Which is the Best BMW M4? Top Trim Breakdown and Verdict
The BMW M4 stands as a benchmark in the luxury performance sedan segment, blending raw power with refined craftsmanship. But with multiple trims available, identifying the best BMW M4 requires balancing engine performance, technology, and cost.
Best Overall – The M4 Competition
The BMW M4 Competition is widely regarded as the best iteration due to its potent twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 522 horsepower and razor-sharp handling. With adaptive suspension, 20-way seats, and advanced driver aids, it combines track-ready performance with daily usability—making it the ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking exhilaration without compromise.
Best Value – M4 Gran Turismo
For those prioritizing luxury and comfort alongside performance, the M4 Gran Turismo offers a compelling balance. Equipped with a slightly tuned 3.0L engine, premium interior materials, and sophisticated tech like a head-up display, it excels in long-distance driving while retaining the M4’s dynamic edge—delivering premium value without sacrificing performance.
Best Tech and Features – M4 CS
The M4 CS elevates the M4 lineup with track-focused enhancements: carbon fiber body elements, a larger rear wing, and a more aggressive stance. Though less practical than standard variants, its 530+ horsepower and precision engineering make it the top pick for driving purists craving maximum performance and exclusivity.
The BMW M4 Competition leads as the overall best for its unmatched power and versatility, while the Gran Turismo masterfully blends luxury and performance, and the CS delivers pure track dominance. Whether you seek daily excellence, refined value, or unbridled speed, this year’s M4 lineup offers a premium driving experience tailored to every priority.
Knowing which BMW M4 years to avoid can save you headaches; read on to find out the best and worst models. BMW's decision to rename the coupe and convertible versions of the 3 Series as the 4 Series from the sixth generation onwards saw the switch to an M4 badge for the high-performance variant, while the M3 continues in sedan and, more recently, M3 Touring wagon form. Read our full 2026 BMW M4 review for pros, cons, pricing, and expert insights.
Our editors test drive over 200 vehicles a year to help car shoppers pick the right vehicle for them. Uncover the best year for the BMW M4, featuring reliability rankings, ownership costs, and real owner feedback to guide your purchase. Read our 2026 BMW M4 review for information on ratings, pricing, specs, and features, and see how this coupe performed in our testing.
The BMW M4 has long been heralded as a true icon in the world of high-performance sports cars. From its sleek design to its impressive engineering, the M4 lineup offers a range of models that appeal to car enthusiasts and daily drivers alike. Over the years, BMW has released multiple generations and variations of the M4, each with its own unique features, powertrain setups, and technological.
See our expert review on the 2025 BMW M4 and where it ranks among other luxury sports cars. Research the ratings, prices, pictures, MPG and more. The best year of the BMW M4 series is 2020, which is the last year of M4's first-generation supercar.
This year offers excellent performance with sharp and responsive handling, quick acceleration, powerful drivetrain, and an elegant design establishing its authority on the road. BMW M4's second generation started in 2021 and is still ongoing. Read the definitive BMW M4 2026 review from the expert What Car? team.
Check specs, prices, performance and compare with similar cars. The BMW M4 is the spiciest version of the two-door 4 Series. Available as a coupe or convertible, the M4 makes 473 horsepower in base form and as much as 523 hp in its top.