BMW M4 buying guide
Why buy the BMW M4?
The BMW M4 coupe and convertible are among the most exciting high-performance cars, yet they’re also relatively practical mid-size four-seaters that can comfortably hold a carload of adults and their holiday luggage. A bonus is interiors that are luxurious and packed with features.
If you like the look of the M4 but don’t need such a fast car, check out the BMW 4 Series it’s based on. The 4 Series is itself closely related to the BMW 3 Series saloon.
BMW M4 range and updates
There are two versions of the M4. The first was sold from 2014 to 2019, followed by the latest, which was launched in 2021. Though the two have a similar shape, you can spot differences in their styling. The newest version has a much larger grille, for instance, and the car is noticeably wider.
You can choose from either a coupe or a convertible body. The older M4 Convertible has a folding hard top roof while the newest has a fabric roof. There are many models to choose from aside from the standard car, including the popular Competition version that gives you more engine power and better suspension for an even more exciting drive.
Every model has a 3.0-litre petrol engine. You can find examples with a manual gearbox, but automatics are much more common. There’s no option for a manual gearbox with the latest version, but the car is available with four-wheel drive.
BMW M4 tech and features
The M4 is very well equipped with features including sat nav, smartphone connectivity, climate control, cruise control, parking sensors and heated leather seats for those chilly morning commutes. The infotainment display screen sits on top of the dashboard and you navigate through it with the user-friendly ‘click wheel’ controller that’s positioned near the gearstick.
BMW M4 running costs and value
According to official figures, older versions of the M4 give an average of 34mpg, while the latest version gives around 28mpg. That’s not bad for such powerful cars and much better than the averages from some rivals. CO2 emissions are relatively low, so your Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) rates are reasonable, but insurance can be costly.
BMW M4 vs rivals
The M4’s main four-seat rival is the Mercedes-AMG C63 but if you don’t need back seats, cars like the Porsche Cayman and Jaguar F-Type also come into the mix. They’re all great cars that can be exhilarating to drive, but the M4’s greater practicality and relatively low running costs make it easier to live with every day.
