New BMW M4 CS revealed: is it the Goldilocks M4?
May 08, 2024 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
This is the new BMW M4 CS, and it could serve as the perfect middle ground between the Competition and the bonkers CSL.
- New BMW M4 CS revealed
- Similar styling to the M4 CSL
- Acts as a middle ground between the Competition and the CSL
- More powerful engine from the M3 CS
- Upgraded suspension
- Starts from £117,100
If the BMW M4 CSL is a bit too hardcore, but you want something more track-focussed than the standard car, then the new M4 CS could be just right for you.
It shares parts with both the CSL and the M3 CS, meaning you have more power and less weight than the M4 Competition. Order books will open at the end of May, with prices starting from £117,100.
New BMW M4 CS design
The new BMW M4 CS takes a lot of styling cues from the M3 CS saloon, meaning there’s plenty going on to differentiate it from the standard car.
The huge Bugs Bunny teeth are still a prominent feature up front, although you get the same horizontal grille slats as the CSL. Also similar to the M4 CSL are the yellow daytime running lights and red trim.
Exclusive to the CS are the forged alloy wheels, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. The carbon fibre side skirts add to the more aggressive look.
The elegant rear lights were first seen on the M4 CSL, however they have since made their way onto the standard 4 Series and M4. This car doesn’t have the same massive ducktail spoiler as the CSL, with BMW opting for a more subtle carbon lip instead.
New BMW M4 CS engine and performance
Under the bonnet of the new BMW M4 CS you’ll find the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six as you get in both the M3 CS and the M4 CSL.
This means power is up from 510hp in the M4 Competition to 550hp, and torque remains at 650Nm. This means 0-60mph is dealt with in 3.4 seconds, just 0.1 of a second quicker than the standard car and 0.3 of a second down on the CSL.
Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a new exhaust system adds a bit of aural pleasure.
New BMW M4 CS chassis and suspension
The M4 CS’s four-wheel drive system is biassed towards the rear wheels for a more sporty feeling, and there is a rear-wheel drive mode if you fancy turning your expensive optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres into smoke.
Check out Mat’s review of the mechanically-similar BMW M3 CS
That fancy rubber works in tandem with a handful of chassis upgrades to make the M4 CS feel more agile through the corners than a standard M4 Competition. You get uprated adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as tweaked camber on the rear wheels for added responsiveness on the track. It’s not as hardcore as the limited-run CSL though, so it’ll be much easier to live with day-to-day.
Keeping the weight down is a new bonnet made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, and the carbon fibre roof also helps to keep the centre of gravity nice and low. All together this car is 20kg lighter than the standard M4 Competition.
New BMW M4 CS price and release date
The new BMW M4 CS will be available to order from the end of May, with first deliveries expected to start in the autumn. Prices start from £117,100, making it £9,000 cheaper than the M4 CSL but a full £36,000 more than the standard M4.
So if you’re after a sports coupe with some of the track-focussed capabilities of the limited-run M4 CSL, but also want something which is less compromised on the road, the new M4 CS sits nicely in between the two.
New BMW M4 CS alternatives
Can’t wait for the new BMW M4 CS? Here are three alternatives which should offer similar thrills on the track.
1) Porsche 911 GT3
It may be a fair bit more expensive than the M4 CS, but you can’t talk about track weapons without mentioning the Porsche 911 GT3. The finely tuned chassis works beautifully with the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine to get your pulse racing, and it’s even available with an old-fashioned manual gearbox.
2) BMW M3 CS
If you like the look of the BMW M4 CS, but need an extra pair of doors for loading the family into the back, why not check out the BMW M3 CS? It’s basically identical under the skin to the M4 coupe, with the same engine, power and chassis upgrades, it’s just a bit more practical.
3) Mercedes-AMG GT
For some people only a V8 will do, and that’s where the Mercedes-AMG GT comes in. The 4.0-litre eight-cylinder engine puts out a healthy 585hp, and 0-60mph is dealt with in 3.6 seconds.
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