BMW M5 vs BMW M4
In the world of high-performance BMW machinery, two names stand out as icons of speed and precision: the M5 and the M4. Both wear the legendary M badge with pride, but they represent different philosophies within BMW’s performance lineup. The M5 is the ultimate sleeper sedan, a family car that can embarrass supercars, while the M4 is a focused sports coupe designed for pure driving thrills. Let’s dive deep into what makes each of these machines special and help you decide which BMW M car deserves your attention.
Table of Contents
Heritage and Philosophy: Two Different Missions
The BMW M5 has a storied history dating back to 1984, when it became the world’s first super sedan. It was designed for executives who needed practicality during the week but craved performance on the weekends. Every generation has maintained this dual-personality formula: refined luxury paired with explosive performance. The current M5 continues this tradition, offering four doors, a spacious trunk, and enough power to challenge dedicated sports cars.
The BMW M4, successor to the legendary M3 Coupe, takes a more focused approach. It’s lighter, more agile, and designed primarily for driving enthusiment rather than practicality. With only two doors and a more compact footprint, the M4 appeals to enthusiasts who want a raw, visceral connection with their vehicle. It’s less about compromise and more about maximizing the thrill factor.
Engine Performance: Twin-Turbo Powerhouses
The BMW M5 (current generation) features a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing an astounding 600 horsepower in standard form, with the M5 Competition pushing that figure to 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This is an engine that delivers brutal acceleration across the entire rev range, with a deep, resonant soundtrack that reminds you of its eight-cylinder heritage. The twin-turbo setup eliminates lag almost entirely, making power delivery feel instantaneous and relentless.
The BMW M4 Competition comes equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. While the numbers may seem lower than the M5, this engine is a masterpiece of engineering. It revs eagerly to its redline, produces a distinctive straight-six howl, and delivers power with incredible linearity. The engine’s smaller displacement and configuration give it a sharper throttle response that feels more connected to driver inputs.
Performance figures reveal the M5’s brute force advantage. The M5 Competition rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, while the M4 Competition achieves the same sprint in 3.8 seconds with rear-wheel drive or 3.4 seconds with the optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The M5’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (190 mph with the M Driver’s Package), while the M4 reaches similar velocities.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Power Delivery Systems
Both vehicles utilize BMW’s excellent eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which delivers lightning-fast shifts in automatic mode and satisfyingly crisp responses when using the paddle shifters. The transmission adapts to your driving style, learning patterns and adjusting shift points accordingly. In Sport and Sport+ modes, shifts become more aggressive, holding gears longer and downshifting earlier for maximum performance.
The M5 comes standard with M xDrive all-wheel drive, featuring a rear-biased setup that can send 100% of power to the rear wheels in 2WD mode for drift-friendly antics. This system provides exceptional traction for launching and cornering while maintaining the engaging rear-drive character that enthusiasts demand. The ability to switch between all-wheel drive and pure rear-wheel drive gives drivers complete control over the car’s behavior.
The M4 is available in both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive configurations. Purists often prefer the rear-drive setup for its more playful nature and lighter weight, while those seeking maximum performance opt for xDrive. The rear-drive M4 weighs approximately 200 pounds less than its all-wheel-drive counterpart, which enhances agility and steering feel.
Handling and Driving Dynamics: Size Matters
Here’s where the fundamental differences between these two M cars become apparent. The M5, despite weighing around 4,200 pounds, defies physics with its composure and agility. The adaptive M suspension, active anti-roll bars, and sophisticated chassis tuning make it feel much smaller than it is. You can attack corners with confidence, and the M5 responds with surprising grace. However, you’re always aware of the mass, especially during rapid direction changes or on tight, technical roads.
The M4, weighing roughly 3,800 pounds (rear-drive version), feels noticeably more nimble and responsive. Turn-in is sharper, the car rotates more willingly, and you can place it precisely where you want it on the road. The steering provides excellent feedback, communicating surface changes and grip levels clearly. On a winding mountain road or track, the M4’s lighter weight and better balance give it a clear advantage in pure driving enjoyment.
Both vehicles offer multiple driving modes that adjust throttle response, steering weight, suspension stiffness, and exhaust note. The M5 provides a broader range between comfort and sport settings, making it easier to live with daily. The M4’s comfort mode is still quite firm, reflecting its more focused mission.
Design and Visual Impact: Presence vs Aggression
The BMW M5 maintains a relatively understated appearance compared to some rivals. At first glance, it looks like a well-equipped 5 Series sedan, which is precisely the point. Closer inspection reveals M-specific details: quad exhaust pipes, larger air intakes, flared fenders, and distinctive wheels. The M5 wears its performance credentials subtly, appealing to those who appreciate stealth wealth and sophisticated styling.
The M4, particularly the current generation with its controversial oversized kidney grilles, makes a bold visual statement. Love it or hate it, the design is impossible to ignore. The wide stance, aggressive front fascia, prominent rear diffuser, and optional carbon fiber roof create a purposeful, race-bred aesthetic. The M4 looks fast standing still, with muscular proportions and aerodynamic elements that emphasize its performance focus.
Interior design follows similar themes. The M5 offers a luxurious cabin with premium materials, extensive sound insulation, and comfortable seating for five adults. It’s a place where you could spend hours without fatigue, whether commuting or road-tripping. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and amenities like climate control and USB ports.
The M4’s interior is more driver-focused, with aggressively bolstered M sport seats that hold you firmly in place during spirited driving. The rear seats are present but tight, suitable for children or occasional adult passengers. The overall ambiance emphasizes performance over luxury, though material quality remains excellent throughout.
Technology and Features: Modern BMW Excellence
Both vehicles feature BMW’s latest iDrive 8 system (in recent models) with curved display technology that combines the instrument cluster and central touchscreen. The interface is intuitive, responsive, and packed with features including wireless smartphone integration, navigation with real-time traffic, and over-the-air software updates. Voice control works reliably, and the system learns your preferences over time.
M-specific features include configurable M buttons on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to save their preferred settings for instant access. The M Drift Analyzer (on M5) provides detailed telemetry data for track enthusiasts. Both cars offer head-up displays, Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systems, and comprehensive driver assistance packages.
Safety technology is extensive, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The M5 includes additional features like parking assistance and a surround-view camera system, reflecting its luxury sedan positioning.
Practicality and Daily Usability: The Comfort Factor
This category heavily favors the M5. With four doors, a spacious 18.7 cubic-foot trunk, and comfortable rear seating, the M5 genuinely works as a family car. You can drop kids at school, haul groceries, and accommodate four adults on a road trip without compromise. The ride quality in Comfort mode is compliant enough for daily commuting, though still firmer than a standard 5 Series.
The M4 requires more compromise. The coupe body style means climbing into the rear seats involves contorting through the front doors, and once back there, space is limited. The trunk is smaller at 13 cubic feet, though the rear seats fold for additional cargo capacity. The firmer suspension setup transmits more road imperfections to passengers, making it less refined for everyday use.
Fuel economy reflects each car’s mission. The M5 returns approximately 15-16 mpg in city driving and 21-22 mpg on highways, with a combined rating around 17-18 mpg. The M4 does slightly better at 16-17 city, 23-24 highway, and 19-20 mpg combined. Neither is particularly efficient, but that’s not why people buy M cars.
Pricing and Value: Investment Considerations
The BMW M5 Competition starts at a significantly higher price point, typically around $110,000-$115,000 depending on the model year and options. It’s a substantial investment, but you’re getting a complete package that can serve as your only vehicle without compromise.
The BMW M4 Competition starts around $78,000-$80,000 for the rear-drive version, with xDrive adding approximately $3,000-$4,000 to the price. Optional packages and individual options can push the final price well into the $90,000s, but even fully loaded, it remains less expensive than the M5.
Both vehicles hold their value reasonably well in the used market, with M5s depreciating slightly faster due to higher initial costs. The M4’s more accessible pricing and broader appeal help it maintain stronger residual values.
Track Performance: Where Limits Are Tested
On a racing circuit, the M4’s advantages become crystal clear. Its lighter weight, better power-to-weight ratio, and more nimble handling make it faster through technical sections. Lap times typically favor the M4 over the M5 on tight, twisty tracks where agility matters more than straight-line speed.
However, on faster circuits with long straights and high-speed corners, the M5’s power advantage helps it claw back time. The all-wheel-drive traction allows earlier throttle application on corner exits, and the sophisticated electronics help it punch above its weight class.
For serious track enthusiasts, the M4 is the better tool, especially in rear-drive configuration with optional track-focused packages. The M5 is incredibly capable on track but shows its true colors as a fast road car rather than a dedicated circuit weapon.
The Verdict: Choose Your Priority
The BMW M5 is the ultimate do-everything performance machine. It’s devastatingly fast, surprisingly agile, and practical enough to serve as your only vehicle. If you need rear seats, want maximum performance, and appreciate the sleeper aesthetic, the M5 is worth every penny.
The BMW M4 is the driver’s choice, offering a more engaging, connected experience at a lower price point. It’s lighter, sharper, and more focused on pure driving pleasure. If you can live with the compromises and prioritize handling over practicality, the M4 delivers thrills that justify every sacrifice.
Both are exceptional machines that showcase BMW M Division’s engineering excellence. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you value versatility and outright power (M5) or agility and driver engagement (M4). Either way, you’re getting one of the finest performance cars on the planet.
