BMW 4 Series trim comparison
2026 BMW 4 Series M440i xDrive vs M4 Competition xDrive
The 4 Series M440i xDrive starts at $69,100 while the M4 Competition xDrive is $91,500. That $22,400 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo to 3.0L I6 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 3.0L I6 Turbo every week, the M4 Competition xDrive makes sense. If not, the M440i xDrive is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the M440i xDrive to the M4 Competition xDrive is about $394/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $23,640 more by the time interest is counted. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
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
The M440i xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $22,400 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $3,733 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. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | M440i xDrive | M4 Competition xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $69,100 | $91,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 386 hp | 523 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 18 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.5 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,019 lbs | 3,979 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 112.5" |
| Length | 187.9" | 189.1" |
| Width | 72.9" | 74.3" |
| Height | 54.8" | 55.0" |
| 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.
2026 BMW 4 Series M440i xDrive vs M4 Competition xDrive 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 2026 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive cost than the M440i xDrive?
The M4 Competition xDrive starts at $91,500 compared to $69,100 for the M440i xDrive. That is a $22,400 difference, or approximately $394/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 BMW 4 Series M440i xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive have the same engine?
No. The M440i xDrive uses a 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo (386 hp, 398 lb-ft), while the M4 Competition xDrive has the 3.0L I6 Turbo (523 hp, 479 lb-ft). That is 137 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2026 4 Series M440i xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive 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 2026 BMW 4 Series come with?
All 2026 BMW 4 Series trims, including both the M440i xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive, 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 2026 BMW 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive worth $22,400 more than the M440i xDrive?
The $22,400 buys the 3.0L I6 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the M440i xDrive does the same job for less.
Which 2026 BMW 4 Series trim gets better fuel economy, the M440i xDrive or the M4 Competition xDrive?
The M440i xDrive is the more efficient of the two at 29 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 $22,400 Gets You
At $22,400 more, the 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive adds the 3.0L I6 Turbo engine (+137 hp). This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the M440i xDrive delivers the same core 4 Series experience for less.
M440i xDrive vs. M4 Competition xDrive: Day-to-Day
The M4 Competition xDrive comes with the 3.0L I6 Turbo instead of the M440i xDrive's 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo. That means 137 more horsepower and 81 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 11 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 4 Series M440i xDrive gets 11 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $885 per year or $4,425 over five years of ownership.
Summary
The 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive costs $22,400 more than the M440i xDrive (about $394/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $3,733 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 M440i xDrive
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the M440i xDrive best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
BMW 4 Series M4 Competition xDrive
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the M4 Competition xDrive 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 2026 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.