A Complete Guide To The 2024 BMW M4

Within the automotive industry, the luxury high-performance coupe segment is a small pond with a handful of cars competing for six-figure sums in exchange for breathtaking speed and lavish amenities. In that pond, the 2024 BMW M4 is one of the biggest fish. Not only does it offer access to the 500-horsepower club, the 2024 M4 continues to offer a manual transmission, which is sure to please enthusiasts everywhere.

Based on the automaker’s M3 sedan, the BMW M4 comes in coupe or convertible flavors. On sale in current second-generation form since 2021, the latest M4 joins its stablemates with the BMW Curved Display arcing across the dashboard, but otherwise continues to offer the same trademark recipe of serious power and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. For those in the market for a 2024 BMW M4, this comprehensive buyer’s guide provides details on specs, amenities, technology, performance, and how this coupe stacks up against the competition.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. HotCars sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about how our rating system works.

What’s New For 2024?

What are the changes to the 2024 BMW M4? For starters, the M4 coupe and convertible gain the BMW Curved Display that is being implemented across the automaker’s lineup. It combines a fully digital gauge cluster and a 14.9″ infotainment screen behind a single sheet of glass. As part of this upgrade, the iDrive 8 operating system arrives with M-specific graphics and the latest version of BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant software. Those looking for an M4 CSL variant must stick to the 2023 model year as it has been discontinued for 2024.

2024 Highlights

• BMW Curved Display has become standard M4 equipment.
• Along with a 14.9″ infotainment screen, the iDrive 8 system is implemented.
• A new toggle-style shifter for M4’s with an automatic transmission replaces the previous unit.
• Gesture Control has been dropped from the optional Executive Package.
• The M4 CSL variant has been discontinued.

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

The 2024 BMW M4 comes in “regular” or Competition guise, but in both cases, a 3.0L twin-turbo straight-6 provides motivation. In base models, this motor is rated for 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Those in need of a bit more should look to the Competition variants as the answer to the question, “How much horsepower does a 2024 BMW M4 Competition have?”, is 503. This burlier powerplant also receives a boost in torque to 479.

There is a 6-speed manual transmission available, but it only comes with the base M4. All Competition models feature an 8-speed automatic. All-wheel drive, or xDrive in BMW-speak, is a $4,100 option on the Competition coupe and standard equipment on the Competition convertible M4. As the BMW M4 is a RWD car first, the xDrive system can be configured to route power to all four corners or be fully disconnected in 2WD mode.

Across the board, adaptive dampers are fitted to the latest M4 with M-specific suspension components including the front struts, control arms, and ball joints. M Driving Dynamics Control offers selectable drive modes, a limited-slip rear differential helps with power delivery out back, and standard M Compound Brakes consist of 15″ front rotors clamped by 6-piston calipers. Exiting out back is a sport-tuned exhaust system with electronically-controlled flaps that can deliver a more raucous note when requested.

Performance Specifications

All this powertrain engineering translates to scorching speeds in the 2024 M4. BMW quotes 0-60 mph times of 4.1, 3.8, and 3.4 seconds for the base coupe, RWD Competition model, and AWD Competition setups, respectively. However, Car and Driver recorded times of 3.8 seconds for the standard M4 coupe and 2.8 seconds for the Competition xDrive spec. Either way, the M4 is fast out of the blocks and on a straightaway. 155 mph is the standard top speed, but with the optional M Driver’s package, a top speed of 180 mph is unlocked.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 BMW M4

• BMW Curved Display is standard
• Striking color combinations offered on seats
• Available Neck Warmers for convertible
• Optional carbon fiber front buckets are 21 pounds lighter
• Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system

BMW frequently highlights the optional carbon fiber front bucket seats in M4 press release images and for good reason. The exposed shells not only look the part of a high-performance sports coupe, they are 21 pounds lighter than the standard heated front seats. Factor in optional color schemes like Yas Marina Blue and Yellow or Kyalami Orange and Black, and style points for the 2024 BMW go through the roof.

But what if a buyer just wants to know, “Is a BMW M4 practical?”. Well, that depends on the definition, but there are only 4 seats in this coupe and the trunk offers just 12 cubic feet of space. However, the rear bench does fold down for hauling longer cargo. All that said, the cabin on this BMW is likely to be well received, what with the standard extended leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting.

Technology

The big news for the 2024 M4 is that the BMW Curved Display is now standard equipment. This sweeping arc of glass atop the dash houses the digital instrument panel and 14.9″ central infotainment interface. iDrive 8 software runs the system, which features voice, touch, or touchpad control along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Other standard technology includes a 16-speaker audio system from Harman Kardon and a wireless phone charging pad. But the head-up display requires the $1,300 Executive package, which also brings a heated steering wheel and power-operated trunk.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

BMW’s Active Protection System, which is standard on the 2024 M4, includes automatic collision preparation like pretensioning the belts, post-crash braking, and automatic collision notification. As for crash-test results, the 2024 BMW 3-Series received 5 stars overall from the NHTSA and ratings of Good in all IIHS protocols, which give an idea of how the M4 would perform, but it has not been tested. The same goes for reliability. The 3-Series platform-mate earns a score of 80/100 from J.D. Power for reliability, which is considered average, but there is no data on the M4 specifically.

Driver Assistance Features

Active Driving Assistant is the bundle of advanced safety nets that BMW includes on every 2024 M4. It features forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard fare, but adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant requires a package and is only available on M4 Competition models. The list of standard systems with official names is as follows:

• Frontal Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Speed Limit Information
• Automatic High Beams
• Park Distance Control

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 1
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: None

NHTSA ratings are for a 2024 BMW 3-Series

Warranties

BMW’s warranty for the 2024 M4 includes 4 years or 50,000 miles of basic and powertrain coverage, which is on par with the luxury segment. There are also 4 years of roadside assistance included with no mileage limit. Unlike the Audi RS5, which offers no complimentary maintenance as part of its warranty plan, the M4 comes with 3 years or 36,000 miles of factory-scheduled service.

2024 BMW M4 Versus Its Competitors

When it comes to high-powered coupes, buyers can lean into the muscle car segment occupied by Ford’s Mustang, which competes in Dark Horse spec, but the BMW M4 is aimed more squarely at the luxury level. This puts it into play against the Audi RS5, Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Coupe, and Lexus RC F. You could even argue pitting the M4 against a Chevy Corvette or Porsche Cayman, but the RS5 is a long-time German rival and the Lexus offers enthusiast catnip in the form of a naturally aspirated V8, which is why they’ve been chosen.

How The BMW M4 Compares To The Audi RS5

• 2024 BMW M4

  Engine/Motor

  3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6

  Horsepower

  473-503 HP

  Torque

  406-479 LB-FT

  Drivetrain

  RWD, AWD

  Transmission

  6-Speed Manual, 8-Speed Automatic

  MSRP

  $79,095-$94,925

  0-60 MPH

  4.1-3.4 Seconds

• 2024 Audi RS5

  Engine/Motor

  2.9L Twin-Turbo V6

  Horsepower

  444 HP

  Torque

  443 LB-FT

  Drivetrain

  AWD

  Transmission

  8-Speed Automatic

  MSRP

  $80,695-$89,995

  0-60 MPH

  3.5 Seconds

There are a lot of similarities between the BMW M4 and Audi RS5. Both feature twin-turbocharged six-cylinder powertrains with more than 400 horsepower and both start around $80,000. Though the M4 offers AWD, every RS5 comes with it in the form of the automaker’s famed Quattro system. If you want a convertible, only the M4 offers one in 2024. Audi once sold the RS5 as a drop-top, but not in current generation form.

Blistering speed is a de facto requirement for cars like these and sub 4-second sprints to 60 are within reach in both cases. But when it comes to overall performance, the BMW M4 Competition takes the lead with its 503 horsepower. The top-spec RS5 also features the Competition nameplate, but the performance improvements consist of an upgraded suspension, wheels, and exhaust system with no powertrain upgrades.

How The BMW M4 Compares To The Lexus RC F

• 	2024 BMW M4	2024 Lexus RC F
  Engine/Motor	3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6	5.0L V8
  Horsepower	473-503 HP	472 HP
  Torque	406-479 LB-FT	395 lb-ft
  Drivetrain	RWD, AWD	RWD
  Transmission	6-Speed Manual, 8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
  MSRP	$79,095-$94,925	$68,295-$101,170
  0-60 MPH	4.1-3.4 Seconds	4.1 Seconds

The 2024 Lexus RC F presents an interesting foil to the BMW M4. It’s price range undercuts a base M4 coupe by more than $10,000, while the range-topping Track Edition is thousands more than a top-spec M4 convertible. However, piling on options like matte paint, self-parking, carbon fiber seats, the M Driver’s package, and adaptive laser headlights pushes the BMW M4 price tag beyond $126,000.

That said, the likely reason someone would consider a Lexus RC F over a BMW M4 is the powertrain. Bucking the current trend of turbocharged small displacement motors, the RC F boasts a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8. It can’t quite keep up with an M4 in Competition spec, but some might argue the sound of a V8 is alone worth going this route. Aside from that, the list of luxuries is similar between these two cars, though neither the RC F nor the RS5 offer an infotainment interface as impressive as the BMW Curved Display.

How Much Does A 2024 BMW M4 Cost?

How much is the BMW M4? It starts at about $79,000, for which buyers get a RWD sports coupe with a 6-speed stick, the BMW Curved Display infotainment system, and a leather-lined cabin. All Competition models, which start near $83,000, have an 8-speed automatic and, like every model, come with LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 16-speaker audio system. AWD is an option on Competition coupes and standard on the Competition soft-top convertible. Options are myriad and include a no-cost moonroof, carbon-ceramic brakes for $8,500, and a self-parking system for $700.

Fuel Economy

Regardless of which 2024 M4 a buyer chooses, the fuel economy figures are within a single mile per gallon of one another across all categories. The combined figure of between 18 and 19 MPG, depending on trim, doesn’t sound great, but is on par with what the Audi RS5 and Lexus RC F manage. The high-performance engine in the M4 requires premium octane, which translates to more than $3,000 in annual fuel costs, according to the EPA.

Is It Worth Buying A BMW M4?

To be clear, the BMW M4 is a fun car first and foremost. Yes, it offers 4 seats, but the 2 in the back are not going to make many adults happy. With that in mind, it’s absolutely worth buying an M4. In base form, the M4 continues to offer a three-pedal setup, which is rapidly disappearing from the automotive landscape. Available AWD means you could enjoy the M4 year-round even in wintry climes. And the soft-top convertible variant adds the joy of al fresco driving to the mix.

Of course, the powertrain is where the 2024 M4 really shines, particularly in Competition form with over 500 horsepower on tap. A 0-60 mph time of around 3 seconds may simply sound like par for the luxury performance coupe segment, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. All the fancy technology and high-class amenities certainly make the M4 appealing as well, but this car is all about that motor.