With a snarl from its turbocharged inline-six and a flash of carbon-fiber flair, the 2025 BMW M4 hits its stride as both a daily brute and a track-day ballerina. This isn’t just a refresh it’s a sharp reminder that BMW’s M division still knows how to make hearts race and tires scream, even in a world inching toward electrified everything.
So, what’s new in 2025? Plenty. And at the top of that list is the M4 CS—a limited-run, fire-breathing beast that looks ready to stalk the Nürburgring, yet doesn’t completely hate potholes. Alongside it, the M4 Competition soldiers on with familiar swagger, only now with tech tweaks, subtle styling touch-ups, and the option to send power to all four wheels—or just the rears, if you’re brave (or reckless).
M4 Competition
Let’s start with the “everyday monster.” The 2025 M4 Competition continues to offer that perfect cocktail of power, poise, and usability. With around 530 horsepower from the same snarling 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six (codenamed S58, if you’re into that sort of thing), it pulls like a freight train whether you’re in Comfort or Sport Plus.
What makes it particularly livable is the availability of xDrive all-wheel drive. That system can shift from calm and composed in the rain to tail-happy hooligan with a few taps in the settings. If you’re commuting Monday through Friday and hitting the track on Saturday, this setup’s tough to beat.
But let’s not pretend it’s a lounge on wheels. The M4’s ride is firm, arguably firmer than some rivals like the Audi RS5 or Mercedes-AMG C63. BMW likes its M cars to feel connected to the road, and while purists will cheer that, your chiropractor might not.
M4 CS
Here’s where things get spicy. The 2025 BMW M4 CS is the newest crown jewel of the lineup, and it doesn’t just look fast—it is fast. BMW cranked the power up to 543 hp (405 kW), shaved weight wherever it could, and gave it the kind of suspension upgrades that make it a real weapon on circuit days.
We’re talking:
- More negative camber up front for better turn-in.
- Stiffer springs and retuned dampers for added bite.
- Track-focused tires (optional, but c’mon—you’ll want them).
Visually, the CS goes full stealth bomber—tinted taillights, aggressive carbon splitter, and a vented carbon hood that just screams purpose. It’s the kind of car that turns heads at a Cars and Coffee meet before it even starts up.
Underneath, there’s carbon fiber everywhere: roof, diffuser, interior trim, even the center console. All told, the CS trims real pounds off the curb weight, and while BMW hasn’t disclosed the exact number yet, let’s just say it’s enough to feel it in corners.
Driving Experience
Every version of the 2025 M4 benefits from the same fundamental DNA: sharp steering, a playful chassis, and enough torque to make downshifts optional. You get M Compound brakes as standard, and carbon ceramic stoppers as an option if you’re serious about fade resistance.
The rear-wheel drive (RWD) versions are tail-happy and precise, great for anyone who values oversteer therapy. Meanwhile, xDrive versions offer jaw-dropping grip with just enough looseness to still feel fun.
And the sound? That’s subjective, of course, but the CS especially gets a throatier exhaust note that’s more aggressive, less filtered. It’s not V8-good, but it’ll still make your neighbors hate you.
Updated Design & Cabin Tweaks
BMW didn’t go full overhaul with the 2025 update, but the headlights are slimmer, and the front fascia gets some subtle reshaping. It’s enough to tell this is the newer version, without reinventing the wheel.
Inside, you’ll spot:
- An upgraded iDrive system (still a love-it-or-hate-it affair).
- Optional carbon bucket seats that hug you like an F1 harness.
- A special carbon center console in the CS, because weight savings start wherever you can get them.
Don’t expect Tesla levels of minimalism—BMW’s cockpit is still driver-focused, button-heavy, and a little intimidating to newcomers. But once you get used to it, it all makes sense.
Table
| Model | Power (HP) | Drivetrain | 0–60 mph (Est.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 Competition | ~530 hp | RWD or xDrive | 3.4 – 3.8 sec | Twin-turbo I6, adaptive suspension, AWD optional |
| M4 CS | 543 hp | xDrive only | ~3.2 sec | Carbon fiber body parts, track-tuned chassis |
Verdict
The 2025 BMW M4 lineup is proof that internal combustion still has a pulse—and it’s beating hard. The Competition model is a versatile, hard-hitting coupe that can handle everything from canyon carving to Costco runs. It’s not soft, but it’s civil enough.
The M4 CS, on the other hand, is a rolling exclamation point. It’s not for everyone—it’s loud, pricey, and a little impractical. But if you want the ultimate M4 experience, this is it. Think of it as BMW’s way of saying: “We’re not done yet.”
FAQs
Pricing hasn’t been officially announced, but expect the M4 CS to land north of $120,000, given its limited production and performance upgrades.
Nope. The 2025 M4 CS is xDrive only, likely to help put down all 543 horsepower with minimal drama.
Not yet released for the CS, but the Competition models typically hover around 16–18 mpg city and 22–24 mpg highway.
The CS has more power, less weight, more aggressive suspension, and extensive use of carbon fiber. It’s built for the track, plain and simple.
Unfortunately, the M4 Competition and CS are both automatic-only. The standard M4 (non-Competition) still offers a 6-speed manual in certain markets.
