BMW M4 Competition vs 2024 BMW M4: Which Coupe Delivers More in 2025?

If you’re in the market for a luxury sports coupe that checks all the boxes, speed, style, technology, and pure driving excitement, then chances are the BMW M4 Competition and the 2024 BMW M4 are already on your radar. But with two models that look similar at first glance, you might be wondering: what’s the real difference between them, and which one delivers more value in 2025?

This guide breaks it all down in simple, straightforward terms: engine power, design, features, price, and who each car is made for. Whether you’re into weekend track days or just want an everyday car that turns heads and thrills every time you hit the gas, we’ve got you covered.

Engine Power: Which One Is Faster?

Let’s kick things off with what most people care about first, performance. If you’re choosing between the BMW M4 Competition and the 2024 BMW M4, both are seriously quick. But one of them has a clear edge when it comes to speed and power. While the M4 Competition delivers impressive performance with 503 horsepower, BMW’s lineup includes even more powerful options like the BMW M8, which cranks out 617 horsepower for those seeking ultimate performance.

BMW M4 Competition (2025)

• 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine
  
• 503 horsepower, 479 lb-ft of torque
  
• Goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds
  
• Comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission
  
• Available with xDrive all-wheel drive for better traction

2024 BMW M4

• Same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine
  
• 473 horsepower, 406 lb-ft of torque
  
• Goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.1 seconds
  
• Available with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
  
• Standard rear-wheel drive

So, what’s the difference really?

The BMW M4 Competition has more horsepower and torque, which means it accelerates faster and feels stronger, especially when you’re pushing it on a highway or a track. The optional xDrive all-wheel drive helps it grip the road better, making the launch even quicker and more stable, even in rainy or slippery conditions.

On the other hand, the 2024 BMW M4 gives you something the Competition doesn’t: a manual transmission. If you’re someone who enjoys the feeling of shifting gears and being fully connected to your car, that manual option is a big deal. It gives you a classic sports car experience that’s getting harder to find these days.

So, Which Should You Choose?

• Want maximum power, quicker acceleration, and better grip? Go with the BMW M4 Competition.
  
• Want a more connected driving feel with the option to drive stick? The 2024 BMW M4 is the better pick.

Is the M4 Competition always faster?
Yes, thanks to its higher horsepower and optional all-wheel drive, the M4 Competition beats the standard M4 in a straight-line race. But if you enjoy driving for the fun of it, not just speed, the base M4 still delivers plenty of thrills.

Manual or Automatic: What’s Your Style?

Choosing between the 2024 BMW M4 and the BMW M4 Competition isn’t just about power, it’s also about how you like to drive. One of the biggest differences between these two coupes is the transmission.

2024 BMW M4: Manual or Automatic – You Decide

If you’re the kind of driver who loves to be fully in control, the 2024 BMW M4 might be the car for you. It’s one of the few performance coupes that still offers a 6-speed manual transmission, which is a big deal for driving enthusiasts.

Shifting gears by hand gives you a more connected driving experience. You feel every gear change, every rev, and every turn. It’s more interactive, and for many drivers, that’s half the fun. Of course, if you prefer a more relaxed drive or just don’t want to deal with a clutch, you can also choose the 8-speed automatic transmission instead.

BMW M4 Competition: Fast and Seamless

The BMW M4 Competition skips the manual option entirely. It only comes with the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which is designed for both daily comfort and high-performance driving. Shifts are lightning-fast and super smooth, whether you’re cruising through the city or pushing hard on a racetrack. The 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission represents decades of BMW M division engineering excellence, designed to deliver both lightning-fast shifts and everyday drivability.

And with the optional xDrive all-wheel drive system, the Competition model delivers even better control and grip, especially when accelerating or cornering at high speeds.

Which One Is Right for You?

• Choose the 2024 BMW M4 if you love driving stick and want that old-school, hands-on feel behind the wheel.
  
• Choose the BMW M4 Competition if you want quick, no-fuss gear changes and performance tuned for speed and precision.

Why doesn’t the M4 Competition come in manual?
BMW designed the Competition model to be as fast and efficient as possible. The automatic transmission shifts faster than most people can with a manual, which helps with performance. That’s why the manual option is only offered on the standard M4.

Whether you want to feel every shift or just focus on the drive, BMW gives you the freedom to choose the experience that fits you best.

Inside the Cabin: Comfort, Tech, and Style

Step inside either the 2024 BMW M4 or the BMW M4 Competition, and you’ll immediately know you’re in a luxury performance car. Both models are designed to make you feel like you’re in control of something powerful, while still keeping you surrounded by high-end materials and cutting-edge technology.

Whether you’re running errands or heading out on a weekend road trip, you’ll find the cabin comfortable, stylish, and packed with smart features.

What Both Cars Offer

No matter which M4 you choose, you’ll get:

• A large curved display that combines the digital instrument cluster and central infotainment screen into one sleek unit, powered by BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system
  
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, so you can connect your phone wirelessly for music, maps, and calls
  
• Customizable M Drive Modes, allowing you to adjust the car’s performance settings with just a few taps
  
• Digital gauges, offering real-time driving info that’s easy to read
  
• High-quality finishes, like Merino leather seats, carbon fiber trim, and ambient lighting for a modern, upscale feel

What Makes the BMW M4 Competition Stand Out

While the 2024 BMW M4 is already impressive, the BMW M4 Competition comes with a few extra touches that push it to the next level.

• M Carbon Bucket Seats (optional): These racing-style seats are lightweight, supportive, and add a serious motorsport vibe to the interior
  
• Harman Kardon® surround sound system: Standard in the Competition model for crystal-clear audio quality
  
• Sportier trim details: Like gloss black accents and unique Competition badging
  
• xDrive all-wheel drive (optional): Not just for performance, it also gives you confidence in rainy or slick road conditions

These extras make the cabin feel even more premium and performance-focused. Whether you’re cruising in comfort or pushing the car through tight corners, the BMW M4 Competition keeps you feeling like you’re in a race-ready cockpit.

So, Which Interior Is Better?

• If you’re looking for modern luxury with tons of tech, the 2024 BMW M4 delivers.
  
• If you want extra performance features and a racing-inspired look and feel, the BMW M4 Competition adds more right from the start.

Can I add the same features to the base M4?
Yes, many of the Competition’s upgrades, like the carbon seats or sound system, can be added to the standard M4 through optional packages. But if you want all those upgrades included from the start, the Competition might be the better value.

Style and Design: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, the BMW M4 Competition and the 2024 BMW M4 look almost identical. They share the same bold body lines, wide stance, and that unmistakable kidney grille. But if you take a closer look, you’ll notice a few key design differences that set them apart, especially when it comes to trim and overall vibe.

BMW M4 Competition: Built to Stand Out

The BMW M4 Competition has a more aggressive, race-ready look. It’s designed to grab attention and let people know this isn’t just any sports coupe, it’s the top-tier version.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Blacked-out exterior trim replaces the chrome for a sleeker, more modern appearance
  
• Larger wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) give it a stronger stance and improve handling
  
• Optional M Carbon Exterior Package, which adds carbon fiber accents to the mirrors, spoiler, and air intakes
  
• Subtle “Competition” badging that signals you’ve gone with the more powerful version

2024 BMW M4: Clean and Classic

The 2024 BMW M4 keeps things a little more traditional. It still looks sporty and powerful, but with a slightly more refined and less aggressive design.

Here’s what you’ll see:

• Chrome exterior accents that highlight the design details
  
• Slightly smaller M wheels (18-inch front, 19-inch rear)
  
• A design that leans a bit more toward luxury than track performance
  
• Fewer bold visual cues, making it a great fit for drivers who want performance without always showing it off
  

Which Style Is Right for You?

• Pick the BMW M4 Competition if you want a bolder, motorsport-inspired look that turns heads wherever you go.
  
• Go with the 2024 BMW M4 if you prefer a cleaner, more classic appearance that still brings performance without shouting about it.

Do the body shapes and dimensions change between the two?
Nope. Both cars share the same body style and size. The differences are mostly in the exterior details and trim pieces, not in the shape or structure of the vehicle.

Whether you like bold and blacked-out or classic and clean, both versions of the M4 are unmistakably BMW, and unmistakably cool.

Pricing: Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

Here’s a quick look at pricing:

• 2024 BMW M4: Starts around $78,000
  
• BMW M4 Competition: Starts around $85,000

That’s a difference of about $7,000. With the Competition, you’re paying for:

• More horsepower and torque
  
• Faster 0–60 time
  
• Extra tech and features
  
• All-wheel drive option

So, is it worth the extra money? If you care about speed, grip, and having more features included, then yes. But if you’re happy with great performance and want a lower price, or you just love driving a manual, the 2024 BMW M4 is still a fantastic choice.

Who Should Pick the 2024 BMW M4?

Go with the 2024 M4 if you:

• Want a manual transmission
  
• Prefer classic rear-wheel drive
  
• Like the idea of building your own with options
  
• Want a lower starting price with high performance

It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want to feel more connected to the road and enjoy a sporty, hands-on experience. If you’re drawn to the manual transmission and rear-wheel drive setup of the 2024 M4, you might also want to consider the BMW M2, which offers similar driving engagement in a more compact, affordable package.

Who Should Pick the BMW M4 Competition?

Choose the BMW M4 Competition if you:

• Want the most powerful version
  
• Prefer an automatic transmission with super fast shifts
  
• Like having more features included
  
• Want xDrive all-wheel drive for better grip and control

This is the go-to car for anyone who wants maximum performance and track-ready style with everyday comfort.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to BMW M4 Competition vs 2024 BMW M4, there’s no wrong answer, just different styles.

The BMW M4 Competition gives you more power, better traction, and extra features. It’s built for drivers who want the best of the best.

The 2024 BMW M4 offers a thrilling drive with the option of a manual transmission and a slightly lower price tag. It’s great for purists who love to drive and appreciate a more traditional feel.

Still Deciding? We Can Help.

Whether you’re leaning toward the BMW M4 Competition or the 2024 BMW M4, we’d love to help you find the right fit. Contact us today to schedule a test drive or check out our current BMW M inventory. Let’s get you behind the wheel of something unforgettable.