance--nothing in its class is quicker or better built, and the quality of the materials inside is top notch. On my black car, the grill looks perfect--and is needed as cooling is a big requirement for this engine. It is 100% functional. The vast majority of haters couldn't afford the car in the first place. Sour grapes are cheap money...Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Welcome to the channel Michael
Cracking car by all accounts but for me the M2 CS is the one all day long at that money !
Jayemm
You have been summoned to do a review on the Jaguar XJ220
Please accept the challenge!
☺️
It’s not that bad in person. But that’s not saying much. I would totally get this if the front was different but it looks like I’m going for a 911 or I’m eye the Emira as well.
I've seen a few and they look better with dark colours when the grill is blacked out. But see one with a brighter colour and it's doesn't look good.