BMW M4 generations: An executive car with a spicy side

Since the 1970s, BMW has promoted its cars under the advertising tagline, “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Indeed, the performance, luxury and handling of BMW cars over the last five decades have contributed to those vehicles becoming sought-after among both enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Browse BMW listings on KSL Cars

One of the vehicles that consistently ranks high in search trends on KSL Cars is the BMW M4. The statistics make sense since many Utah drivers are BMW enthusiasts. There is even a Wasatch Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. Chances are, the BMW M4 is a car that may interest you or someone you know.

2022 BMW M4. Photo credit: BMW

BMW 4 Series overview

In order to introduce the M4, we have to first get acquainted with the 4 Series in general. First launched in 2013 for the 2014 model year, the BMW 4 Series took the place of the compact 3 Series two-door (coupe/convertible variants were both included). And the 3 Series itself, a longtime member of the BMW family, has been around since 1975. 

See 4 Series listings on KSL

Never satisfied with offering only one standard trim, BMW overhauled the already capable 4 Series platform and enhanced it with upgrades to the engine, transmission, suspension, braking and exhaust system. We’ll get into those details shortly.

First generation: 2014 to 2020

The 4 Series was offered as a coupe or convertible when it debuted at the North American International Auto show in early 2013. When compared to the outgoing 3 Series coupe, it had a wider track and shorter overhangs. The high-performance M4 Variant, known as the F82 coupe and F83 convertible, were built by BMW’s motorsports division.

Virtually every aspect of the base 4 Series was enhanced to some extent. The result was a performance car that could sprint to 60 mph in about four seconds.

Search first gen listings

2014 BMW M4. Photo credit: BMW

Body

Consistent with its performance objective, the M4 was styled with an aggressive stance along with functional air intakes and muscular wheel arches. Coupe models without sunroofs received a lightweight carbon fiber roof, and all M4 models received carbon fiber material for the trunk lid.

Powertrain

Power came from the S55 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 which was rated at 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The two available transmissions included a 6-speed ZF GS6-53BZ manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

An active differential assisted with getting power to the outer rear wheel for maximized grip. For those seeking extra get-up-and-go, the Competition Package was available which ramped power up to 444 horsepower. A CS version would take it up even further, to 453 horsepower.

Suspension and brakes

BMW integrated an adaptive “M” suspension with electronically controlled dampers, offering multiple modes including Comfort, Sport and Sport + for optimized handling on the M4. The respective components were constructed with lightweight aluminum for reduced unsprung weight. Compound brakes were standard, and carbon ceramic disc brakes were optional to bring speeds back down swiftly when the joyride was over.

2014 BMW M4. Photo credit: BMW

Second generation: 2021 to 2025

The 4 Series second generation became longer and wider than the first. The performance tuned M4 variant was dubbed G82 for the coupe and G83 for the convertible. Building on advancing technology, the car gained more power and added capabilities for both the street and the track.  

See second gen listings on KSL Cars

Body

BMW’s signature kidney grilles became more prominent on the nose, and aerodynamic enhancements served to both reduce weight and lower the car’s center of gravity. To some, the styling of the second generation was more polarizing than the first, thanks in part to its sharper lines and aggressive stance.

Powertrain

The S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 was rated at 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the standard car. A Competition model boasted 503 horsepower, and the CS offered a sky-high 543 horsepower. 

Transmission-wise, there were some changes from the first generation M4. Even though the 6-speed manual remained, the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic was replaced with an 8-speed M-Steptronic automatic. One key update to power delivery was that the Competition model (called the M4 Competition xDrive) could be equipped with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.  

2022 BMW M4 Competition. Photo credit: BMW

Suspension and brakes

The adaptive M suspension was still standard across all M4 models, and it offered electronically controlled dampers that could adjust to driving conditions. The CS model came with a specially tuned chassis with antirollbars and a cast aluminum strut brace to improve handling and torsional rigidity. Compound (standard) and carbon ceramic (optional) brakes were offered through this generation, as before. 

Interior updates

Worth noting, along with amplified performance in the 2021 and newer cars, there came updated technology in the second generation M4. The instrument cluster became fully digital, and advanced connectivity features were added. In addition, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control made their way to the features list.

An M4 may be in your future

The BMW M4 is a fan favorite among KSL readers, and for great reasons. Its high-performance powertrain and lightweight agility make it an engaging performance car. Regardless of whether your tastes (and your wallet) steer you toward a first or a second generation M4, you can track down your next ride on KSL Cars

Are you ready to take your commute — or your next canyon-carving road trip — to the next level by adding an ultimate driving machine to your garage? 

Find a BMW M4 on KSL Cars today!

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.