If affordability in buying or running costs are your priorities you’re better served with a regular 4 Series
with a diesel or petrol engine because, for the M4, performance and posing power are the key motivating factors and come at a cost. Indeed, the fact the M4 costs over £20,000 more than the next most expensive model in the range offers some context, and is reflected in how much faster and more potent it is. At this level it competes with the AMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and dedicated sports coupes like the Nissan GT-R, with performance not far off that of an equivalently priced Porsche 911.

BMW has increased the bottom line price of the M4 compared with the version it replaces but has added lots of kit that was previously optional on the basis buyers were ready to pay extra for it anyway. This has improved the residual price so the all-important monthly figures are actually more or less the same as before. Be under no illusions, though. In fuel, insurance and tax the M4 will be an expensive car to buy and own.