BMW M4 vs BMW 4 Series
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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW M4 starts from $168,700 before on-road costs, while the BMW 4 Series opens at $83,500. 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 $185,570 and $91,850 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 4 Series by roughly $3,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M4 and BMW 4 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the BMW M4 and 96% for the BMW 4 Series.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW M4 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW 4 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW M4 and 6 in the BMW 4 Series.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M4 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 4 Series gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M4 stands out with head-up display, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW 4 Series. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW M4 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW 4 Series responds with a Petrol making 135kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The BMW M4 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M4 is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M4 measures 4,801mm long on a 2,857mm wheelbase, 31mm longer than the BMW 4 Series at 4,770mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW M4 and 440L in the BMW 4 Series.
For towing, the BMW 4 Series 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,879/year for the BMW M4 and $2,166/year for the BMW 4 Series. That is a $713 annual difference in favour of the BMW 4 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M4) vs $2,166 (BMW 4 Series). The BMW 4 Series saves you roughly $713 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M4 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW M4 and BMW 4 Series trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW 4 Series will save you roughly $713 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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