The 2025 BMW M4: Unleashing Innovation and Power

The current 4 Series—the two-door 3 Series sibling—first appeared in 2021. You may wonder how much more performance and style can be extracted from the 4 Series’s M4 variant without drastic changes. Worry not; there is considerable enhancement in the 2025 M4 coupe and convertible. While BMW employs cutting-edge technology to enhance its lineup (like the i7 with its expansive rear display), various traditional areas remain available for improvement, particularly on the M4.

More Power for xDrives

The big news is that the top-level M4 trim—the Competition xDrive, available on both the coupe and convertible—now offers an increase of 20 horsepower compared to last year’s models, pushing 523 hp to all four wheels. This power boost helps the M4 Competition coupe reach 60 mph in a claimed time of just 3.4 seconds, while the slightly heavier convertible adds 0.2 seconds to that time. Both models are limited to a maximum speed of 155 mph, but opting for the M Driver’s Package elevates that to 174 mph for the convertible and 180 mph for the hardtop.

The base M4 Coupe will continue utilizing rear-wheel drive, with 473 hp, and a six-speed manual transmission, while the non-xDrive (rear-wheel-drive) M4 Competition Coupe maintains 503 hp, complemented by an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, an automatic based on the ZF 8HP modified by BMW M.

There Are Lasers in the Frickin’ Taillights

Another astounding achievement for the M4 twins is the incorporation of laser lighting in the taillights. While the primary lighting remains LED, a laser diode illuminates glass fiber bundles, creating a striking 3D effect. This innovative feature is not entirely new, having been seen on the limited-production M4 CSL, but it marks the first time BMW M has implemented this technology on a broader scale, suggesting its future availability in less exclusive models as well.

Although the headlights do not feature this laser technology, they have been redesigned with distinct functionalities, including combining high and low beams from the same LED module. The updated arrowhead-shaped daytime running lights will also serve as turn signals.

The Office

Inside, BMW M leverages the new curved display system that combines a 12.3-inch instrument panel with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. It utilizes BMW Operating System (OS) 8.5, which includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant but is tailored to enhance the M experience. This adaptation of OS 8.5 incorporates M-specific graphics, including a colorful tachometer, shift lights, and an M View for the HUD. However, this modern approach also leads to fewer physical buttons as many controls are transitioned to digital interfaces within specific menus. Fortunately, many functions can also be controlled via voice commands, allowing users to adjust settings like the heated steering wheel or the radio with simple vocal prompts.

The Small Changes

Several notable changes exist for less conspicuous options, such as the bright silver finish on the 825M light-alloy wheels, or the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheel stagger, which is primarily available for the M4 Coupe. There are also optional enhancements, including M design graphics on the hood and trunk, available in high gloss black or red. Customers might also choose the steel roof option instead of the standard carbon, which features an electric sliding roof coated in high gloss black.

Moreover, subtle changes include new finishing treatments on the BMW roundel and M badge, distinguishing them on the Competition models. The roundel on the hood and trunk now has a high gloss black finish, while the M badge on the trunk is bordered in silver.

The 2025 M4 Starts at Just Over $80,000

Cost is another significant point of consideration. The 2025 BMW M4 Coupe starts at $80,095, including a $995 destination charge. The M4 Competition Coupe is priced at $84,195, which means both M4 models see an increase of $1,000 compared to the outgoing 2024 versions. The M4 Competition xDrive Coupe now costs $2,000 more than its predecessor, totaling $89,295, while its convertible counterpart also sees a price increase, coming in at $96,295. Production is set to commence in March at BMW’s Dingolfing facility.