BMW M4: Price, Specs, Performance & Review
The BMW M4 is a two-door high-performance coupe built for drivers who want the power and chassis capability of the BMW M3 in a lower, sleeker, less practical body.
For 2027, the M4 Coupe lineup includes the manual-transmission M4 Coupe, rear-wheel-drive M4 Competition Coupe, and all-wheel-drive M4 Competition xDrive Coupe.
All three use a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six, but power rises from 473 hp in the regular M4 to 523 hp in the Competition xDrive. BMW estimates the fastest version reaches 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
The M4 Competition Coupe is the best all-around choice. It adds 30 horsepower over the manual M4 and quicker acceleration while preserving rear-wheel-drive character. The standard manual M4 is the enthusiast pick, while the Competition xDrive is for buyers who want maximum traction and speed.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.8/10
WheelPedia’s score is an editorial assessment based on current specifications, ownership factors, safety equipment, pricing, and class context.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 8.4/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 7.8/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 9.8/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 7.6/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 7.1/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 8.8/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 8.1/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 8.8/10 | — |
Read How We Rate Cars to see how WheelPedia calculates vehicle ratings.
Key Highlights
- Starts from $82,200 MSRP for the manual BMW M4 Coupe.
- 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 473–523 hp.
- Standard six-speed manual transmission on the M4 Coupe.
- Eight-speed automatic transmission on Competition models.
- BMW estimates 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds for the M4 Competition xDrive.
- Rear-wheel drive is standard; M xDrive all-wheel drive is available.
- Up to 15.5 cubic feet of trunk space.
- Seating for four, but the rear seats are tight for adults.
- Available M Carbon bucket seats, carbon-fiber roof, and M Driver’s Package.
- Full BMW M model, not an M Performance model.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | BMW M4 |
| Vehicle type | Compact luxury high-performance coupe |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Engine | 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six |
| Power output | 473–523 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive or M xDrive all-wheel drive |
| Fastest BMW-estimated 0–60 mph | 3.4 seconds |
| Fuel economy | Up to 16 city / 23 highway mpg |
| Cargo capacity | 15.5 cu. ft. |
| Length | 182.9 in. |
| Width | 76.0 in. |
| Height | 54.3 in. |
| Fuel requirement | Premium unleaded gasoline |
Expert Tip:
Buy the manual M4 if you want the most involved driving experience. Choose the rear-wheel-drive M4 Competition if you want the best mix of power, price, and traditional BMW M handling.
About the BMW M4
The M4 is BMW M’s two-door performance coupe based on the BMW 4 Series. It shares most of its engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and chassis hardware with the BMW M3.
The difference is usability. The M3 has four doors and a more useful rear seat. The M4 has a lower roofline, longer doors, and a coupe body that looks more dramatic but is less convenient for passengers.
The M4 suits buyers who place driving enjoyment and coupe styling ahead of rear-seat comfort. It is fast enough for track days, refined enough for highway trips, and practical enough for occasional daily use.
Price and Trims
These are current US starting MSRPs for the 2027 BMW M4 Coupe lineup. Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, registration, dealer fees, accessories, and options.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Drivetrain | Transmission | Power | BMW-Estimated 0–60 mph | Best For |
| M4 Coupe | $82,200 | RWD | 6-speed manual | 473 hp | 4.1 sec | Manual-transmission enthusiasts |
| M4 Competition Coupe | $86,600 | RWD | 8-speed automatic | 503 hp | 3.8 sec | Best overall balance |
| M4 Competition xDrive Coupe | $91,700 | AWD | 8-speed automatic | 523 hp | 3.4 sec | Maximum acceleration and traction |
The M4 Coupe is the purist’s choice. It costs less than the Competition models and is the only version with a manual transmission.
The M4 Competition Coupe is the strongest overall choice. It gets more horsepower, quicker acceleration, and an eight-speed automatic while keeping rear-wheel drive.
The M4 Competition xDrive Coupe is the fastest M4. Its all-wheel-drive system provides strong launches and more confidence in poor weather, but it costs more and does not offer a manual transmission.
Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience
Every M4 Coupe uses BMW M’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine. Output, drivetrain, and transmission vary by trim.
| Trim | Engine | Power | Transmission | Drivetrain | BMW-Estimated 0–60 mph |
| M4 Coupe | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six | 473 hp | 6-speed manual | RWD | 4.1 sec |
| M4 Competition Coupe | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six | 503 hp | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 3.8 sec |
| M4 Competition xDrive Coupe | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six | 523 hp | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 3.4 sec |
The manual M4 is the least quick in the lineup, but it remains extremely fast. Its appeal is the six-speed manual transmission, which gives the driver direct control of the engine and makes ordinary road speeds more engaging.
The M4 Competition Coupe adds 30 horsepower, extra torque, and the fast-shifting eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. It is the version that best blends performance and rear-wheel-drive feel.
The Competition xDrive adds BMW M’s performance all-wheel-drive system. It can vary torque between the axles and offers 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD settings. It is the right choice for drivers who want the quickest M4 or regularly drive in wet and snowy conditions.
All versions use Adaptive M Suspension, M-specific steering, an Active M Differential, and serious brake hardware. The M4 is composed at high speed and very capable on a track, but the firm ride and wide tires can be tiring on poor roads.
BMW’s acceleration figures are manufacturer estimates. Actual results vary with tires, temperature, road surface, vehicle specification, and driving conditions.
Fuel Economy
The BMW M4 is designed for performance, not low fuel costs.
| Model | Fuel Economy |
| BMW M4 lineup | Up to 16 city / 23 highway mpg |
| Combined rating | Up to 19 mpg |
Premium unleaded gasoline is required. Real-world fuel use will increase with hard acceleration, city traffic, cold weather, and track driving.
The M4’s high-performance tires and braking components are also costly to replace. Buyers should budget for more than fuel when considering ownership.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The M4 has a driver-focused interior with a low seating position, digital displays, supportive seats, and M-specific controls.
Standard and available features include:
- BMW Curved Display
- BMW Operating System 8.5
- Digital instrument cluster
- Central infotainment display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- BMW Digital Key
- My BMW app connectivity
- Heated front seats
- M Sport seats
- Available M Carbon bucket seats
- Available M Alcantara steering wheel
- Available carbon-fiber interior trim
- Available head-up display
- Available Harman Kardon surround-sound system
- M Drive Professional
- M Laptimer
- M Traction Control
- Available Driving Assistant Professional
- Available Parking Assistant Plus
- Available 3D surround-view camera system
The standard M Sport seats strike the best balance between support and daily comfort. Available M Carbon bucket seats hold occupants more firmly during hard driving, but their tall side bolsters can make entry and exit difficult.
Rear seats are suitable for children and occasional shorter trips. Adults will find access difficult and headroom limited because of the low roofline.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 182.9 in. |
| Width | 76.0 in. |
| Height | 54.3 in. |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Cargo capacity | Up to 15.5 cu. ft. |
The M4 is compact enough for city use but wide and low enough that drivers need to be careful around curbs, steep driveways, and narrow parking spaces.
Its 15.5-cubic-foot trunk is useful for luggage, groceries, and weekend trips. The rear seatbacks can be folded for longer cargo, but the coupe opening limits the size of bulky items.
The BMW M3 is the better choice for buyers who regularly carry adults in the rear seat. The M4 is for those who value its coupe proportions enough to accept the practical compromises.
Exterior Design
The M4 has a wide, low stance with prominent fenders, large air openings, a vertical kidney grille, and four exhaust outlets. It looks more dramatic than the M3, especially with the available carbon-fiber options.
Exterior highlights include:
- M-specific front and rear bumpers
- Wide fenders and broad track width
- Quad exhaust outlets
- Adaptive LED headlights
- High-performance staggered wheels and tires
- M Compound Brakes with available red calipers
- Standard carbon-fiber roof on Competition Coupe models
- Available M Carbon Exterior Package
- Available M Shadowline Lights
- Available high-gloss black M graphics
- BMW Individual paint options
The available M Carbon Exterior Package adds carbon-fiber mirror caps, a rear spoiler, front-bumper accents, and a rear diffuser insert. These details improve the M4’s visual impact and distinguish it from a standard 4 Series Coupe.
Safety Features and Ratings
Standard and available safety and driver-assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Active Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Active Lane Keeping Assistant
- Rearview camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic high beams
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available lane-centering support
- Available Extended Traffic Jam Assistant
- Available head-up display
- Available Parking Assistant Plus
- Available 3D surround-view camera system
- Available emergency braking support while parking
BMW includes Driving Assistant as standard. The available Driving Assistance Professional package adds more advanced highway support on Competition models.
Driver-assistance systems can reduce workload, but they do not make the M4 self-driving. The driver remains responsible for vehicle control and must stay attentive.
Check the latest NHTSA safety database for current crash-test ratings, recalls, and safety notices for the exact M4 model year before purchase.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The M4 is a complex performance car with a twin-turbo engine, adaptive suspension, sophisticated electronics, expensive tires, and high-performance brakes. It can be used daily, but ownership costs will be much higher than with a standard BMW 4 Series.
The manual M4 is the simplest and least expensive version to buy. Competition models add more power and automatic-transmission hardware, while the Competition xDrive also adds all-wheel-drive components.
BMW’s US coverage includes:
| Coverage | Length |
| New vehicle limited warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Scheduled maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years / unlimited miles |
| Rust perforation warranty | 12 years / unlimited miles |
For a used BMW M4, inspect tire age, brake wear, service records, suspension condition, accident history, warning lights, aftermarket modifications, and evidence of frequent track use.
Read how to check a car’s accident history and use a VIN check before buying used.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Powerful twin-turbocharged inline-six engine
- Standard six-speed manual transmission on the base M4
- Extremely quick Competition xDrive model
- Rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive choice
- Track-ready chassis and braking hardware
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Striking coupe design
- Strong technology and smartphone integration
- Practical trunk for a performance coupe
- More distinctive body style than the M3
What We Don’t Like
- High starting price
- Premium fuel required
- Low fuel economy
- Rear seats are tight and difficult to access
- Firm ride on rough pavement
- Tires and brakes are expensive
- Options can raise the price quickly
- Carbon bucket seats may not suit daily use
- Long-term repairs can be costly
- Less practical than the BMW M3
Competitors
The BMW M4 competes with:
- Porsche 911 Carrera
- Porsche 718 Cayman
- Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe
- Audi RS 5 Coupe
- Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
- Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
- Ford Mustang Dark Horse
- BMW M3
- BMW M2
The Porsche 911 is more expensive but has a unique rear-engine driving character and stronger brand appeal. The Porsche 718 Cayman is smaller and more focused on handling, while the Corvette Stingray provides V8 power and striking performance for similar money.
The BMW M3 is the M4’s closest alternative. It has very similar mechanical hardware, four doors, and a more useful rear seat. The M4 is the choice for buyers who prefer a coupe body.
The BMW M2 costs less, has a smaller footprint, and offers a similarly engaging manual-transmission experience.
Related Content
For almost identical performance with four doors and more rear-seat room, compare the BMW M3.
For a smaller BMW M coupe with lower pricing, see the BMW M2. For an electric BMW with four-door practicality, compare the BMW i4 Gran Coupe.
Before visiting a dealership, read how car financing works and consider arranging car loan preapproval.
Should You Buy the BMW M4?
Buy the BMW M4 if you want a full BMW M car with serious performance, a manual-transmission option, distinctive coupe styling, and enough practicality for two people.
Choose the M4 Coupe if a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive involvement matter more than outright speed.
Choose the M4 Competition Coupe if you want the best balance of price, power, automatic-transmission convenience, and rear-wheel-drive handling. It is the version most buyers should choose.
Choose the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe if maximum acceleration, all-weather traction, and 523 horsepower are priorities.
Skip the M4 if you regularly carry rear-seat passengers, want a softer ride, need lower ownership costs, or prefer a more practical four-door layout. The BMW M3 is likely the better fit.
FAQs
How much does the BMW M4 cost?
The 2027 BMW M4 Coupe starts from $82,200 MSRP. The M4 Competition Coupe starts from $86,600, while the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe starts from $91,700. Destination, taxes, registration, dealer fees, packages, and options raise the final price.
How much horsepower does the BMW M4 have?
The M4 Coupe has 473 horsepower. The M4 Competition Coupe has 503 horsepower, while the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe has 523 horsepower.
Is the BMW M4 available with a manual transmission?
Yes. The rear-wheel-drive M4 Coupe comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Competition models use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Is the BMW M4 all-wheel drive?
The standard M4 Coupe and M4 Competition Coupe are rear-wheel drive. The M4 Competition xDrive Coupe has BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive.
How fast is the BMW M4?
BMW estimates the M4 Coupe reaches 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The M4 Competition Coupe does it in 3.8 seconds, while the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe reaches 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
Does the BMW M4 require premium gas?
Yes. BMW requires premium unleaded gasoline for the M4 lineup.
How fuel-efficient is the BMW M4?
The BMW M4 delivers up to 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Actual results vary with driving style, traffic, weather, and vehicle configuration.
How much trunk space does the BMW M4 have?
The BMW M4 Coupe has up to 15.5 cubic feet of trunk space.
Does the BMW M4 have rear seats?
Yes. The M4 has rear seating for two passengers. The rear seats are best for children or occasional shorter trips because the coupe roofline limits access and headroom.
Is the BMW M4 good in snow?
The M4 Competition xDrive is the best M4 for snow and wet weather because it has all-wheel drive. Proper winter tires remain the most important upgrade for regular snow and ice driving.
Does the BMW M4 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are included.
Is the BMW M4 a full M model?
Yes. The M4 is a full BMW M model, not an M Performance model. It has an M-developed engine, suspension, steering, brakes, differential, and performance systems.
Final Verdict
The BMW M4 is one of the strongest high-performance coupes available. It offers a powerful six-cylinder engine, a rare manual-transmission option, serious track capability, and a shape that feels more special than a normal luxury coupe.
The M4 Competition Coupe is the smartest choice. It has more power than the manual M4, faster acceleration, and the same rear-wheel-drive character.
The manual M4 remains the choice for driving purists, while the Competition xDrive is the option for buyers who want the quickest and most capable all-weather version.
The M4 is expensive, firm-riding, and not especially practical for rear passengers. But for buyers who want a true BMW M coupe that is exciting on a back road and usable enough for normal life, it is an excellent choice.
Prices, specifications, fuel-economy ratings, safety ratings, recalls, and feature availability can change by model year, trim, options, and market.