Currently reading: 454bhp BMW M4 CS makes Shanghai motor show debut

Hotter M4 set to be first in a new line of hardcore M cars; M2 CS here in 2019

The BMW BMW M4 CS has been revealed by the brand's M division, heralding a new line of limited-edition Club Sport models.

CS-badged M cars are positioned above the existing range of standard M models but below the ultra-low-volume stripped-out GTS specials typically launched towards the end of the life of selected models.  

Bmw m4 cs ac 950

Unveiled by BMW M division boss Frank van Meel at the Shanghai motor show, the latest member of the M4 lineup resurrects one of BMW’s most revered names. The CS nomenclature was first used by the German car maker on the 2000CS back in 1965 but was more prominently applied to the 3000CS in 1971.

The M4 CS is planned for UK deliveries during the third quarter of this year and will be priced from £89,130. Production will continue until the middle of next year, and while there is no official cap on numbers, only around 200- 300 are expected to be built.

The new model will be the most powerful series-production M4 yet. It continues BMW’s established Club Sport traditions, with a more powerful engine than even the Competition Package-equipped version of the regular M4.

Bmw m4 cs ac 961

Further changes for the M4 CS include downforceenhancing aerodynamic tweaks, lightweight carbonfibre panels, various suspension developments, more powerful brakes, new wheels and tyres and a pared-down interior, all of which has been honed in a development programme carried out predominantly at the Nürburgring as a means of improving the new two-door coupé’s performance and dynamic ability on the road and the race track.

At the heart of the new model is the most powerful version yet of M division’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine. Fitted with freer-flowing exhaust and other as yet unspecified changes, it makes 454bhp and 442lb ft, beating the standard M4’s outputs by 29bhp and 37lb ft respectively and those of the Competition Package tuning option by 10bhp and 37lb ft.

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The reserves are channelled through a revised version of the standard M4’s optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and electronically operated locking differential. There will be no manual gearbox option.

A range of weight-saving measures include a roof, splitter, gurney spoiler and diffuser element made from carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). There are also new lightweight door trims and door pull loops. Together, they result in a kerb weight 32kg less than that of the standard M4 when equipped with its sevenspeed dual-clutch gearbox, at 1580kg. This gives the M4 CS a power-to-weight ratio of 287bhp per tonne, which is 8bhp per tonne more than the Competition Package-equipped M4.

Bmw m4 cs ac 962

 

Although van Meel suggests development was focused more on overall dynamic improvement rather than pure straight-line speed, the M4 CS out-performs the M4 Competition Package off the line with a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.9sec versus 4.2sec. Top speed has also been raised by 19mph over the fastest of today’s M4 models, to a limited 174mph.

To ensure sufficient downforce at the increased maximum speed, M division has given the new model a more prominent front splitter and larger gurney lip spoiler on the boot. Further visual upgrades include the 80mm chromed tailpipes from the M4 Competition Package.

The increased performance comes without any detriment to consumption, with the M4 CS offering claimed combined economy of 33.6mpg and average CO2 emissions of 197g/km.

Chassis upgrades include revised suspension with stiffer springs and dampers as well as larger anti-roll bars and 19in front and 20in rear DTM-style wheels, shod with 265/35 ZR19 and 285/30 ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres respectively. Alternatively, the M4 CS can be ordered with higher-profile tyres for greater compliance and improved wet weather performance.

Bmw m4 cs ac 959

The M4 CS comes equipped as standard with the same four-piston front and twopiston rear blue-painted brake calipers and steel brake discs offered with the M4 Competition Package, although buyers can specify optional six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, painted gold and fitted in combination with carbonceramic brake discs.

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BMW M boss van Meel quotes a Nürburgring lap time for the new M4 CS of 7min 38sec, a time he says comprehensively undercuts that of the standard M4 and improves on that recorded in back-to-back testing with the M4 Competition Package.

Inside, the new M4 CS has an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and various other Alcantara-finished surfaces. The car comes in two metallic colours: San Marino Blue and Lime Rock Grey. Further finishes include Alpine White, Sapphire Black and Frozen Dark Blue II.

The launch of the M4 CS will be followed by the M2 CS, which is expected in showroooms by early 2019. 

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Comments
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ajej1 19 May 2017

Number of units is incorrect

Units are limited to 2500
Peter Cavellini 30 April 2017

If you have the cash.......?!

It is not going to matter much because for all the difference it makes,paying nearly £90,000 for it is just silly,the models below are plenty fast enough,and it's only an 'M" Car not a super car.
Citytiger 22 April 2017

Its roughly the same price

Its roughly the same price as an F-Type R Coupe, and that comes with a 550bhp supercharged V8, I know where my £90k would be going, and its not to BMW.
AHYL88 22 April 2017

The Jaguar may be more

The Jaguar may be more powerful than this BMW, but it's still not massively faster; a slightly higher top speed yes, but their acceleration times are nearly the same as the BMW is quite a lot lighter. That said, I still would rather go for their standard versions of either cars; £30k more than the standard M4 is very steep, while the Jaguar F-Type R version, due to its heavy mass, is barely better or faster than the other F-Type variants and even the base Porsche 911s which have nearly 200BHP less than the R version.