BMW 4 Series trim comparison
2025 BMW 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive vs M4 CS
The 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive starts at $89,000 while the M4 CS is $123,500. That $34,500 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
Same engine, same drivetrain, same fuel economy. The $34,500 gap is pure equipment.
The M4 Competition xDrive is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $608/month in your budget matters. The M4 CS earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the M4 Competition xDrive to the M4 CS is about $608/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $36,480 more by the time interest is counted. At this end of the market, the payment change usually matters less than whether the added equipment actually changes daily use.
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 want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The M4 Competition xDrive and M4 CS are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $34,500 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $34,500 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. 2 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | M4 Competition xDrive | M4 CS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $89,000 | $123,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 523 hp | 543 hp |
| Torque | No published data | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 16 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 23 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 18 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,902 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.5" | 112.5" |
| Length | 189.1" | 189.0" |
| Width | 74.3" | 75.5" |
| Height | 54.9" | 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 M4 Competition xDrive 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 M4 Competition xDrive?
The M4 CS starts at $123,500 compared to $89,000 for the M4 Competition xDrive. That is a $34,500 difference, or approximately $608/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 BMW 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive and M4 CS have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.0L I6 Turbo producing 523 hp. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2025 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive and M4 CS have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2025 BMW 4 Series come with?
All 2025 BMW 4 Series trims, including both the M4 Competition xDrive 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.
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 $34,500 Gets You
Same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy, $34,500 more. The 4 Series M4 CS adds minor equipment upgrades over the M4 Competition xDrive, but the core driving experience is identical.
M4 Competition xDrive vs. M4 CS: Day-to-Day
The M4 CS adds 20 horsepower. Noticeable during highway driving, less so in stop-and-go.
What Both Trims Share
The 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive and M4 CS share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $34,500 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Summary
The 4 Series M4 CS costs $34,500 more than the M4 Competition xDrive (about $608/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 1 meaningful change at $34,500 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 M4 Competition xDrive
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the M4 Competition xDrive 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.