BMW 4 Series vs BMW M4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$83,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$168,700RRP
- with the BMW 4 Series's standard kit: $168,700 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW 4 Series starts from $83,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW M4 opens at $168,700. That makes the BMW 4 Series the more affordable entry point by $85,200.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $91,850 and $185,570 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 4 Series by roughly $5,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the BMW 4 Series. We hold no ANCAP data for the BMW M4. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
BMW 4 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- 2 more on the model page.
BMW M4
- REC-000132 · published 10 Jun 2021Due to a manufacturing fault in the hydraulic unit brake booster, panic braking could cause loss of brake power assistance and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) without prior warning.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2020
- REC-000126 · published 31 Jan 2019The CFK drive shaft contains a 3-hole-flange with pushing piece which is not produced with sufficient long-term durability.Year range on the notice: 2016
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 4 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW M4 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M4 counters with head-up display, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 4 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW M4 offers merino leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW 4 Series uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The BMW M4 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The BMW M4 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 135kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW M4 is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 4 Series measures 4,770mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 31mm shorter than the BMW M4 at 4,801mm (2,857mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW 4 Series and 440L in the BMW M4.
For towing, the BMW M4 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the BMW 4 Series and $2,879/year for the BMW M4. That is a $1,055 annual difference in favour of the BMW 4 Series.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 4 Series if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M4 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW 4 Series: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 59
The BMW 4 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 59), taking 1 of 3 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (BMW M4 ahead by 39), fuel economy (BMW 4 Series ahead by 33), value (BMW 4 Series ahead by 30). The BMW 4 Series will save you roughly $1,055 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 4 Series and BMW M4?
The BMW 4 Series is the cheapest at $83,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M4 by $85,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 4 Series uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
We hold no ANCAP data for BMW 4 Series and BMW M4, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 4 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M4 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M4 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.2s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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