Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M4 (2014-20200 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

Decent on-paper efficiency, but use the M4 Competition's full potential and you can expect mammoth fuel and tyre bills

Find your BMW 4 Series
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Compared with the old M3 Coupe – which used a large naturally aspirated V8 – the M4 is actually quite fuel-efficient. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit is around 25 per cent more economical.

Under the latest WLTP test regime, the M4 Competition coupe returns up to 28.5mpg, while the convertible is slightly less efficient at 28.0mpg. CO2 emissions are 228g/km for the coupe and 232g/km for the drop-top. 

Insurance groups

The BMW M4 Competition is a high-value, high-performance car that attracts an unsurprisingly costly insurance grouping of 43. That said, insurance experts Thatcham gave the car a five star rating for its theft protection. All versions of the M4 get a Category 1 alarm and immobiliser, while deadlocks come as standard. However, there's no tracking device fitted, so we'd recommend forking out for an approved device for added security.

Depreciation

Strong demand has helped keep M4 residuals buoyant, although residuals have tailed off the longer the M4 has been on sale. Best of the coupe models is the standard six-speed manual, which should retain around 46 per cent of their value. Models equipped with the DCT twin-clutch automatics hold on to slightly less of their new value, but we're only talking a couple of percentage points. Across the board the Audi RS 5 Coupe has stronger residuals by around 10 per cent.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's a similar picture for the Convertible models, with manual versions proving to be more resistant to depreciation. However, all the drop top models feature residual figures that are couple of percent high than their Coupe counterparts.

Get your hands on one of the GTS models and you're unlikely to lose a penny – despite costing twice the price of a standard M4. Like many limited-edition Porsche 911s, the M4 GTS is a winner through exclusivity alone.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    M4 xDrive 530 Competition M 2dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £91,395
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    M4 xDrive 530 Competition M 2dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £91,395
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    M4 xDrive 530 Competition M 2dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £91,395
Select car

New & used car deals

BMW M4

BMW M4

RRP £85,665Avg. savings £19,083 off RRP*Used from £47,200
Audi RS3

Audi RS3

RRP £57,755Avg. savings £3,854 off RRP*Used from £34,300
BMW 2 Series

BMW 2 Series

RRP £38,005Used from £25,950
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,613 off RRP*Used from £11,795
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Discovery is on track as brand seeks to redefine the model in relation to Defender
Land Rover Discovery badge

New Land Rover Discovery is on track as brand seeks to redefine the model in relation to Defender

The Land Rover Discovery is set for a reboot according to JLR boss P.B Balaji
News
14 May 2026
PHEV megatest: Britain's 16 favourite plug-in hybrid systems tested
PHEV Megatest headershot

PHEV megatest: Britain's 16 favourite plug-in hybrid systems tested

It’s PHEV boom time. So we tried the systems offered in 59 cars, testing their EV range and efficiency, to reveal the ones you should buy
Car group tests
14 May 2026
New Volkswagen Transporter Sportline 2026 review: the van that thinks it’s a Golf GTI
Volkswagen Transporter Sportline - front cornering

New Volkswagen Transporter Sportline 2026 review: the van that thinks it’s a Golf GTI

It doesn't come cheap, but this big VW does come with plenty of unique and likeable touches
Road tests
15 May 2026