BMW M presented the all-new BMW M4 CS, a marvel that bridges the gap between exhilarating race track prowess and emotive road performance. Positioned uniquely within the BMW M3 and BMW M4 series, this special edition elevates the concept of high-performance vehicles in the premium midsize segment.
The BMW M4 CS enhances the driving experience with a powerful 405 kW/550 hp engine, specific chassis tuning, and a weight reduction strategy involving extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This results in a sharpened version of the BMW M4 Coupé, which already boasts four seats, everyday usability, advanced features, and unique design elements. Customers can look forward to placing their orders by the end of May 2024.
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Experiencing the M Feeling: A Deep Dive into Performance and Design
The BMW M4 CS invites its owners to fully immerse themselves in the M experience, showcasing a character that perfectly balances between the new BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive—now upgraded with the latest performance, design, and equipment enhancements—and the limited-run BMW M4 CSL.
The M4 CS’s racing DNA is evident in every aspect of its design and performance, offering a reminder of its high-performance lineage during everyday road drives and full expression on the track.
Engine and Performance: A Closer Look at the Heart of the M4 CS
At the core of the BMW M4 CS lies the race-bred six-cylinder in-line engine, enhanced with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the M3 and M4 series. This 3.0-litre powerhouse has been tuned for track performance from its inception, also serving as the foundation for the engine in the BMW M4 GT3—DTM champion in 2022 and victor of prestigious 24-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps and Dubai in 2023.
This engine benefits from the extensive development expertise of BMW M GmbH, backed by years of racing experience. It features a highly rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction designed to withstand high combustion pressures. The forged lightweight crankshaft offers exceptional torsional resistance, contributing to rapid power delivery and a high revving nature.
The cylinder bores’ wire-arc sprayed iron coating minimizes frictional losses, while the 3D-printed cylinder head core optimizes coolant flow in ways traditional casting can’t match. The oil and cooling systems are engineered to meet the demands of track use, including sustained high revs and extreme lateral accelerations.
Enhanced Dynamics: Power and Sound
The BMW M4 CS’s six-cylinder engine boasts an impressive 405 kW/550 hp, a 15 kW/20 hp increase over the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. This increase is achieved through refined adjustments to the M TwinPower Turbo technology, without compromising stability or durability. These modifications include increased charge pressure for the twin mono-scroll turbochargers and tweaks to the engine management system.
The result is a dominant performance profile with instantaneous power delivery across the rev range. The engine achieves peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) from 2,750 to 5,950 rpm and reaches maximum output at 6,250 rpm, with a redline at 7,200 rpm. The engine mounts have been specifically designed to transmit power directly to the drivetrain, enhancing the response every time the accelerator is pressed.
This engine’s power enables the BMW M4 CS to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.1 seconds. The sprint from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) takes 2.6 seconds in 4th gear and 3.3 seconds in 5th gear. The top speed is electronically limited to 302 km/h (188 mph), included as standard with the M Driver’s Package.
The sound of the engine is just as compelling, with a dual-branch exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps and a titanium rear silencer that reduces weight. This setup, combined with two pairs of tailpipes in matte Black, produces a stirring M-typical soundtrack.
The acoustic profile adjusts based on the selected powertrain mode, with SPORT and SPORT+ modes enhancing the racing undertones, especially during gear shifts and rev adjustments.
Chassis and Handling: Precision-Tuned for the Track
The BMW M4 CS features a chassis precisely tuned to match the engine’s performance characteristics and the overall vehicle concept. This tuning includes bespoke settings for axle kinematics, wheel camber, dampers, auxiliary springs, and anti-roll bars to enhance steering precision, lateral force transmission during cornering, and overall responsiveness.
The adaptive M suspension’s electronically controlled dampers and the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio are also specifically calibrated for the M4 CS.
The integrated braking system and settings for the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode are tailored for high-performance circuit driving. M Dynamic Mode allows for greater exploration of the car’s limits by dialing back the intervention points of the stabilizing features, promoting better power transmission and enhanced driving dynamics.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Optimized for Performance
The M4 CS’s impressive torque is transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which can be controlled using the gear selector lever or the carbon-fibre shift paddles on the steering wheel. The Drivelogic system offers three settings: comfort-oriented, sporty, and track-optimized.
The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures smooth power distribution between the front and rear wheels, maximizing traction, agility, and stability under all conditions. The system’s oil supply is optimized to maintain performance even under the stress of intense track sessions.
The multi-plate clutch’s operation and the Active M Differential at the rear axle, which is fully variable, contribute to the signature M feeling during acceleration and cornering. Furthermore, 4WD Sport mode can be selected to direct more torque to the rear wheels, and 2WD mode can be engaged to experience pure rear-wheel drive for an even more intense driving experience.
Lightweight Design and Advanced Materials
The BMW M4 CS extensively employs lightweight design principles, particularly through the use of CFRP. The carbon-fibre roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and Gurney-style rear spoiler not only reduce weight but also lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, enhancing agility and dynamics.
Inside, the center console, shift paddles, and interior trim elements are made from CFRP, contributing to weight reduction in the cockpit.
The M Carbon bucket seats, featuring CFRP in their structural elements and distinctive cut-outs, underscore the weight-saving approach. The titanium rear silencer of the exhaust system saves over four kilograms, cumulatively reducing the car’s weight by approximately 20 kilograms compared to the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive.
Optimizing Rigidity: The M Front End Strut Brace. An optional feature for the BMW M4 CS is the M front end strut brace, designed to maximize the car’s torsional rigidity and thereby improve handling through dynamically taken corners. This brace, constructed from lightweight cast aluminium, features a geometry optimized through numerical models to match the forces exerted in various driving scenarios, enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic performance.
Distinctive Design: Exclusivity Meets Performance
The BMW M4 CS asserts its distinct character and performance intent through unique design elements. Available exclusively for this model are the BMW Individual special paint finishes Riviera Blue and Frozen Isle of Man Green Metallic.
These striking colors complement the exposed carbon fiber surfaces on the roof, bonnet indents, front splitter, air intakes, mirror caps, rear spoiler, and apron, highlighting the material’s intricate structure. The Black side skirts and M gills, along with the CFRP components, create a stunning visual contrast.
The front end of the vehicle features a frameless BMW kidney grille designed with a minimalist, race-inspired aesthetic. This grille is highlighted with red contour lines and “M4 CS” badging on one of the horizontal bars, with both the model badge at the front and its counterpart on the boot lid featuring black surfaces with a red border.
The BMW M4 CS’s headlights are another striking design element, shining in yellow instead of the conventional white. This yellow illumination, present during the Welcome Light Animation and when the low or high beam is active, is a nod to BMW’s successful GT racing cars. The rear lights also make a bold statement with their distinctive appearance and powerful radiance.
Equipped with Laserlight technology, these lights feature intricate fiber optic bundles that create a prominent 3D effect, adding an exclusive aesthetic touch similar to that found in the limited-run BMW M4 CSL.
Infotainment and Connectivity: The BMW Curved Display and iDrive System
Inside, the BMW M4 CS is equipped with the latest version of the BMW iDrive display and operation system, based on BMW Operating System 8.5. The BMW Curved Display, featuring M-specific readouts, is angled towards the driver, enhancing focus on the road.
This fully digital screen grouping combines a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel with a 14.9-inch control display, integrating M Shift Lights and displaying vehicle setup, tyre pressures, and temperatures.
The enhanced BMW iDrive includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and emphasizes touch and voice control, especially for the automatic climate control settings. Temperature, ventilation, and seat heating can be adjusted using the control display or through voice commands, adding to the user-friendly experience.
Customizing the Drive: M Drive Professional and Setup Options
The M-specific Setup button on the center console provides direct access to various settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system, and M xDrive. Drivers can store two custom setup variants, including preferences for the engine note, DSC system, Automatic Start/Stop function, and the shift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, all retrievable using the M buttons on the steering wheel.
The M Drive Professional system, standard on the M4 CS, includes track-optimized functions like the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer, which allow drivers to record and analyze their driving performance and share it with the community. M Traction Control, with ten adjustable stages, aids in enthusiastic track driving.
Additionally, the M Mode button adjusts the responses of driver assistance systems and the display content in the information display and Head-Up Display. Besides the ROAD and SPORT settings, the M4 CS offers a TRACK mode, tailored for race circuit use, enhancing the driving experience.
Enhancing Comfort and Convenience: A Suite of Standard and Optional Features
The BMW M4 CS isn’t just about performance; it also offers a range of features to enhance comfort and convenience. The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific graphics, BMW Maps navigation system, smartphone integration, telephony with wireless charging, and a WiFi interface. The optional BMW Drive Recorder adds a layer of functionality for those who wish to record their journeys.
Standard features also include Comfort Access, an alarm system, two-zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, Park Distance Control, Parking Assistant, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and the Speed Limit Info system. Optional features such as automatic boot lid operation and the Driving Assistant system are available to further enhance the user experience, focusing on the pure joy of driving.
Wheels and Tires: Precision Meets Performance
The BMW M4 CS comes standard with exclusive forged M light-alloy wheels in a V-spoke design, available in either matt Gold Bronze or matt Black. These lightweight wheels measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic look and performance.
Fitted as standard with track tires, these ultra-high-performance tires are designed to maximize the driving experience on the race track, offering superior lateral control, directional stability, precise steering feel, and optimal traction. For those who primarily drive their BMW M4 CS on public roads, high-performance tires in the same dimensions are available as a no-cost option, ensuring versatility without compromising on performance.
Lightweight Construction: A Symphony of Strength and Agility
In its pursuit of ultimate performance, the BMW M4 CS employs an intensive lightweight design strategy, extensively using carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and other advanced materials. The carbon-fiber roof not only reduces weight but also lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, significantly enhancing agility and cornering dynamics.
This approach extends to the bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and the Gurney-style rear spoiler—all crafted from lightweight, high-tech CFRP.
The interior reflects this lightweight philosophy as well. The center console and the shift paddles on the steering wheel are made from CFRP, contributing to significant weight savings inside the cockpit. Additionally, the M Carbon bucket seats feature CFRP in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest, as well as in the eye-catching cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints.
The titanium rear silencer of the exhaust system further reduces weight by over four kilograms, collectively shaving around 20 kilograms off the car’s weight compared to the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive.
Optimizing Performance: Enhanced Torsional Rigidity
For those seeking even greater dynamic handling, the BMW M4 CS offers an optional M front-end strut brace. This lightweight, cast aluminum brace enhances the vehicle’s torsional rigidity, resulting in improved steering response and stability, especially through dynamically taken corners.
This feature’s geometry has been meticulously optimized with the aid of numerical models to precisely match the forces encountered during various driving scenarios.
Conclusion: The BMW M4 CS – Where Excellence Meets Emotion
The BMW M4 CS represents the pinnacle of high-performance engineering, blending BMW’s racing heritage with cutting-edge technology and design. With its powerful engine, advanced lightweight construction, and precision handling, this special edition sets a new standard for what a high-performance vehicle can be.
Inside and out, the M4 CS reflects BMW’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and an unrivaled driving experience, making it not just a car, but a statement on the road and the track. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast or a lover of automotive excellence, the BMW M4 CS invites you to a world where every journey is charged with emotion and every turn is a testament to the ultimate in performance and style.
