BMW 4 Series trim comparison
2025 BMW 4 Series 430i vs M4 CS
The 4 Series 430i starts at $51,150 while the M4 CS is $123,500. That $72,350 gap buys 8 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The M4 CS gets the 3.0L I6 Turbo and AWD, so the $72,350 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the 430i if the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo with RWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the M4 CS only when the 3.0L I6 Turbo and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the 430i to the M4 CS is about $1274/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $76,440 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the 430i and M4 CS share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $72,350 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $10,336 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 8 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 430i | M4 CS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $51,150 | $123,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 543 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 36 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 31 | 18 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.5 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,677 lbs | 3,902 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 112.5" |
| Length | 187.9" | 189.0" |
| Width | 72.9" | 75.5" |
| Height | 54.6" | 55.1" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited | 4yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 BMW 4 Series 430i vs M4 CS Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the BMW 4 Series lineup, the BMW brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 4 Series M4 CS cost than the 430i?
The M4 CS starts at $123,500 compared to $51,150 for the 430i. That is a $72,350 difference, or approximately $1274/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 BMW 4 Series 430i and M4 CS have the same engine?
No. The 430i uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo (255 hp, 295 lb-ft), while the M4 CS has the 3.0L I6 Turbo (543 hp, 479 lb-ft). That is 288 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2025 4 Series 430i come with AWD?
No. The 430i comes standard with RWD while the M4 CS has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2025 BMW 4 Series come with?
All 2025 BMW 4 Series trims, including both the 430i and M4 CS, come with BMW's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 BMW 4 Series M4 CS worth $72,350 more than the 430i?
The M4 CS changes both the engine and drivetrain for $72,350 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 BMW 4 Series trim gets better fuel economy, the 430i or the M4 CS?
The 430i is the more efficient of the two at 31 combined MPG, versus 18 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $72,350 Gets You
The 4 Series M4 CS costs $72,350 more but shares the same most mechanical specs as the 430i. The differences are mostly cosmetic or marginal, so the practical jump is limited.
430i vs. M4 CS: Day-to-Day
The M4 CS comes with the 3.0L I6 Turbo instead of the 430i's 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. That means 288 more horsepower and 184 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 13 fewer combined MPG. The M4 CS has AWD while the 430i has RWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 4 Series 430i gets 13 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $978 per year or $4,890 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$72,350 more for the 4 Series M4 CS gets you 7 real differences. At $1,274/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
BMW 4 Series 430i
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 430i best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
BMW 4 Series M4 CS
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the M4 CS when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with BMW or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.