New BMW M4 CS revealed – motorsport-inspired tweaks for straight-six super-coupe
An engine tune, styling tweaks and altered suspension mean the CS sits between the standard M4 and the GTS
BMW has launched a new version of the M4 at the Shanghai motor show. Called the M4 CS, it’s set for a limited, two-year production run, and will be lighter, faster, and more powerful than the standard M4.
The M4 CS – standing for Club Sport - name harks back to the E46 BMW M3 CS of 2005 – a runout model which borrowed performance parts from the hardcore CSL. The M4 CS aims to capture that same character, with a raft of additions and tweaks over the standard car – borrowed from the M4 GTS.
The twin-turbocharged straight-six engine has been tuned for extra grunt – it now produces 454bhp, which is a 29bhp boost on the standard car. That means 0-62mph is dispatched in just 3.9 seconds, while the car tops out at an electronically limited 174mph. No manual gearbox is on offer, so power is sent to the rear wheels exclusively through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
It’s not just extra power on offer, though. The M4 CS has had its suspension tweaked and stiffened to improve handling and grip. BMW claims it makes a real difference too, and quotes a 7min 38sec Nurburgring lap time for the CS. That’s a whole 22 seconds faster than a standard M4.
Another area that’s been improved is weight. The M4 CS is 32kg lighter than a standard model, thanks to carbonfibre-reinforced plastic replacements for the bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and even the driveshaft. Overall weight is 1580kg.
Styling tweaks are minimal, so you’ll have to look hard to notice that this isn’t a standard car. The front splitter is more pronounced, while the boot lid gains a new lip spoiler. Subtle grey alloy wheels also feature, but they’re not just for show – they’re a new DTM-design light-alloy, created especially for the M4 CS. The front wheels are 19-inches while the rears are 20-inches.
On the inside there’s discreet CS badging, new sports seats, and an abundance of leather and alcantara. The lightweight touches also feature on the inside – the door cards have been lightened, with unique fabric door pulls rather than moulded ones.
No pricing details have been announced yet. The M4 CS was launched at the Shanghai motor show and we'll update this page with more pictures and details as we get them.
