VS
At a Glance
Power
255hp @ 5000
523hp @ 5500
Torque
295lb-ft @ 1550
553lb-ft @ 1800
Engine
2.0 L/122cc
4.4 L/268cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the BMW 8 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 255hp @ 5000 while the BMW 8 Series produces 523hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $51,200 for the 4 Series and $94,500 for the 8 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
255hp @ 5000
523hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft @ 1550
553lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122cc
4.4 L/268cc
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27mpg
17mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
35mpg
24mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
188.5in
200.3in
Width (in)
72.9in
76.1in
Height (in)
56.8in
55.4in
Wheelbase (in)
112.4in
119in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3898lbs
4758lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
4 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Lower starting price ($51,200)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW 8 Series
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the 4 Series or 8 Series?
The 4 Series produces 255hp @ 5000 and 295lb-ft @ 1550 of torque while the 8 Series delivers 523hp @ 5500 and 553lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and 8 Series?
The 4 Series starts from $51,200 and the 8 Series from $94,500. The 4 Series is cheaper by $43,300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the 8 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider