[Jason]

The 2021 BMW M4 Is an Effortless Beast

Fast enough to vanquish supercars yet comfy enough to cruise continents, the G82 leverages an endless talent.

Review: https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews...bmw-m4-review/

[M3ANSPEC]

"Effortless Beast" is the best way of describing this vehicle.

[SYT_Shadow]

Great review, again showing the incredible breadth of character the M has. It's taking the M paradigm of being the ultimate single-car quiver further than ever before.

///M Power

[Vic55]

No big words from me; its just a fucking great car.

[TheBingoBalls]

If it wasn't for the controversial grille, the G8X M3/M4 could arguably one of the best M cars period.

[werdn]

The author is definitely correct that people criticize each new generation of M3/4, until a new one comes out, and the old one is suddenly thought of as super good. Maybe the e46 was the only M3 without much criticism, but I still think the exhaust sounds like a tin can.

[yousefnjr]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

If it wasn't for the controversial grille, the G8X M3/M4 could arguably one of the best M cars period.

More polarizing this time around for sure, but I suppose it’s tradition at this point

https://streamable.com/j7fl23

[Nettles]

Originally Posted by werdn

The author is definitely correct that people criticize each new generation of M3/4, until a new one comes out, and the old one is suddenly thought of as super good. Maybe the e46 was the only M3 without much criticism, but I still think the exhaust sounds like a tin can.

The E46 M3 is probably the most praised of all generations yet it absolutely has the worst sounding exhaust of any generation.M cars have never had great sounding stock exhausts especially compared to the competition.

[Cortexiphan]

Originally Posted by werdn

The author is definitely correct that people criticize each new generation of M3/4, until a new one comes out, and the old one is suddenly thought of as super good. Maybe the e46 was the only M3 without much criticism, but I still think the exhaust sounds like a tin can.

Well, I don't really agree on that. When E46 first came out, it took a lot of criticism mostly around being too luxurious and more like a 'GT' than a sports car: BMW didn't even put electronic stability control to E36 M3 to provide a more 'pure' experience, but E46 had all the nannies. Tiff Needle on Fifth Gear mentioned that. called it a GT. Also, it lost a lot of comparison tests to RS4 of that era.(Like this:

)


I can't imagine G80 losing to anything in its class today. I think G80 is better than E46, even if you compare them with the context of the era they came out. I actually think G80 might be the most 'flawless' M3 ever, which ironically might be its only flaw.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

I can't imagine G80 losing to anything in its class today. I think G80 is better than E46, even if you compare them with the context of the era they came out. I actually think G80 might be the most 'flawless' M3 ever, which ironically might be its only flaw.

Having driven quite a few E46s and E92s (still own one of these), and owned an F82 as well, no way is the G82 flawless.

First, it feels big and heavy (because it is), when you're really pushing it around corners and such.

Second, the steering is super direct, but lacks any amount of feel. It's just numb. It's close to being video-gamish.

Third, the engine/exhaust note is of course not as good as the E9X generation, and doesn't even sound as good as the E46's. It's better than the F82, but that ain't saying much.

I think the G8X has become borderline a super agile GT car, and I really, really like it. But it's a different kind of an M car, definitely more polished and grown up.

The E46 was and still is so incredibly special from a pure driver's experience. Almost the perfect size, also a little heavy (but a featherweight compared to the G8X), superb, sublime steering, a thrilling inline-6 exhaust note (no burbles needed), and just enough space inside to not feel cramped. It truly was a great M car. No, it wasn't perfect, but lord knows this G8X isn't either (and no M has ever been).

As for today's competition, the Alfa Romeo is quite a thrilling alternative, and the C63 still has a bonkers engine that's easily tunable....and it has better steering feel (though not by much), and a better exhaust note (especially if you like burbles).

And we can't forget about the Blackwing CT5V. What a platform, with seemingly better steering feel, just as sporty, a great chassis, and a raucous V8 with loads of torque. Definitely worth cross-shopping one of these, especially for manual enthusiasts.

Again, I really do like my G82, A LOT, but past M cars had their own charm, and definitely evoked a ton of emotion as well. Refinement and extreme capability does have its drawbacks for some enthusiasts. The Blackwing may be the best combo of utter rawness plus refinement. The G8X leans more on the refinement side of the equation...which is good, and bad.

And it's definitely an "effortless beast", which for me, is also good....and bad (but mostly good!).

[WraithM5]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

If it wasn't for the controversial grille, the G8X M3/M4 could arguably one of the best M cars period.

It is one of the best M cars, period.

[spool twice]

Wait...the e46 M3 had superb steering? I could say yes to the ZCP/CSL rack which had a quicker ratio.

The standard M3 had such a slow ratio, in fact, slower than the normal e46 which was more tossible, nimble, and friskier in feel.

For the record: e46 M and non-M , e9x M and non-M, f8x owner, and driven the g8x. Each has their ups, but honestly the last M3 that had great steering was the e36.

The G8x fixed what the F8x lacked, a cohesive feeling front/rear suspension response that the e9x mastered. The F8x cs did to a certain extent, but the G8x went further.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by spool twice

Wait...the e46 M3 had superb steering? I could say yes to the ZCP/CSL rack which had a quicker ratio.

The standard M3 had such a slow ratio, in fact, slower than the normal e46 which was more tossible, nimble, and friskier in feel.

Have driven the E46 ZCP, but not the CSL. I don't think quicker ratios always equate to superb overall steering. So, yes, the E46 standard M3 had excellent steering, in feel and response...even though it was slower in speed. The ZCP was even better. I imagine the CSL was a notch above that.

For the record: e46 M and non-M , e9x M and non-M, f8x owner, and driven the g8x. Each has their ups, but honestly the last M3 that had great steering was the e36.

And I believe you, I've just never driven it.

The G8x fixed what the F8x lacked, a cohesive feeling front/rear suspension response that the e9x mastered. The F8x cs did to a certain extent, but the G8x went further.

100% agree

[FC05]

G8x M cars are not flawless, obviously being too big and too heavy, but just like 992 gen 911 they moved on to not being pure sports car now, they are GT cars that needs to meet the needs.
on the other hand though, G8x M cars are one of the most desired all-rounder on market, almost on par with 911 but with practicality and cheaper too.
Bimmer fans seeking for the pure driving pleasure from past is now long gone, i doubt not even with those new CS or CSL special models bc they will be as big and as sophisticated, as for the new M2 ?? i don't think so either, that's why enthusiasts craze for porsche GT4s' and GT3s'......BMW should rethink and plan for pure small sports coupe again :smaller,lighter,reardrive with stick option and ICE maybe, lol

[Tyga11]

It's easily the best car for the money on the market.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by spool twice

Wait...the e46 M3 had superb steering? I could say yes to the ZCP/CSL rack which had a quicker ratio.

The standard M3 had such a slow ratio, in fact, slower than the normal e46 which was more tossible, nimble, and friskier in feel.

For the record: e46 M and non-M , e9x M and non-M, f8x owner, and driven the g8x. Each has their ups, but honestly the last M3 that had great steering was the e36.

The G8x fixed what the F8x lacked, a cohesive feeling front/rear suspension response that the e9x mastered. The F8x cs did to a certain extent, but the G8x went further.

You have some serious rose tinted spectacles going on! The E36 had a steering wheel the size of the moon and a very slow rack. Still the first M car I ever drove was an E36 M3 Evo and I loved it, so I wont be too hard on the car

The g8x is objectively a very capable, competent, well built all rounder. Improves on everything the f8x was good at, except without the incredible styling. Its a sledgehammer of a machine. If you go into it with that expectation its a great car. If your expecting the emotion and connection of old, luckily BMW have an excellent back catalogue to choose from

[MachinesWithSouls]

I think that the G is a better F in every way, but that's because this is only the second time the M3 was "improved" and not "changed".

I think most would agree that the E46 is superior to the E36 - better NA 6, better looks and handling, etc.

But the E92 had a V-8, making a direct comparison more complicated. Then the F came out and added turbos, changing the formula again. Now the G is similar enough to make a direct comparison simpler.

The Mercedes isn't available with a manual, the Alfa won't start in the morning, and the Cadillac is plastic inside. No one's cross shopping them.

At any rate, my vote goes to the E9X as far as modern M3s go. But the G is up there.

https://machineswithsouls.com/2021/1...s-the-best-m3/

[cfm56d7b]

G80 is a winner and this is yet another data point. Get one before electrification sends G80 and other ICE siblings to the museum.

[spool twice]

Originally Posted by Montaver

You have some serious rose tinted spectacles going on! The E36 had a steering wheel the size of the moon and a very slow rack. Still the first M car I ever drove was an E36 M3 Evo and I loved it, so I wont be too hard on the car

The g8x is objectively a very capable, competent, well built all rounder. Improves on everything the f8x was good at, except without the incredible styling. Its a sledgehammer of a machine. If you go into it with that expectation its a great car. If your expecting the emotion and connection of old, luckily BMW have an excellent back catalogue to choose from

I recall the E46 was worse than than the USDM E36 for ratio.

Definitely both are very high fidelity in feedback, but the steering response was so lazy that I actually enjoyed my B6 S4 more than my e46 M3 when I had both at the same time.

At any rate, the ZCP/CSL rack on the e46 fixed that piece but I must say that stepping from an standard E46 M3 to a E92 335i was a wtf moment that wasn't favoring the e46 m3.

[KiloCo]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

If it wasn't for the controversial grille, the G8X M3/M4 could arguably one of the best M cars period.

I'm a 1st time owner of an M car love the grill.........its best M car, period.

[Hawkdog]

I swear I read this review months ago. Wonder why it’s showing a publish date of today.

[frankoh]

Originally Posted by Vic55

No big words from me; its just a fucking great car.