New 550 Hp BMW M4 CS Promises “iconic M Feeling”

There is no such thing as a bad BMW CS – some are simply better than others. Since 2017 and the now old M4 CS, we expect a slight increase in performance, a significant price premium and a better driving experience than the standard M Competition model. On models like the M2 CS, the improvement was welcome – although perhaps hard to justify given the tens of thousands it cost over a regular model. For cars like the sensational M5 CS, the Comp would never feel this good again.

The current M3 CS lies somewhere between these two extremes: it’s noticeably more exciting to drive than a G80 Comp, but represents no real difference between night and day. But it costs £30,000 more. Expect the same from the new BMW M4 CS, a car that “celebrates the passion for racing with lightweight design elements for everyday driving comfort.” It uses the same 550 hp version of the 3.0-liter S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six as the sedan (and the CSL, for that matter), with the turbos cranked up to 2.1 bar and the engine management changed. Note, however, that due to the recent facelift the CS is only 20hp more powerful than the standard car, instead of 40hp like the M3. Peak power is achieved at 6,250 rpm and peak torque of 479 Nm is offered from 2,750 to 5,950 rpm. The CS-specific exhaust with titanium rear silencer has also been adopted from the M3 and promises “unmistakable racing car undertones” in the faster driving modes.

Outstanding performance is a given for all models of the current M3/4 generation. Officially, thanks to the standard xDrive, the CS reaches 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and it reaches 124 km/h in 11.1 seconds – which is not far from the speed of a super sports car. The limiter indicates the time at 300 km/h. Officially, the M4 will achieve 28 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.

However, it is the chassis changes that have always distinguished a CS and should continue to do so here. Compared to a Competition model, the new model receives its own dampers, additional springs, stabilizers and camber settings as well as tailor-made calibration for steering, brakes and driver assistance systems. The stability control is “specifically tailored to the requirements of circuit use”. The M Dynamic mode is also even gentler: “When driving in a sporty manner, the resulting wheel slip ensures even better power transmission and helps the car drive even more confidently on the road.” Nice. Apparently the oil supply to the xDrive has also been “optimized” so that everything works perfectly even during “extremely intensive” circuit driving. So basically you have to do one or ten track days.

Especially because it will be faster than a lot of things there. Despite the size and weight, BMW achieved a time of 7:22 (7:21.989) on the Nordschleife with a CS. Probably on the optional Cup 2 R tire and definitely with the ceramic, which is also extra, but it’s still an impressive time considering it’s only 20kg lighter than a Competition (so 1,755kg DIN according to our calculations). Standard equipment includes M Compound brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires in the same dimensions as a normal M4 (275/35 ZR 19 at the front, 285/30 ZR20 at the rear). The wheels are forged and available in black or gold.

As with the M3, this M4 CS is not to be missed, thanks in part to the rims, but also to the carbon fiber trim, CSL-style front end and unique colors. Luckily, the Signal Green was omitted here and the much tastier Frozen Isle of Man Green was offered instead. Additionally, CS buyers can get Riviera Blue, M Brooklyn Green or Sapphire Black. The laser lights are standard fitting.

Since its launch, there has been a lot of debate about BMW’s latest curved display and operating system 8. Forget the old story because iDrive now uses the 8.5 operating system for “intuitive control of numerous vehicle functions and digital services.” The focus is still on voice control, although interestingly ventilation also gets special mention; The adjustment is now of course possible by voice or by touch “via a special menu item in the lower area of ​​the control display”. It’s likely that all new M3s and M4s will get this over time, with all the smart “CS” highlights here reserved for the truly special ones. The M carbon bucket seats are standard.

Orders for the new M4 will open later in May, before production begins in Dingolfing in July and deliveries take place in the autumn. Price is £117,100, the same premium of around £2,000 for a standard coupe over the sedan carried over to the special edition. We will answer in a few weeks whether the extra charge is worth it or not.