BMW M3 vs BMW M4

For six generations, the BMW M3 sedan has long exemplified everyday-friendly high-performance, and for 2025, its current G80 generation possesses a handful of exterior and tech mid-cycle updates to keep the formula fresh. It’s what brand enthusiasts refer to as the LCI model, or, life-cycle impulse.

Since 2021, the M3 been offered in either standard or Competition trims, xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD), and with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Bavarian brand maintains its inline-six engine layout—a cornerstone of its history—and there’s no hybrid assistance to be found; just two mono-scroll turbochargers to help produce thrilling acceleration all over the rev band.

Verdict: There are few purpose-built-yet-all-purpose vehicles on the road that offer the same thrills as BMW’s most iconic four-door performance badge.

BMW is increasingly defined by electrification, technology, and luxury, but the BMW M4 shows Bavaria’s automaker still cares about performance.

As the M version of the BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible, the M4 would have previously been designated a BMW M3. But the automaker split the two-door versions into a separate line for the 2014 model year, keeping the M3 name for the sedan. That makes the M4 a descendent of legendary models like the E30 M3 coupe. And like the E30, the modern M4 has a motorsport pedigree, as it’s currently BMW’s weapon of choice in the GT3 and GT4 sports-car classes.

The current-generation M4 was introduced for the 2021 model year. The big change for the 2023 model year is the addition of the BMW M4 CSL, a hardcore limited edition that’s both more powerful and lighter than the standard M4. This is only the third BMW has broken out the CSL badge for, after the 1972 E9 3.0 CSL and 2003 E46 M3 CSL (which wasn’t sold in the United States), and like those cars, the M4 CSL will be rare. Global production is capped at 1,000 units.

We spent some time in an M4 CSL on twisty roads around Palm Springs, California, to see if this once-in-a-generation model is a real improvement over the standard M4, and whether any M4 can live up to BMW M’s legendary reputation.