The 2024 BMW M4 lives up to its DNA of delivering heart-thumping performance with an eye-catching style to match. The three-liter TwinPower Turbo Inline-Six engine under its hood can unleash enough power to push you back to those sculpted and highly bolstered seats while ensuring maximum traction in various driving conditions.
BMW offers the 2024 M4 coupe in several trims:
- M4
- M4 Competition
- M4 Competition XDrive
The base BMW delivers 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque and can go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.4 seconds. The more potent M4 Competition cranks out 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque and goes a blink faster to hit 60 MPH in just 3.8 seconds.
The top-of-the-line BMW M4 Competition XDrive delivers the same power as its mid-tier sibling but reaches the 60 MPH mark in 3.4 seconds. Meanwhile, you can also get your hands on a convertible version of the M4 Competition XDrive, which gets to 60 MPH in 3.6 seconds.
The new BMW M4 specs are impressive, and this machine is undoubtedly a beast. However, not everyone’s ready to spend their hard-earned cash on the BMW M4 starting price of $79,095. If you’re in the same boat, there are cars that deliver M4-level excitement for a fraction of the cost. If you are looking for the best BMW M4 alternatives, you’ll also be able to find worthy examples from the Bavarian stable.
We collected information from BMW and reputable sites such as KBB, Edmunds, and Car And Driver to come up with a list of used BMW vehicles that are great alternatives to the M4.
10 2012 BMW 3 Series 335i Sedan
Fair Purchase Price: $10,707
Since its introduction in the 1970s, the BMW 3 Series has been providing car enthusiasts with a compact sport sedan that delivers exciting performance that does not hurt too much in the pocket.
It is a practical ride that you can take for your daily commute that offers that nimbleness and responsive chassis that’s worthy of praise. The 2012 iteration of the 3 Series is the first for its sixth generation.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
5.4 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Curb Weight |
3,571 Pounds |
Horsepower |
300 Horsepower |
Torque |
300 Pound-Feet |
The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine of the BMW 3 Series 335i cranks out a decent 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Step on the pedal and this ride will bring you from a standstill to 60 in 5.4 seconds.
On average, you’ll consume about 3.8 gallons of fuel per 100 miles with the 2012 BMW 335i, or that’s a 26/23/32 combined/city/highway fuel rating. The BMW sport sedan comes standard with 17-inch alloy rims, automatic headlights, adjustable drive settings, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and more.
9 2010 BMW 1 Series 135i Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $11,450
Another affordable BMW M4 alternative is its older cousin, the 2010 BMW 1 Series 135i Coupe. Offering a solid German build, the two-door 2010 BMW 135i gives you the power and pace while sacrificing the generosity of interior space.
The 135i is aptly positioned on top of its brood with premium features such as a suite of safety technologies, dual-zone climate control, auto-on headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, and more.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
5.1 Seconds |
Top Speed |
149 MPH |
Curb Weight |
3,373 Pounds |
Horsepower |
300 Horsepower |
Torque |
300 Pound-Feet |
On the spotlight of the 2010 BMW 1 Series 135i spec sheet is its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six block, the same engine that powers the 335i and the BMW Z4 sDrive35i.
The performance of this Munich-made machine is incredibly smooth. When you step on the gas pedal, you get that oh-this-is-really-a-sports-car vibe because of the instantaneous thrust. As expected, it can swiftly bring you from a full stop to 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 149 MPH.
8 2014 BMW 5 Series 550i XDrive
Fair Purchase Price: $16,016
If you are looking at pre-loved BMWs as a good reason not to spend too much on a new BMW M4, the 2014 BMW 5 Series, particularly the top-tier 550 XDrive sedan, will not disappoint. This vehicle has aged well, and you can expect a robust performance from the 4.4-liter V-8 twin-turbocharged engine under its hood.
With its performance, the 2014 BMW 550i XDrive will humiliate other vehicles at the stoplight. The German-engineered powerplant produces 443 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters as standard. It can zoom from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
4.3 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Curb Weight |
4,519 Pounds |
Horsepower |
443 Horsepower |
Torque |
479 Pound-Feet |
The cabin of the 5 Series is elegant and spacious. It gives you that generous space where you can be comfortable while using practical features such as parking sensors, rearview cameras, and power front seats, among others.
7 2017 BMW 4 Series 430i Gran Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $18,366
The 2017 BMW 4 Series 430i Gran Coupe delivers stout performance, an upscale interior, and a well-balanced ride. Don’t get with the Gran coupe branding, as this vehicle is actually a four-door hatchback. That means you’ll have that fun driving dynamics with the practicality of a hatchback.
You’ll have enough seating for five compared to four for its siblings. The entry-level 430i’s turbocharged inline-four engine is not the most potent engine you can get, but it still offers quick acceleration when overtaking and is pretty much a good all-rounder. It gives you the BMW agility you’d expect with the better balance that comes with its wider stance.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
5.5 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Curb Weight |
3,668 Pounds |
Horsepower |
248 Horsepower |
Torque |
253 Pound-Feet |
The 430i’s engine produces 248 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. These output numbers are enough to bring the car from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds and cruise to a top speed of 155 MPH without any issues.
6 2011 BMW M3 Sedan
Fair Purchase Price: $20,622
The 2011 BMW M3 sedan is another vehicle that has an alluring proposition if you are looking for a cheaper BMW M4 alternative. It is a true sports car that is fun to drive with superior handling, poised handling, and beautiful styling. It sports a roaring V-8 with four liters of displacement.
It churns out 414 horsepower at 8,300 RPM and 295 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 RPM. Step on the pedal, and you’ll certainly attract eyes while on the road. While this isn’t at the level of muscle car jaw-dropping horsepower, the 2011 BMW M3 can undoubtedly belong to the list of coolest luxury cars with V-8 engines in the last two decades.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
4.7 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Curb Weight |
3,726 Pounds |
Horsepower |
414 Horsepower |
Torque |
295 Pound-Feet |
The 2011 BMW M3 is a well-rounded option if you are on the hunt for used vehicles that will give you the best value for your money.
5 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Roadster
Fair Purchase Price: $26,486
You can snag a decent example of the 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Roadster between $24,600 and $28,400, with a typical listing price of around $27,000. This sporty BMW M4 alternative gives you a good blend of power, handling, comfort, and, yes – the open-air joy of driving.
It is a satisfying car to bring to the office on a daily basis or every weekend when you want to head to the beach or to some winding roads to enjoy mountain views. Just don’t expect any cargo room.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
4.9 Seconds |
Top Speed |
165 MPH |
Curb Weight |
3,527 Pounds |
Horsepower |
300 Horsepower |
Torque |
300 Pound-Feet |
With a turbocharged 4.0-liter engine that outputs 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, the BMW Z4 can blaze from a full stop to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 165 MPH. Inside the 2015 Z4, it is roomy for two occupants with good headroom and legroom, even for tall drivers or passengers.
4 2019 BMW 2 Series M240i Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $34,862
On the lookout for a 2024 BMW M4 alternative that’s below $40,000? The 2019 BMW 2 Series M240i coupe is an attractive proposal that comes in a small but appealing package. Under the hood of this coupe is an inline-six mated to an eight-speed shiftable automatic that transfers all the power of the engine to the rear wheels.
The 3.0-liter powerplant outputs 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, which can easily bring the car to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds. It’s the same engine that powers bigger siblings of the 4 Series, so you have a better power-to-weight ratio to expect.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
4.4 Seconds |
Top Speed |
168 MPH |
Curb Weight |
3,519 Pounds |
Horsepower |
335 Horsepower |
Torque |
369 Pound-Feet |
Aside from being eager and quick on the road, the BMW M240i comes with a big trunk, considering it is a small car. It has a total cargo space of 13.8 cubic feet. The interior is also well-designed, with comfortable seats and good outward visibility.
3 2015 BMW M4 Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $35,391
If you’re asking if an older BMW M4 is a good alternative for the new BMW M4, then the quick answer is yes. Point the spotlight at the 2015 BMW M4 Coupe with undeniably impressive performance, excellent ride quality, and roomy interior.
Derived from the M3, its DNA boasts of a satisfying all-around capability, be it on the track for weekend warriors or on the streets for those who want a potent daily driver. Under the hood is a 3.0 inline-six turbocharged block that cranks out 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
4.1 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Curb Weight |
3,530 Pounds |
Horsepower |
425 Horsepower |
Torque |
406 Pound-Feet |
The interior offers front passengers generous space while those at the back will still have adequate room. The design of the cabin is driver-centric, with controls easy to reach and systems simple to navigate. On the outside, you still have that subtle but cool BMW styling. That’s a plus if you are not a fan of the quirky design and kidney grille of the new M4.
2 2017 BMW M2 Coupe
Fair Purchase Price: $41,914
The 2017 BMW M2 is a fast and fun ride that comes with a smaller footprint and a less hefty sticker price. You can get this M-badged ride between $40,000 and $44,000 today, with some examples at just around $30,000. The 2017 M2 boats of impressive power from its 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that produces 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque.
The six-cylinder block, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, sends the power to the rear wheels and can bring the car from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds. It can hit an unlimited top speed of 168 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
4.3 Seconds |
Top Speed |
168 MPH |
Curb Weight |
3,505 Pounds |
Horsepower |
365 Horsepower |
Torque |
343 Pound-Feet |
The compact BMW four-seater comes with heated seats, traction control, forward collision warning, variable speed window wipers, and multi-zone climate control, among other practical features.
1 2020 BMW 7 Series 750i xDrive
Fair Purchase Price: $48,985
The 2020 BMW 7 Series 750i xDrive is a perfect combination of performance and luxury. You’ll get a refined beast that relies on a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
That’s a lot more horsepower than the new M4 trims while saving at least $30,000 at the same time. There’s no tip-toeing when it comes to the 2020 BMW 750i xDrive. Step on the pedal, and you’ll get no hesitation, achieving 60 MPH from a complete stop in 4.0 seconds and ultimately achieving an unlimited top speed of 162 MPH.
Performance
0-60 MPH |
4.0 Seconds |
Top Speed |
162 MPH |
Curb Weight |
4,722 Pounds |
Horsepower |
523 Horsepower |
Torque |
553 Pound-Feet |
Inside the vehicle, you will be treated to quilted leather, brushed aluminum trim, ambient lighting, and a good dose of options that will make life more comfortable. While it might be unthinkable to drive this BMW on the tracks, you’re assured that you have a capable vehicle that has enough grunt if the need arises. No wonder BMW keeps producing the 7 Series. It’s one of the only truly successful big beemers out there.