BMW introduced the M4 as the coupe member of its high-performance M division for the 2015 model year, unveiling it alongside the new M3 Sedan in early 2014. The nameplate marked a major reorganization of BMW’s performance lineup: where earlier generations had used the M3 badge for both sedan and coupe versions, BMW split the coupe body style into the M4 family as part of the broader 4 Series range. The first M4 arrived as the spiritual successor to the long-running BMW M3 Coupe, carrying forward the same core idea of a compact, rear-wheel-drive, track-capable grand touring car with a strong enthusiast following.
The original M4 was launched first as a coupe, followed shortly by a convertible, and it established the modern M4 formula: a road car closely tied to BMW M’s motorsport identity but aimed at everyday use as much as weekend driving and track days. Over time, BMW expanded the nameplate with more focused derivatives such as Competition, CS, and CSL versions, turning M4 into one of the brand’s most important modern performance models.
A second generation followed in the early 2020s, continuing the M4 name as BMW evolved the car’s platform, styling, and technology while keeping its position as the performance coupe of the 4 Series family. The M4 remains in production today and has become one of BMW M’s signature nameplates, widely recognized by enthusiasts as the direct continuation of the classic M3 coupe tradition under a new badge.