2021 BMW M4 Base 6-Speed Manual - POV First Impressions

MSRP: From $71,800, as tested: $93,795
Power: 473 hp / 406 lb-ft
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Curb weight: 3,830 lbs
MPG: 16 city / 23 highway
Tires: Front 275/40/R18 / Rear 285/35/R19
Options:
Portimao Blue Metallic $550
Yas Marina Blue/Black Full Merino Leather with Yellow Accent $2550
M Drive Professional $900
19/20" M Double-spoke bi-color wheels, with performance non-run-flat tires $1300
M Carbon Ceramic Brakes $8150
Individual Shadowline Lights $300
M Carbon Bucket Seats $3800
Carbon Fiber Trim $950
M Driver's Package $2500
Destination & Handling $995
Total MSRP $93,795
TheTopher on Instagram: / thetopher2
Need a Bluetooth OBD-2 reader? Order FIXD for only $20 with my affiliate link (normally $60)! bit.ly/3eDN8gN
-The best place to get tires: bit.ly/2JyRg3j
The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are highly recommended!
0:00 Walkaround
5:18 POV Driving Impressions
19:52 Final Thoughts
23:15 Harman Kardon Sound System Test
24:03 Final Thoughts Continued
Here's the equipment I use (with affiliate links):
-GoPro Hero8 Black amzn.to/2GmeGW0
-Binaural Audio - Roland CS-10EM Microphones amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Connected to & powered by the Zoom H2n recorder amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Don't forget the Hat Clip mount for that perfect POV angle: amzn.to/2GW7nmd
Sound system test track playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/3D9...
You can help support the channel by whitelisting TheTopher on your browser's AdBlock or becoming a patron: / thetopher
Facebook: / thetopheryoutube
I'm also the producer for the Winding Road KZbin Channel:
/ windingroadmagazine
Thanks for watching!

[@TheTopher]

Here's the track review on this M4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpXUo5h9ebl7hJI Also a detailed list of all the options on this M4: Portimao Blue Metallic $550 Yas Marina Blue/Black Full Merino Leather with Yellow Accent $2550 M Drive Professional $900 19/20" M Double-spoke bi-color wheels, with performance non-run-flat tires $1300 M Carbon Ceramic Brakes $8150 Individual Shadowline Lights $300 M Carbon Bucket Seats $3800 Carbon Fiber Trim $950 M Driver's Package $2500 Destination & Handling $995 Total MSRP $93,795

[@xFlared]

Money too mucho!

[@sn5837]

'Base' car 🤪

[@jimmypena2442]

Id get rid of the carbon ceramics but itd still be close to 100k

[@NS416]

Take off the bucket seats and ceramic brakes. Boom, a great car.

[@Adam-xp2fl]

all that to get gapped from a honda

[@Mr1wd]

Now the cramped rear passengers can fight back by tickling the front passenger through the lower seat hole.

[@YoungCarWiz]

😂

[@parkeryoung2624]

Fax bro

[@chris347438]

I’d have to have a sign warning people not to do that because I’d for sure cause an accident 😰

[@--LZ---]

@@chris347438 Have you never experienced the joy of having an unwanted ear massage from behind while driving? :)

[@kthprnt]

@@--LZ--- creepy

[@biyonnanayakkara97]

Beemer fans are gonna love this one, i love manuals, who else loves manuals?

[@Mustafa-db8gi]

I do! Sadly, high end car manufacturers are removing manual variants day by day. Good to see BMW not doing the same.

[@o_o-_-8639]

@@Mustafa-db8gi also Mazda as far as I know they still make you have the choice anyway a nice day 🙂

[@jacekdomagala1188]

F83 6 speed owner I love it every time I get to drive.

[@OPrebu]

As an average car enjoyer, absolutely love them for the traditional feel to driving.

[@clyde.x]

Yes you love manuals but can you drive manuals?

[@ThisMoth]

You know he crosses the speed limit when he blurs the speedometer. :D

[@cashmoneymar9531]

Great observation 😂👍

[@jpusaf1999]

You’re so smart… 😭

[@Ibtisam2412]

@@cashmoneymar9531 who wouldn’t have seen that🤣

[@ajan6335]

Was just about to say😆

[@MJT-DA]

Cops: BUT JUDGE HE WAS SPEEDING Judge: i don't know what the speed was going at so he wasn't

[@kristians2704]

BMW and Porsche are the only ones who are keeping manuals alive!

[@tyrequ5303]

I feel like Toyota doesn’t care about manuals

[@homerles]

@@tyrequ5303 they have the gr yaris which is manual

[@hades.97]

Dont forget the Camaro

[@alexegg]

Honda: ......

[@m3chan1zr]

@@tyrequ5303 The manual transmission Corolla has active rev matching. I wish they would expand it to more models

[@hirzaahmadmutahari6987]

One of the reason i prefer BMW than Mercedes, they still make manual

[@nicktune1219]

Ever since the E90/92 the M3 has been more fitting with the DCT than the manual. While it's cool that they offer a manual, most modern performance cars are just better suited with an auto. Cars these days are not as playful as they used to be. The only cars that really go well with a manual are Porsches and lower powered performance cars (gt86, Miata, civic type r).

[@dancinglizard3080]

Its better than throwing away v8s for 4 cylinder turbos and hybrids 🤷‍♂️

[@lujr2225]

@@nicktune1219 Rsx Type S!

[@caglioso]

@@lujr2225 that was the car right there

[@user-he8rl4sm3k]

Yea, but I wish they'd update the steering wheel man it looks so plain. I want the flat bottom

[@anthh3255]

Me: Msrp at $70k? Ok, not bad. “As specced $90k” Me: *Wallet puckering intensifies*

[@Jdplayz-bq4ys]

@Frank Dux no not really I haven't been seeing BMW markups more for bigger manufactures.

[@adriangonciarz]

Still good. In Poland it starts at $120k

[@user-xt8pw4jn6e]

@@adriangonciarz love polish sausage

[@adriangonciarz]

@@user-xt8pw4jn6e me too😂

[@PatlayanSuruculer91]

@@adriangonciarz still good its 300k in Turkey taxation is theft

[@voqzmk2]

I love the design of this car, I hated the new front design of BMW, but now it's looking amazing! It really grew on me

[@fridagylterud9491]

I don`t like the new front design.. the old design was much better in my opinion

[@jasonhalloween]

Still trying to grow to like it, but definitely engine wise and interior wise, it’s pretty amazing.

[@437765513]

@@fridagylterud9491 one day you'll love it. It's inevitable. Same thing happened for me with the Lexus front, took me 3 years to go from despising it to admitting they were ahead of their time

[@revaholic]

I can sort of deal with the big grille on the M3 and M4 because it is an aggressive design...but the regular 440i looks horrible

[@canadiangoose4078]

@@revaholic yea agreed i think the m4 suits it the best, ive seen many 440i's in real life and man, its kinda yikes.

[@grizzle273463]

MY GOD! I love the POV you spoiled us with. Great narration, superb POV, good sound and everything else. 3 thumbs up.

[@quill1260]

I absolutely adore the new BMW front end. I think it looks so incredibly tough and beastly; I find it bizarre that people hate it.

[@TheTopher]

Beavers are pretty amazing creatures 🦫

[@wg8290]

I enjoy this channel and your reviews. You literally don't get all negative about the car you're reviewing and seem to enjoy whatever you are reviewing. I would watch you review a Smart Car and still enjoy it. Thank you!

[@andrewhopkins1677]

Those roads are so empty and beautiful! What a blessing to live somewhere like that

[@allaboutsboyzz4737]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZC8koiHf6aEibc

[@eXoguti094]

I bought a 2005 M3 since I couldn't quite afford this one, and I didn't want to drop to previous gens because if I could ever afford this one, I wanted the generation leap to be substantial where I would like to keep both because they're so different. I'm loving my M3, and I cannot wait to own this one! Based on everything owners/reviewers say, the G80 looks like a standout

[@certi_cmaster8368]

a 2005 M3 is still an amazing and special car man, it can still gap most cars out there bro, you should be really proud of your purchase!

[@daviskalvans4304]

I currently own a E46 M3 coupe manual and 2016 M4 coupe manual, the generation leap is substantial indeed but both cars are fun in their own ways

[@billyz4025]

Honestly, the grill looks okay after seeing that in person.

[@gabrielmza7390]

Saw the car yesterday and thought the same thing!

[@after_midnight9592]

If you need a licence plate to somewhat hide a hedious design, you know there's a problem with it.

[@Milkinporsche]

Being followed by one of this actually send chill down your spine because of the front grill, but everything else is absolutely gorgeous!

[@CryptoJoeTrading]

that has to be the coolest interior from a factory I've ever come across well done BMW

[@oversteer6771]

The dash design is very ugly… 🤨

[@oversteer6771]

@Var vlad and you do?

[@higurro]

Even cooler than Volvo Atacama maybe... I'd have paired it with a neutral exterior, probably black as that would hide the front grille

[@benjaminboutwell5174]

Thanks for letting me know that there are still manufacturers who understand that some people like to row their own gears!

[@kristians2704]

Say what you want about the grilles, but BMW has the coolest colour options for both the exterior and interior

[@Nabilllllll]

They’re not? Those blue interior is not something ground breaking at all? you can pretty much get it with any premium branded car.

[@fbi49]

@@Nabilllllll Just wondering what cars do you know of that have a blue interior that is a standard option?

[@Nabilllllll]

@@fbi49 First of all the blue interior and exterior on the Bmw is not a STANDARD option. The exterior portimao blue cost 550$ and the blue merino leather is another 2550$ option in usa.

[@Nabilllllll]

@@fbi49 You can get blue interior in other premium branded car such as the lexus. Lexus RC F offers blue interior since 2018, so is it ground breaking? no

[@nvl2691]

@@Nabilllllll Mercedes doesn't. Nor does Audi. Nor do any other premium German manufacturers. Not groundbreaking, but certainly unique by today's standards. I wouldn't call a Lexus anything else than unique.

[@snakebites1134]

So obsessed with this car I’ve watched this video like 50 times.

[@jijokoshyksjijo3989]

manual..😍

[@AdrianKurian]

9:43 Chris thought he was driving the automatic all of a sudden 😂

[@anthonyfourkas5774]

I can't believe they actually gave this generation blinkers. So useful, finally

[@andrewroberts6930]

Not a BMW fan at all but I love my stick shifts. The way the engine sings when he hits the highway. I could listen to that all day! Save the manuals!

[@slasheerr946]

I always get surprised to see that this channel does not have a lot of subscribers, this channel is easily worth of million subscribers, Topher is great and been the same for years now, that he is genuine and humble! :) Quick question, where in states have those beautiful roads and temps still at 42? Here in NYC it feels like this state is now outside of Earth and is bit closer to the sun lol :D 100 degree days :C

[@rajarafe8736]

This m4 looks amazing and that’s an understatement. Never been a fan of bimmers but mannnnn

[@rajarafe8736]

Manufacturers need to stop with the delayed speedometers, our eyes can keep up wit the speed of the numbers LMAO

[@alh06]

The previous M4 looks better

[@Mustafa-db8gi]

Insane car! It would be really nice if you have a foot cam for manual car reviews so that we can see the rev matching.

[@mikehunt4783]

When I see this car it really seems like bmw is going back to its roots. It reminds me a lot of a e30

[@splkzyy]

Nothing like a cold start😍

[@gt3sam193]

the g8x styling has really grown on me over the last months, would 100% take a m3 over an m4.

[@sunnysaenngarm5375]

same. the proportions of the m3 are more appealing to me

[@infidel900rr]

Great review, love your positive approach. You didn't follow the path of the naysayers. thanks!

[@after_midnight9592]

Nobody dares to criticize anything these days, that's the problem with the world. Everything looks good, everything performs good, everything is nice, everything is awesome,... You can't say that grill looks like dog shit, if you want more BMWs for the chanel, that's the core issue with all YT reviews/promotors.

[@user-yy4ux9zf4r]

How did i just now find this channel? Great video

[@tonymaszara8046]

As always great vid! I have to ask, what was the ride quality of the m3/m4 like (especially on those MI roads) compared to the ct4v blackwing? Also overall thoughts on one vs the other?

[@dlo7950]

The seats are awesome I’m just not a fan of the crazy bright color combos.

[@julianc8240]

I agree, the exterior doesn't match the inside, the inside screams bright colors and custom, but the exterior is just 'stock'

[@rickyanthony]

So what? you can spec yours in grey and black when you buy..They are just preferences

[@rootsmanuva82]

Having a manual makes even mundane drives around town infinitely more engaging. With an automatic the transmission upshifts to 6th, 7th and 8th at 40-50 mph. I test drove an MK 7.5 GTI with a manual and absolutely loved it coming from an MK6 with a DSG. I forgot how fun a manual was. I ultimately chose an MK7 GTI Sport with the DSG simply because it was $8,000 cheaper even though it had the same amount of miles and was just as well cared for (a 2017 vs. a 2019 makes a big difference in price). Sometimes (but not always) I wish I had a manual. The DSG is phenomenal in its own right though.

[@aldenino2019]

Now THIS is the spec to get! Will be selling for top $ on Cars&Bids 10 years from now

[@M4NA5]

Funny you think this car would still be functional in 10 years

[@kristians2704]

@@M4NA5 why wouldn’t it?

[@bim1376]

@@M4NA5 you have a Jaguar in your profile picture and you’re talking about reliability lol

[@JamesConnor116]

@@M4NA5 You ain’t gonna say anything anymore? Come on! *Don’t be shy!*

[@DDJJAAYY]

@@bim1376 😂😂😂

[@jacoricooper6252]

Glad that a 2021 bmw finally has a manual transmission because i knew a new bmw would come with 1 instead of a borin automatic transmission.

[@wyattb8217]

Absolutely love this car, can't wait to get an M one day. I love my Si but I imagine its a million levels above it.

[@nicholasvonrhine6311]

It's great to see a manual bmw in 2022.

[@zoltrix7779]

I still miss analogue tachos.

[@ko8602]

one of my top favorite cars now

[@jeg812ify]

The design especially the front bumper really grew on me tbh I actually like it now

[@PMAN6x7Naidu]

Great review! Just wanted yourself a subscriber! Keep it up 👍🏽

[@typerfk8]

That interior is so incredible, am I seeing correctly that those seats can support an Anti-Submarine belt Harness (5 or 6 point? ) The only other thing I wish it had would be a flat-bottom steering wheel... know it can be added aftermarket but still. Am I seeing correctly that those seats can support an Anti-Submarine belt Harness (5 or 6 point? ) Really liking the style of this car even though I am not a huge BMW fan (probably would change if I tried driving one).

[@KC-bv9kf]

Lmao, trying to figure out the percentage of time the speedometer got blurred.

[@stephenhoffman3171]

Cause he’s going hella fast 😂😂

[@dewjustin]

Cool they're still making manuals but damn that rev hang looks pretty bad.

[@elgringo2852]

Yes, i personally prefer a manual gearbox! Its real driving for me.

[@jonathanflaig8799]

Why does every modern manual car has rev hang 😩

[@nozopoke1782]

@@jonathanflaig8799 to keep you in the power curve

[@houseking9211]

@@nozopoke1782 rev hang is when you upshift and the car struggles to lower rpms or just does it slower, which forces you to leave the clutch in longer, it doesn't keep you in the power band at all, just slows down shifting

[@CStingerGhost1]

@@jonathanflaig8799 - There are several possible reasons for rev hang. One of the most common is emissions in port-injected engines. Because the fuel is injected onto the backs of the intake valves, not all of the fuel enters the cylinder after each injector pulse (some liquid fuel clings to the back of the intake valves). Rev hang is used to keep the RPMs high for a bit to clear that fuel off of the backs of the valves and then combust it in the cylinders. Otherwise, the fuel would pass through the engine without combusting, and raw hydrocarbons going out of the tailpipe is bad for emissions performance. Another reason is that it's easier to drive for people who are inexperienced at driving manual transmission vehicles. Someone who shifts slow (like a beginner stick driver) could let the RPMs fall below where they should be for the next gear. Holding higher RPMs gives a new driver like that extra time to complete the shift.

[@hisham202]

Hi Chris, consider showing up in TheSmikinTire podcast. I bet you'll have a good time

[@dakgildea]

Sweet car, kind of want one now. I'm sure a tune would wake it up even more

[@tman4534]

I’ve always talked shit about beamers but this is it chief. This is the one that won me over, controversial grill for many but not for me. Sick car.

[@tommy516]

Love the blue interior!

[@construkction8827]

That interior is gawd damn

[@tyrequ5303]

Same

[@pascutia]

Much better interior than the previous gen M3/M4!!

[@drewbenefield2001]

I love that interior!!

[@DhruvDrives]

You can get carbon bucket seats on a non competition?! That's dope

[@pascutia]

Awesome machine. So much better rounded than the previous generation. It performs better, yet it has a nicer interior too. Engine definitely sounds better too!! I'd definitely go with the M3 with a stick. Exterior proportions are much better on the M3.

[@sad-xr1rp]

But unfortunately the M3 is a sedan, and coupe to me is more eye appealing, personal opinion!

[@hohoshang32]

“What’s worse than a Slipping Clutch?”J/C “An Automatic.” - James May

[@AlexandreCardinal50]

Man this is the dream car

[@matthewjocoy4109]

I almost bought a M4 but settled on the RCF. Yes, the M4 is performs better but I just see so many similar looking BMW's around and wanted something more exclusive, not to mention the V8. I'm happy with my choice. Just wish the RCF came with a manual.

[@r1ckz0mb0]

Not to be pedantic, but the extended carbon fiber you see on the deck spoiler and rear and front bumpers is a $ 4,700 option. For carbon fiber on the interior only (steering wheel, center console, dash trim), it's $ 900

[@TheTopher]

Actually, that’s a good point that I realized after filming - ^ so what he said ^

[@miketeo4627]

Man, I think the front grill is starting to grow on me. I think the angle of the indent in the hood and the grill really match up well

[@FB6K24Z7]

In German vehicles I think BMW and PORSCHE are the only brands still offering manual transmission options.simply love a PORSCHE or a BMW with a MANUAL ❤️

[@lazeemtaylor9949]

That interior is crazy

[@Haylem]

those seats are amazing

[@JDM_Cars..]

My uncle has a BMW M4 rare I think 2017 or 2016 I forgot lol package with a 6 speed manual marking about 700 hp and I love it in 3 rd gear it’s going 60 mph LIKE WHAT that’s 3 rd and it’s my dream car there really fun to drive

[@dennismundt7378]

I thought that after the M10/M20/M30 engine generation there would not be a good sounding BMW engine. But this engine sounds like what a typical BMW should sound like. If you have a barbecue somewhere in the garden, then you should hear that the buddy is coming with the BMW.

[@masonlanier]

Great video!!!

[@petemolnar6073]

Sweet spec, don’t mind the fresh look

[@l.thomas4698]

this is real real amazing car.....my dream car

[@KenjiYam]

Even though the grill looks a bit ridiculous. The car itself looks absolutely beautiful.

[@GHH_GL]

Молодцы! я люблю Германию я за Германию!!!!!! Великая страна воспитанных и умных людей!! 🇩🇪

[@tunanocrust2642]

The new supra needs this drivetrain badly

[@Andrew-gq2uy]

FRFR I'D GET ONE TO REPLACE MY COROLLA.

[@jjchockey]

Manual yes. I think the B58 sounds much better though.

[@marekthelad6376]

I love your videos and your input so I would love to see you drive the alfa romeo giulia quadrifoglio or any other alfa for that matter.

[@andrew_glzroman]

Awsome video!! Can you do a video on the Porsche taycan?

[@iMo3136]

The new BMW's are absolutely killer. I actually like the grill and the M4 sounds so good.

[@grizzle273463]

That countryside in Michigan is just gorgeous. WOW!

[@general3883]

I don’t like bmw but I do love how they have kept there manuals around unlike mb and Audi

[@bcvijasiu]

I always love and look forward to your videos. I cannot wait to see the IS500 review and maybe hear your thoughts how it stacks up against some othe cars in its class and maybe the M3 as well 😉😁

[@dlo7950]

I don’t think the is500 will be nimble enough to be considered an M3 competitor. It will have the power though so we’ll have to wait and see.

[@bcvijasiu]

@@dlo7950 I am just hoping for driving enjoyment. My IS300 (first generation IS) MT was not as nimble or as fast as my S2000, but I enjoyed driving it much more. Something about that 2JZ-GE. It was smooth and the MT was nice too. I know IS500 will have AT but I hope that the V8's character will win me over. Like you said, we will just have to wait and see. And Lexus reliability over BMWs maybe enough for me.

[@alh06]

@@dlo7950 The Is500 will face off more with the M340i and TLX Type S

[@dlo7950]

@@alh06 Even still, it will have about 100 hp on both of those cars so it’s really going to be in a class of it’s own. It will be interesting to see how the others match up though.

[@alh06]

@@dlo7950 Yeah it's definitely kind of an in-between enthusiasts' dream

[@user4667]

I have to ask @TheTopher why do you always extend the steering wheel out towards you? Do you prefer sitting back at an angle instead of straight up? I sit straight up in my car so i have my steering wheel all the way forward close to the dashboard but now seeing all your videos makes me want to extend my steering wheel towards me. Only problem is that it will be too close to my chest unless i recline my back rest more. I guess i'm gonna have to do that then.

[@Karfagen2251]

How nice to see a manual transmission)

[@akilacevedo5812]

Great review! Manual would be my choice too but wow how price creeps up big time with the options. Remember that my E92 M3 was $80k about 10 years ago and I thought that was a lot. Love the color similar blue to mine. Btw what is the name of the song that first comes on in your audio review? @TheTopher

[@TheTopher]

The E92 is still my favorite M3 of all time. Such a great chassis, engine, all of it. open.spotify.com/playlist/3D9bowGCF83T0BdpSfBc4t

[@rexvaughn986]

Excellent video! Do you find the M4 Couple manual to be a more fun and engaging car than the C8?

[@lumiauser3373]

Good review 👍

[@mitchd434]

Now I know which car to keep on tail gating. Thanks!!!!

[@santiagoleon6554]

That car is so betiful

[@motaz1975]

like the speedmaster on wrist as much as the car!

[@ILikeGuns24]

those seats 🤯🤯🤯

[@hakeemsmith7609]

I'll have it oneday God willing 🤲🏼

[@AleGonMar1975]

Extraño a veces lo manual.. despues me acuerdo que la mayoria de la veces que estoy en el auto voy a trabajar y se me olvida

[@user-xt8pw4jn6e]

love the bucket seats

[@lumiauser3373]

It is phenomenal love this 6 speed manual very satisfied

[@isaiahfields4064]

Real men drive stick🗣💥

[@noname-jp2bs]

wow, what an amazing driver braking and putting n gear need to subscribe

[@jimmyjames8611]

Love thé burred effect on the speed

[@Mister_Portal_USMC]

I wish they had an 8 speed manual with more HP... I just love the manual transmission in the M4s. Although I am Contemplating getting an M8 by the time I hit 40 in 2 years, if all the stars align and the money gods lmfao.

[@dylanw890]

I am curious to see what you think of the CT4-V Blackwing when it hits dealerships, I think it will give this car a run for its money.

[@tatedisciple8852]

the grill has grown on me

[@wyldcat1163]

Somebody should make a counter for how many times Topher mentions the seats in the walk around

[@cmsmith6164]

i love the fact that the which ever gear engage is display in the cluster so no need to look down at the shifter

[@hugoh.huidobro3561]

I have the m440 but this is on another level….

[@schoa6776]

I like the fact that he block the speed thermometer when we go over the speed limit.

[@FatalityDiablo]

many owners of the manual M3 reported a that their cars also have 500hp or more when measured on a dyno.

[@jorgemerykunstmann]

my future car