BMW M4 drag race: every generation compared

If you’re looking for a car which is blisteringly quick, yet also comfortable and practical enough to use everyday, your best bet is to turn to BMW’s M division. The BMW M3 and M4 have always been great driver’s cars, and we’ve got hold of the last four generations for a drag race.

Back in 2014 BMW split the M3 saloon and coupe into two separate models, with the two-door becoming the M4. On the start line today we have both generations of M4, along with the last two versions of the M3 Coupe.

E46 BMW M3

First up we have the E46 BMW M3. First launched in the year 2000, it’s powered by a 3.2-litre naturally-aspirated straight-six engine with 343hp and 365Nm of torque. This is sent to the rear wheels in this car via a six-speed automated manual gearbox, although a traditional six-speed manual was also available.

The E46 tips the scales at 1,495kg, making it the lightest car here. When it was new it cost £42,000, and used prices are creeping up these days. Ropey examples will set you back around £12,000, but they can rise to well over £30,000 for a minter.

E92 BMW M3

Fast forward to 2007 and we have the E92 BMW M3, and this is the only car here with eight cylinders instead of six. It’s packing a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 with 420hp and 400Nm of torque, which is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels.

The E92 weighs in at 1,600kg, and when it was new it would’ve cost around £55,000. These cars are also going up in value. £15,000 will get you a tired E92 Coupe, with prices pushing up to around £40,000 for a late car in perfect condition.

F82 BMW M4 CS

Now we come to the first BMW M4. The standard car first launched in 2014, but we have the limited-run CS version here which first hit the streets in 2017. It has a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six with 460hp and 600Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

It’s actually a bit lighter than the E92 at 1,580kg, and when new the CS cost £89,000. These days though you can pick one up for between £30,000 and £40,000.

G82 BMW M4 CS

Finally we come to the latest BMW M4. This is the CS version which launched in 2024, but the standard G82 M4 was released back in 2020. The M4 CS has a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six with 551hp and 650Nm of torque. It’s the only car here with all-wheel drive, and it has an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

This is the heaviest car on the runway at 1,760kg, and it costs around £120,000. Being such a new car, you won’t find one any cheaper on the second-hand market for a while.

So which of these fast beemers will come out on top? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.

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