NEW DELHI: BMW India's catalogue lists the M5 sedan from Rs 2,11,50,000 and the M4 Competition M xDrive from Rs 1,62,90,000. The M4 therefore starts Rs 48,60,000 lower. This is a comparison between a petrol performance coupe and a plug-in hybrid performance saloon, with a substantial change in both body style and powertrain behind the difference.
| Official detail | BMW M5 sedan | BMW M4 Competition M xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Starting ex-showroom price | Rs 2,11,50,000 | Rs 1,62,90,000 |
| Powertrain | V8 petrol engine with electric drive, plug-in hybrid | Inline six-cylinder petrol engine |
| Published output | 727 hp system output | 530 hp |
| Published torque | Up to 1,000 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Drive system | M xDrive | M xDrive |
Price as of 2 November 2026, 00:05 IST. Both amounts are starting figures in BMW's live Indian catalogue. They exclude road tax, TCS, registration-related charges, insurance and other applicable levies described by BMW. Optional equipment can change the vehicle price before those additions are considered.
The M5's figure is combined hybrid output
The M5 product page describes a V8 petrol engine working with an electric drive. Its 727 hp is system output. It should not be described as the engine's standalone power or compared with a separate motor rating added to it again. BMW also lists torque of up to 1,000 Nm and an M xDrive system distributing drive to all wheels.
The M4 takes another route. BMW's Indian launch information identifies its S58 as a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine, with 530 hp and 650 Nm. The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive form part of the package. Its claimed acceleration from rest to 100 km/h is 3.5 seconds under the manufacturer's test conditions.
The difference in published output does not produce a complete ranking of the cars. They have different bodies and propulsion systems. A comparison based solely on horsepower would miss the reason someone needs a saloon, the reason someone wants a coupe, and the additional routine attached to a plug-in hybrid.
Rear-seat access and charging change the conversation
For an Indian owner who will sometimes travel with family or colleagues, the M5's saloon format deserves consideration independently of its peak output. Think through a normal day: who enters the rear, where bags go and whether the car will be used by the owner or a driver. Those questions are more useful than treating the larger model number as an automatic upgrade.
The M4's coupe format puts a different emphasis on the experience. Before comparing optional carbon trim or paint, try the seats and the access arrangements with the people who will actually travel in it. A car can satisfy a performance brief while still imposing a compromise in the way a household uses its cabin.
The M5 also introduces a charging question that the petrol M4 does not. A plug-in hybrid's electric capability is worth discussing alongside access to a regular charging space. This article does not assign either model an assumed running cost or make an electric-distance promise from an assumed Indian usage pattern.
Keep equipment out of the base-price arithmetic
BMW describes a carbon-fibre roof and M Compound brakes for the M4. Its Indian launch material also distinguishes optional items, including Parking Assistant Plus and Driving Assistant Professional. The presence of an assistance feature in a brochure photograph does not establish that it is included in a starting-price quotation.
The M5 page similarly identifies M Carbon ceramic brakes as optional. It describes Adaptive M suspension and lists an increased top-speed capability in conjunction with the M Driver's package. A package condition needs to travel with the claim. It should not be detached and presented as an unconditional feature of every car at the entry amount.
For a meaningful written comparison, put the two standard configurations alongside each other first. Add the selected paint, cabin and performance options afterwards. Keep the M5 sedan separate from a Touring or special-edition quotation, and the M4 Competition separate from a CS. The names are part of the specification, rather than decoration on the price line.
Related reports cover the Car price guide, the Porsche 911 price list: Rs 2,11,29,000 to Rs 3,82,49,000, and Porsche Taycan 4S vs Panamera price: Panamera starts lower at Rs 1,79,12,000.
Official sources: BMW India model prices, M5 sedan specifications and M4 Competition details.
