Compared with the old M3 Coupe – which used a large naturally aspirated V8 – the M4 is actually quite fuel-efficient. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit is around 25 per cent more economical.

Under the latest WLTP test regime, the M4 Competition coupe returns up to 28.5mpg, while the convertible is slightly less efficient at 28.0mpg. CO2 emissions are 228g/km for the coupe and 232g/km for the drop-top.

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Insurance groups

The BMW M4 Competition is a high-value, high-performance car that attracts an unsurprisingly costly insurance grouping of 43. That said, insurance experts Thatcham gave the car a five star rating for its theft protection. All versions of the M4 get a Category 1 alarm and immobiliser, while deadlocks come as standard. However, there's no tracking device fitted, so we'd recommend forking out for an approved device for added security.

Depreciation

Strong demand has helped keep M4 residuals buoyant, although residuals have tailed off the longer the M4 has been on sale. Best of the coupe models is the standard six-speed manual, which should retain around 46 per cent of their value. Models equipped with the DCT twin-clutch automatics hold on to slightly less of their new value, but we're only talking a couple of percentage points. Across the board the Audi RS 5 Coupe has stronger residuals by around 10 per cent.

It's a similar picture for the Convertible models, with manual versions proving to be more resistant to depreciation. However, all the drop top models feature residual figures that are couple of percent high than their Coupe counterparts.

Get your hands on one of the GTS models and you're unlikely to lose a penny – despite costing twice the price of a standard M4. Like many limited-edition Porsche 911s, the M4 GTS is a winner through exclusivity alone.