Is the 2021 BMW M4 a good car?

Yes — the 5/5 user rating and 7.5/10 expert rating point to a car that strongly delivers on its mission. The standout strength is Performance at 10/10.

The 2021 BMW M4 is built for drivers who care as much about the experience as the destination, and its appeal centers on a powerful engine and an engaging manual transmission. It also brings a driver-focused cabin with quality materials and a clear emphasis on the driving experience.

The trade-offs are real: poor ride quality and poor fuel economy make it less convincing as an all-around daily driver, and the cramped back seat limits practicality. If you want a performance coupe that prioritizes involvement over comfort, that compromise makes sense.

Good and great deals account for 33.6% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW M4 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The M4’s focus on performance is backed by a twin-turbocharged inline-six, and the expert review describes the engine as smooth and eager, with strong torque delivery and hardware built for hard use.

The car also includes structural bracing, track-ready cooling systems, an electrically controlled exhaust system, and forged lightweight wheels, all of which support durability in demanding driving. The manual-transmission version is described as easy to manage in traffic, which is a good sign for everyday usability.

If you’re buying used, the biggest long-term ownership risk is that performance cars are often driven hard, so condition and maintenance history matter more than mileage alone.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW M4?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear items, signs of hard driving, and any evidence of modifications. Because this is a performance coupe, condition matters more than a simple checklist of features.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The standard car comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, while the Competition version adds an eight-speed automatic and extra power. The manual version lacks several driver-assist features that require the Competition’s automatic transmission.
• Powertrain: The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six makes 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in standard form, while Competition spec increases output to 503 hp and 479 lb-ft. The engine is described as smooth, eager, and well matched to the manual gearbox.
• Safety package: The Driving Assistance Professional Package on Competition models includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assistance, evasive-steering assistance, active blind-spot protection, and extended traffic-jam assistant. The manual car lacks those features.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, connected services, and a Harman Kardon premium surround-sound audio system. The Executive Package adds a WiFi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, gesture control, and a head-up display.
• Fuel efficiency: The M4 averaged 20.2 mpg on the test loop and exceeded the official EPA estimate of 19 mpg in combined driving.

Which 2021 BMW M4 trim should I buy?

The 2021 BMW M4 is offered in 2 trim levels: standard M4 and M4 Competition.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The standard M4 gives you the manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, but it lacks the Competition’s automatic-only driver-assistance features. It also keeps the focus on the core driving experience rather than extra tech.
• Sweet-spot trim: The M4 Competition is the better pick if you want more power and a quicker automatic. It also unlocks the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which adds the most advanced safety tech.
• Premium/top trim: The M4 Competition is the top choice if you want the strongest performance and the most available driver-assistance content in this lineup.

The manual-transmission car lacks several driver-assist features that require the Competition’s automatic transmission.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 BMW M4?

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 223 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 82.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $63,511.79, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 BMW M4 safe?

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The manual-transmission M4 lacks several driver-assist features that require the M4 Competition’s automatic transmission. On the standard car, you still get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, speed-limit recognition, front and rear collision-preparation systems, and a post-collision braking system.

For the M4 Competition, BMW offers the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assistance, evasive-steering assistance, active blind-spot protection, and extended traffic-jam assistant technology. Crash-test ratings are unavailable for the latest 4 Series lineup, including the M4.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW M4 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It delivers a manual-transmission, driver-focused performance setup with a powerful engine.

Consider the 2022 if:

• The Competition gains xDrive all-wheel drive for the first time.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the better fit if you want the manual-transmission experience and a more focused performance coupe. If you’re willing to spend more for added traction and a newer setup, the 2022 is the stronger alternative for price-insensitive buyers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.