The New BMW M4 CS Offers CSL Power and Pace Without the Compromises

Updated: 3 days ago

An extra 20bhp, less weight, more focus and an impressive Nürburgring lap time mean the new G82 BMW M4 CS could be one of the stars of 2024. By Craig Toone. Full gallery available here

BMW has today released details and photographs of the legendary M division's latest effort, the G82 M4 CS. Taking the fight to the likes of Porsche's 911 GTS and bridging the gap between the broader talents of the regular G82 M4 Competition and the track focused CSL, the CS is scheduled to begin production in July 2024 at BMW’s Dingolfing factory.

The CS elevates the driving experience of the already hugely quick M4 Competition, which has itself recently received a mild makeover and boost in performance. Power is up from 530 bhp to 550, developed at 6,250 rpm and maintained to the 7,200 rpm red line. Torque meanwhile, remains the same at 650 nm of twist, delivered over an extra 230 revolutions between 2,750 rpm and 5,950 rpm. The increased output of the 3.0-litre S58 straight six is the result of raising the boost pressure of the twin turbochargers to 2.1 bar and making model-specific tweaks to the engine management.

Equipped exclusively with BMW M’s adaptable Xdrive system and “M Steptronic” eight-speed ZF automatic, the M4 CS can rip to 62 mph from a standstill in just 3.4 seconds. 0-124 mph is dealt with in 11.1 seconds and the mid-range puts that broadened torque output to good use, sprinting from 50 - 75 mph in 2.6 seconds in 4th gear or 3.3 seconds in 5th gear. The traditional 155 mph speed limiter has been lifted, although the top speed remains restricted, with the electronic governor halting the fun at 188 mph.

Underlining the increased performance is a more aggressive soundtrack, with the M4 CS benefitting from a new lightweight titanium silencer at the rear finished with matt black exhaust tips. Further weight saving measures include the use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the roof, bonnet, and exterior aero elements. The result is a weight reduction of 20 kilograms compared to the M4 Competition.

In the handling department, the M4 CS has been sharpened up with bespoke settings for axle kinematics and wheel camber, the anti roll bars and auxiliary springs. The adaptive dampers, dynamic stability control parameters, and EPAS have also been re-tuned to align with the CS ethos. New model specific engine mounts with increased spring rates lead to tighter control of the car's mass in high speed direction changes.

Despite the £117,100 list price, the CS does not come equipped with carbon ceramic brakes, which remain an expensive optional extra. New, lightweight wheels are included however (19-inch at the front axle and 20-inch at the rear, finished in matt bronze or black), wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (275/35 front, 285/30 rear). The more extreme Cup 2 R can also be specified, as can a regular high performance tyre if a customer intends to use their M4 CS as a daily driver.

All the changes have resulted in an impressive Nürburgring’s Nordschleife lap time of 7 min. 21.989 seconds, trailing the CSL by a mere 3.86s around the legendary 12.94-mile circuit, despite carrying a 100 kg weight penalty. Interestingly, this is a good seven seconds faster than the near-identical G80 M3 CS saloon, which laid down a 7:28.760 marker, albeit in different conditions.

In order to differentiate itself from the M4 Competition, the CS has distinctive exterior styling changes and new BMW Individual paint options; Riviera Blue solid and Frozen Isle of Man Green metallic (as pictured). M Brooklyn Grey metallic and Sapphire Black metallic are the other two shades to select from. A new design for the kidney grill is in play, complete with a red outline, which is also mirrored on the cars M4 CS badging front and rear. The carbon bonnet also features racing stripes in exposed weave to underline the cars sporting credentials.

Inside, all the in-car technology from the regular M4 Competition remains in-situ, including BMW Operative System 8.5. The interior has been lifted by making the carbon-shelled M bucket seats standard fit and trimming exclusively in a combination of black and red Merino leather. Further use of CFRP extends to the gearbox paddle shifters and numerous trim panels, complimented by select alcantara elements.

First deliveries of the new 2025 M4 CS are expected in Autumn. Given the proximity of performance to the hardcore CSL, yet retaining the everyday bandwidth of the regular M4, the CS might just have become the pick of the M divisions offerings. That is until the rumoured M3 CS Touring breaks cover…