The 2021 BMW M4 is the coupe variant of the M3 sedan, which has enjoyed a storied history among driving enthusiasts for decades. The M4 (and M3) has been fully redesigned for 2021. The formula is simple and the same as before: Take a 4 Series coupe, stuff a monster turbocharged inline-six under the hood, and beef up the suspension and driveline to help put all that power to the road.
The new engine produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. If a 48-horsepower increase over the previous M4 isn't spicy enough for you, step up to the Competition model with 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The M4 also gets wider fenders that cover lightweight wheels and a carbon-fiber roof to lower the car's center of gravity. Inside, the new M4 looks similar to the standard 4 Series, though aggressively bolstered sport seats, a M Sport steering wheel and a few other touches let you know you're driving something special.
Naturally, there are a few rivals you might also want to consider. Besides fellow German sport coupes such as the Mercedes-AMG C 63 coupe and Audi RS 5, there are more traditional sports cars including the Porsche 718 Cayman, Chevrolet Corvette and top-level versions of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. What's going to be the best one for you? Read our Expert Rating below to get our take on the new M4's performance, tech features and even the new grille design.
The 2021 BMW M4 Coupe is available in two trim levels: Coupe and Competition. Both models are powered by a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the standard model and 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the M4 Competition. Both trims are rear-wheel-drive. (Starting in 2022, BMW will offer all-wheel drive for the first time in the M4.)
2021 BMW M4
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-AMG has been turning out hopped-up variants of mainstream Mercedes products for decades, and it doesn't take long behind the wheel of one to feel it. The current C 63 is nearing the end of its life, but its sharp handling and wonderful V8 make it just as enjoyable as the M4. It's not quite as spacious as the BMW, and AMG only offers an automatic transmission in its cars.
The third member of the hot-rod German trio is the Audi RS 5. It comes standard with a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged V6 engine. The RS 5 has a premium look and feel that the BMW can't quite match, but we found it to be a bit lifeless when it comes to driving characteristics. It's fast and extremely capable, but it's missing that bit of joy you get when you're driving the M4.
The BMW M2 Competition is the M4's smaller sibling. It uses a less powerful turbocharged inline-six than the M4, but it's tasked with moving less weight and feels nearly as quick on the road. It offers less cargo and passenger space than the M4, and the M2's interior looks and feels dated in comparison. That said, it's a hoot to drive and considerably less expensive.
The 2021 BMW M4 is the coupe variant of the M3 sedan, which has enjoyed a storied history among driving enthusiasts for decades. The engine remains a twin-turbo straight-six, as in the previous generation, but it's heavily renewed. The entire car is bigger and more high-tech. All-wheel-drive is an option for the first time.
The new M4 gets the same powerplant as the redesigned M3: a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. If a 48-horsepower increase over the previous M4 isn't spicy enough for you, step up to the Competition model with 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. That represents healthy extra output for a relatively modest $2,900 price bump.
The M4 drives just like the M3, and BMW says there are no steering or handling differences between them. But perhaps it has to be seen in a different context. The M3 is one of the greatest driver's sedans, no question. But some of the M4's potential buyers could choose a two-seater. And suddenly the M4 has to compete with true sports machines, notably the Corvette or Porsche Cayman S. Viewed that way, it's up against some sublime driver's cars.
The ride is always firm, perhaps overly so in city traffic. But get a little speed under it and the dampers allow it to take the hard edges off sharp road bumps. At really high speed, you might want to engage the sport damper mode to keep tighter check on body movements.
As expected, the M4 sports an interior similar to that of the 4 Series that it's based on. Differentiators include slick red ignition and driving mode buttons, optional carbon-fiber trim elements, and new M Sport seats with more aggressive side bolstering. Hardcore enthusiasts might want to opt for the carbon-fiber bucket seats with cutouts for multipoint racing belts. They retain electric adjustment in several dimensions.
Powering the M4's infotainment system is BMW's latest iDrive 7.0 interface. In our experiences with the current 3 Series — which also features iDrive 7.0 — we've found it to be one of the most intuitive systems on the market. It helps reduce driver distraction thanks to an advanced voice recognition system, as well as its support for inputs via touchscreen or dial controller. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are a navigation system and M-specific performance applications.
Edmunds saysThe M4 remains a blazingly exhilarating and sharp tool for drivers, and a competent everyday car, too. But it's sedan-derived rather than a ground-up coupe, which makes it a little less special. As to the styling, nothing we say, for or against, will change your mind.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 BMW M4:
The least-expensive 2021 BMW M4 is the 2021 BMW M4 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $71,800.
Other versions include:
