Skip advert
Advertisement

New BMW M4 CS: faster, sharper coupe has the Porsche 911 in its sights

BMW has applied the CS treatment to the G82-generation M4, consisting of carbon parts, unique chassis tuning and more power for its twin-turbo straight-six

BMW’s CS badge carries an enormous weight of expectation. The M2 CS was a pugnacious, fabulously engaging coupe that won evo Car of the Year in 2020, and the stunning M5 CS repeated the same feat a year later. The current M3 CS has also been a hit, and now it’s the turn of the new M4 CS. Set to go on sale at the end of May from £117,100, the model has already made its public debut at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps ahead of first deliveries this autumn.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Built to take on the Porsche 911, the track-fettled coupe gets similar mechanical upgrades to its four-door counterpart, designed to give the M4 more poise, precision and of course, performance. 

Nestling behind new carbonfibre front air intakes is BMW’s S58 twin-turbocharged straight-six, with power cranked up from the M4 Competition’s 523bhp to 542bhp (peak torque is the same at 479lb ft). The uplift comes from a combination of increased maximum boost pressure for the turbos (now 2.1 bar) and changes to the engine management software. 

Unlike the limited-run, two-seat M4 CSL, the CS is four-wheel drive, deploying its power through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and an M xDrive system with an electronically-controlled locking rear differential (as with the standard M4 xDrive, you can lock it in 2WD mode if you wish). The extra traction enables the CS to reach 62mph three tenths quicker than the CSL with a time of 3.4sec, while top speed is limited to 188mph.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

The CS treatment is about much more than straight-line speed, though, and the M4 gains extensive changes to its suspension, steering and geometry to unlock more performance on track. Tuning of the adaptive dampers, roll bars and auxiliary springs are bespoke to the CS, with the variable ratio M Servotronic steering system also gaining a unique calibration for crisper responses. The engine mounts are stiffer for the same effect, and customers can option an aluminium strut brace to increase torsional rigidity across the front of the car. 

The CS is lighter than an M4 Competition too – although not by much at around 20kg – thanks to carbonfibre body panels and interior trims. The roof, bonnet, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear spoiler are all made from carbon, as are the centre console, bucket seats and dashboard inlays inside. A titanium rear exhaust silencer, meanwhile, brings a four kilo weight saving.

The CS’s forged alloy wheels measure at 19-inches at the front and 20 at the rear, and come as standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber (Cup 2 Rs are available as an option, so too are lighter carbon ceramic brakes). The result of these upgrades is a 7min 21.9sec lap time at the Nürburgring, which is around four seconds shy of the ultra-focused M4 CSL.

Customers will be able to order the M4 CS from the end of May, with prices starting from £117,100. First deliveries are scheduled for Autumn this year.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

£20k off a BMW M4 Competition – save a fifth on the best current M car
BMW M4 discount
News

£20k off a BMW M4 Competition – save a fifth on the best current M car

The BMW M2 is the M car of choice, at least at full price. When new M4s can be had with a 20 per cent discount, that complicates things
19 Jun 2025
BMW M4 CS 2025 review – another smash hit CS?
BMW M4 CS – front
Reviews

BMW M4 CS 2025 review – another smash hit CS?

Is the M4 CS a high watermark for BMW's Motorsport division? We test it extensively on road and track to find out
14 May 2025
BMW M4 v Porsche 911 – six-cylinder sports coupe titans do battle
BMW M4 v Porsche 911
Group tests

BMW M4 v Porsche 911 – six-cylinder sports coupe titans do battle

Lighter and more focused, can the new Porsche 911 beat the more powerful, less expensive BMW M4?
6 Apr 2025
BMW M4 (F82, 2014-2020) review – a flawed M car that became a brilliant one
BMW M4 – front
In-depth reviews

BMW M4 (F82, 2014-2020) review – a flawed M car that became a brilliant one

We didn’t love the F82 M4 when we first drove it, but it evolved into a hugely exciting and capable coupe later in its life
12 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul
Mercedes-AMG GT 43
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul

Affalterbach’s flagship GT range now begins with a four-cylinder, lifted straight from the A45 hot hatch. It might have reasonable performance on tap,…
15 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic
Mini Cooper S
Reviews

Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic

The ‘new’ Mini was perhaps motoring’s most anticipated sequel. BMW didn’t get it wrong – quite the opposite, as it transpired
11 Sep 2025