BMW 4 Series vs BMW M4
BMW 4 Series
BMW’s compact executive coupé.
BMW M4
BMW’s high-performance coupé.
BMW 4 Series
Pick the 4 Series Coupé for an elegant rear-wheel-drive coupé with a premium interior and a strong B58 engine range.
BMW M4
Pick the M4 for a powerful high-performance coupé with the S58, a choice of manual or xDrive, and a reliability step over the previous generation.
Performance
420i · Petrol vs M4 Competition · Petrol
| BMW 4 Series | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
510 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
|
650 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,5 s
|
3,9 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
117,9 hp/t
|
283,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
149 g/km
Winner
|
230 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
Winner
|
10,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 4 Series | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
440 L
|
440 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
|
2,86 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,77 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Width |
1,85 m
|
1,89 m
|
| Height |
1,38 m
|
1,39 m
|
| Seats |
4
|
4
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 4 Series | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | F30 (F32) · CLAR (G22) | CLAR (G82, shared with the 4 Series) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol · B47 2.0 · B57 3.0 diesel | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6d petrol allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- N20 timing chain (early 420i/428i, pre-2016)
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- Suspension bushings and control arms (M Sport)
- IBS recalls (integrated brake system — check VIN)
- Oil-cooler seepage — exposed cooler vulnerable to stone chips
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump wear
Pros
- Elegant rear-wheel-drive coupé with sharp handling
- B58 (M440i) and later B48 are reliable
- 420d is the economy champion
- S58 fixes the S55 crank-hub/rod-bearing weaknesses
- Manual gearbox still offered (rare in this segment)
- M xDrive optional for more traction and quicker sprints
Cons
- Tight rear seats, not a family car
- Firm suspension (M Sport) trades away comfort
- Big and heavy (~1,674–1,850+ kg)
- Controversial vertical grille and cramped 2+2 rear
Driving experience
BMW 4 Series
Sharper and more refined than the F32. Steering is precise and well-weighted, body control is excellent, and the car feels planted and engaging. Rear-drive versions retain classic BMW balance; xDrive versions are more neutral and secure in poor conditions. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M440i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinders are smooth and responsive. Mild-hybrid systems add minor refinement and stop-start smoothness on equipped cars. Overall a stylish, driver-focused coupé that balances dynamics with modern refinement.
BMW M4
Powerful, refined and highly engaging. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and involving. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a focused high-performance coupé that balances dynamics with modern refinement.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 4 Series
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