The BMW M4’s history is bloody confusing. The badge originally separated the M3 coupe from the sedan, creating two single-car ranges.

But when drivers started to learn that its spikey power delivery and firm chassis didn’t get along, BMW introduced the Competition variant with revised suspension to keep them out of fences. Yet, that isn’t where it ends.

The M4 Pure has broken cover, which shuns pricey options to score the Competition’s mechanical package and undercut the standard M4’s price.

2018 BMW M4 Competition LCI front

Part of what BMW calls a ‘life-cycle impulse’, the update adds redesigned LED headlights, tail lights, and new strip-like indicators. While new steering column stalks, touchpoint materials, and iDrive software feature inside, the updates are subtle. The new lights add extra suave.

Disappointingly, though, the digital-dash introduced to standard 4 Series models hasn’t migrated here, leaving its tacho feeling a bit dated by comparison. BMW’s Bluetooth Apple CarPlay, too, is still an option. Thankfully, prices haven’t budged range-wide, meaning you can get into a Competition-spec M4 for $139K with the Pure.

Which is bugger all for something still oh-my-god fast. We’re not huge fans of its firm low-speed ride, or the woolly steering, but show it respect and the Competition covers ground at a truly rapid rate.

Competition or not, though, no matter which one you pick the M4 remains huge performance for the money.

2018 BMW M4 Competition LCI review specs Engine: 3.0-litre I6 twin-turbo Power: 331kw Torque: 550nm Weight: 1497kg 0-100km/h: 4.1sec Price: $149,990