2021 BMW M4 review
BMW M4 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Potent power and acceleration
- Impressive handling
- More practical than other sport coupes
Cons
- Steering feels isolated from the road
- Overcomplicated drive mode settings
- Divisive front-end styling
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 23 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2021 BMW M4 receives a stunning redesign
The 2021 BMW M4 received a full redesign, bringing an increase in power, sharper handling, and an all-new look. As with its predecessor, the M4 is the coupe version of the four-door M3, which was also reworked for the 2021 model year. The base twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine produces 473 horsepower while the M4 Competition is good for 503 hp. That constitutes an increase of 48 hp and 59 hp, respectively, over the previous version. Overall performance also sees improvements courtesy of lighter wheels and a carbon-fiber roof. The new front-end styling has us scratching our heads, however, as the massive vertical grille has been universally panned as ungainly and out of place in an otherwise attractive sport coupe. In terms of thrills and driver engagement, though, we put the M4 right up there with esteemed rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C 63 coupe, Chevrolet Corvette, and Audi RS 5. It's no surprise that the M4 continues to be one of the best choices for spirited drivers.
All BMW M4 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each BMW M4 generation from 2015 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 BMW M4?
- The M4 is available in a new trim called the Competition.
- The CS trim has been discontinued for 2021.
- M4 trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor and Remote Start as standard equipment this year.
- Automated Cruise Control, A/C Seat(s), Power Hatch/Deck Lid, and Run Flat Tires features are now available as options on select trims.
2021 BMW M4 trims
Curious how BMW M4 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase:
- 473-hp, 406-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- Leather Seats
- Adjustable Suspension
- Rear View Camera
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- View our BMW M4 inventory
Competition:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- 503-hp, 479-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- Remote Start
- Automatic Transmission
- View our BMW M4 Competition inventory
BMW M4 photos
What We Like
Muscular and quick: With up to 503 horsepower in the Competition model, the new and more powerful M4 is marginally quicker than its predecessor. It accelerates to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and finishes the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds. Even more impressive is the ease with which drivers can achieve these results using the built-in launch control feature with automatic transmissions. In a drag race, this M4 is right up there with the Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-AMG C 63, and Audi RS 5.
Agility: The M4 is wildly entertaining on a twisting mountain pass or on a racetrack. The weight balance keeps the sport coupe very controllable near its handling limits and the adaptive suspension allows the driver to select how firm the ride is to match road conditions or the driver's bravery. The steering is precise and predictable but doesn't provide much feedback.
Practicality: Just because you want a sports car doesn't mean you have to give up everyday usability. The M4 not only has rear seats, but they're actually usable for smaller adults. Behind those seats, you have 12 cubic feet of cargo space, which is on the large side for the class.
What Needs Improvement
That face: While the increased power and sharper handling are welcome improvements for the 2021 redesign, we're no fans of the M4's front-end styling. The large vertical grille is jarring and has yet to win us over. It's not as bad in darker colors, but that's one of the worst things you could say to a designer. We appreciate that style is subjective, but the jury seems unanimous in its dislike of the new look.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 BMW M4 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the BMW M4 an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks BMW M4 54th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW M4BMW M4 features and specs
Curious how BMW M4 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Competition 2WD 2D Coupe
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
503
Torque (ft-lbs)
479
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.6
Wheelbase
112.5"
Overall length
189.1"
Width
74.3"
Height
54.8"
Leg room
F 41.7"/R 34.7"
Head room
F 40.3"/R 35.8"
Front tires
P275/35YR19
Rear tires
P285/30YR20
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Automatic
2021 BMW M4 FAQ
The 2021 BMW M4 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- : 16 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- Competition: 16 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
The BMW M4 received a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the BMW M4 as 53 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Car
Here is what's new for the 2021 BMW M4:
- Competition
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Remote Start
- Rear Spoiler
- A/C Seat(s)
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