BMW M4 (2021 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The BMW M4 Competition is a high-performance coupé and convertible model based on the regular 4 Series range. The current coupé model arrived in the UK in early 2021, with the convertible due to join it before the end of the year.
This is the second generation model to carry the M4 name – the first appeared in 2014 after BMW rebranded its 3 Series coupé and convertible models as the 4 Series. However, the M4 can trace its lineage right back to the original M3 coupé of the mid-1980s.
Here in the UK, we only get the top-spec M4 Competition model, which is powered by a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 510hp. It is also available with all-wheel drive on the coupé version, while the convertible is rear-wheel drive only.
Reviewers have lavished praise on the M4, though Car magazine dubs it “Munich’s most controversial sports coupe yet,” referring to the styling and particularly the enormous front grilles that dip below the registration plate. Top Gear adds, however, that BMW knows its customers, M4 buyers are “extroverts” and the elongated kidney grilles “don’t actually look too offensive in real life…”
The power impresses widely, but it is about more than rapid acceleration. “The flexibility of the engine is second-to-none, delivering impressive acceleration even in higher gears,” says Parkers.
Equally, testers highlight that the new M4 is not the animal its predecessor was. “The old M4 was a bit feral,” says Auto Express, “but this new version feels more mature and rounded, as if it’s been shipped off to finishing school.”
Evo praises the M4’s rigidity, which means excellent handling; “The precision and response as you turn the wheel is fantastic,” adding that the car builds confidence very quickly.
There are other, practical, factors, such as rear seats with reasonable space for adults and an adequate boot – but these will feature on the requirements of very few M4 buyers…
As of October 2021, the BMW M4 holds an Expert Rating of 85% from 13 reviews.
BMW M4 highlights
- As distinctive as it is potent
- Very rapid
- Less violent to control than previous M cars
- Practical rear cabin and big enough boot
BMW M4 lowlights
- Enormous kidney grille is polarising
- No manual gearbox option
- Auto gearbox is not that slick
- Expensive in standard spec
- Very expensive once you start adding options
Key specifications
Body style: Coupé / convertibleEngines: petrol
Price: From £76,990 on-road
Launched: Spring 2021Last updated: Summer 2021
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: M4 Competition coupéScore: 9 / 10“The BMW M4’s design is the obvious talking point, but beneath its dramatic makeover lies a car with a broader breadth of ability than before. It’s easy to live with day to day and now delivers its thundering performance in a more user-friendly and manageable way.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Score: 9 / 10“The BMW M4 Coupe offers distinctive looks, awesome performance and generous spec.”
Read review
Autocar
Score: 8 / 10The M4 Competition is a performance coupé, not really smooth and forgiving enough to be a genuine grand tourer, yet not dynamically agile enough to be a true sports car.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: M4 Competition coupéScore: 8 / 10“The BMW M4 Compeition manages to be both an accomplished all-rounder and a flawed yet brilliantly exciting sports coupe all at the same time. Its everyday on-road manners and luxuriously appointed cabin are almost beyond reproach.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10“This latest M4 is unquestionably the best yet. Though some might reckon it’s not as raw as its predecessor, its greater everyday ability makes it a much better car to live with, while still being comfortable and practical, too.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 8 / 10“”The styling might divide opinion but there’s nothing polarising about the way the BMW M4 performs.”
Read review
Carwow
Score: 9 / 10“The new BMW M4 is nothing short of sensational.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: CompetitionScore: 9 / 10“BMW’s long-awaited M4 Competition doesn’t hold back any punches. It’s fast, immensely capable, but also superb fun.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: M4 Competition coupéScore: 8.8 / 10“Fabulous driver’s car that really only struggles for comfort.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: M4 Competition coupé and M3 saloonScore: 10 / 10“If you can get past the BMW M4’s divisive looks – or maybe even begin to like them – everything you’d want in a fast coupe is here. Power, noise, balance, control, grip… and did I mention power? There’s the practicality over a sports car, too.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“wild at heart and a tricky beast to tame.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: M4 Competition coupéScore: 9 / 10“This supreme all-rounder of an M4 is a triumph.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: CompetitionScore: 10 / 10“Not only is the BMW M4 Competition staggeringly quick in a straight line, but it’s also one of the most visceral and engaging performance cars we’ve tested to date.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2021
97%
ADULT OCCUPANT
83%
CHILD OCCUPANT
93%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
72%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
No safety rating
The BMW M4 Competition shares its safety rating with the mainstream BMW 4 Series Coupe range, which was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2019 and awarded a five-star rating.
The test report offered no significant criticisms, highlighting the maximum scores in the side barrier and more severe side pole test, and the maximum points scored in city-driving tests by the autonomous emergency braking system.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The BMW M4 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic before resuming later in the year.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW M4, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio | Audi RS 5 | BMW M3 | Ford Mustang | Jaguar XE Project 8 | Lexus RC F | Mercedes-AMG C63 | Nissan GT-R
Most buyers will consider a BMW M4 for its performance and so potential alternatives are quite varied. Several testers believe the closest rival is also made by BMW, the similarly priced M3 Competition which, being a saloon, is more practical. The likes of the Audi RS 5, Lexus RC F, Mercedes-AMG C63 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio also come into the reckoning.
Buy or lease a BMW M4
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used M4, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from
Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.
We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.
The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.
Personal contract hire deals from Lings Cars.
Car finance and car buying made simple.
Keyword: BMW M4