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2021 BMW M4 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

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)

6 photos
Price
Year

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

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 similarities

Base:

  • 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:

BMW M4 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 BMW M4

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.

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Average

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 M4

BMW M4 features and specs

Competition 2WD 2D Coupe

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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