Originally standing for “Club Sport,” BMW’s CS badge was reserved for its most capable, high-performance models, all of which benefitted from less weight, more power, optimized aerodynamics, and upgraded running gear and drive components. Over the summer of 2017, the Bavarian brand revived this fabled monicker for the M4 CS F82. And while the CS now stands for “Competition Sport,” its CS-badged models continue to carry on the tradition established by yesteryear’s CS cars.
And the latest CS-spec vehicle to hit the market is the marque’s new BMW M4 CS — an even more high-performance, track-focused M4 model that’s objectively worthy of wearing the CS badge.
The Basics
Carrying on the legacy cultivated by BMW’s original CS models, the new M4 CS consists of a special, high-end version of the already-immensely-capable M4 that slots in-between the M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive and the range-topping M4 CSL. Lighter and more powerful than the M4 Comp, this new CS car gains a generous host of model-exclusive hardware, upgrades, and features, both inside and out.
Under The Hood
Rather than simply dropping its existing S58 mill into the new M4 CS, BMW instead opting to extensively tune the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six. Bolted to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission that sends power to the ground via BMW’s M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, this twin-turbo six-cylinder mill benefits from an insanely-rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction, plus a forged lightweight crank, a cylinder head with a 3D-printed core, and track-grade oil supply and cooling systems.
Power & Performance
After some impressive tuning and quite a few upgrades, the BMW M4 CS makes an impressive 543hp and 479ft-lbs of torque — the latter of which is fully available from as early as 2,750RPM. Between this power output and its 3,902-pound curb weight, the M4 CS is capable of clocking 0-60mph runs in as little as 3.2 seconds — and 0-124mph sprints in 11.1. The CS-spec model’s top speed has been electronically-limited to a still-very-respectable 188mph. The M4 CS was also able to achieve a 7:21.99 lap time around the Nürburgring’s 12.9-mile Nordschleife circuit.
Chassis & Suspension
The entire vehicle is constructed around a frame that’s received numerous CS-specific chassis enhancements. This cutting-edge M-tuned chassis has been paired with an Adaptive M suspension setup with electronically-controlled dampers. An M strut brace with cast aluminum connecting elements and electromechanical M Servotronic steering also come as standard. Same goes for the car’s M Compound brakes.
Added Lightness
The M4 CS manages to shed a substantial amount of poundage thanks to very liberal use of carbon fiber, including for its roof, hood, front splitter, front air intakes, mirror caps, rear diffuser, and Gurney-style rear spoiler. The car’s engine has also been fitted with a titanium rear-silencer setup that alone shaves nearly 10lbs of weight from the vehicle.
Moving Inside
Upholstered in plush Merino leather, the interior of the car has a unique feel, as it was designed with a major emphasis on performance and track-readiness, while still being thoroughly luxurious. On top of sporting M Carbon bucket seats with integral head restraints and illuminated M4 CS badges as standard, the cabin also features a three-spoke M Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim, steering column-mounted carbon fiber paddle shifters, and a 12.3” BMW curved driver’s display with M-specific graphics that’s been supplemented via a 14.9” central touchscreen display. The M4 CS’ interior also gets a center console and trim package also crafted from exposed carbon fiber.
Other Noteworthy Features
In order to further differentiate the new CS-spec M4 from the lower-specced M4 Comp, BMW has bestowed the M4 CS with two model-exclusive livery options; Riviera Blue; and Frozen Isle of Man Green metallic (seen here). Riding on an M4 CS-exclusive M alloy wheel set (19” front, 20” rear), the latest BMW M model also comes loaded with the M Drive Professional system, which includes a myriad of track-optimized functions such as the M Drift Analyzer and the M Laptimer. M Traction Control, with ten settings also comes as standard.
CS-Spec Commuter
A major part of what makes BMW’s M Motorsport models so special is the fact that they genuinely offer tremendous performance capabilities, while still being conducive to commuting, grocery-getting, and general day-to-day driving. And while the M4 CS maintains the daily-drivability of the M4 and M4 Comp, it gains even more extreme — and even more track-ready — performance with less weight and quite a few extra ponies on tap. And, despite a 3.2-second 0-60mph time, a nearly 550-hp output, and close-to-190-mph top speed, the M4 CS still offers seating for four, and 15.5 cubic feet of luggage space.
Spec Sheet
Brand: BMW
Model: M4 CS
Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 3.0L Straight-Six
Power: 543HP & 479FT-LBs
0-60MPH Time: 3.2 Seconds
Top Speed: 188MPH
Curb Weight: 3,902LBs
Seats: 4
Starting Price: $123,500
Pricing & Availability
Slated to begin production in July of 2024, the 2025 BMW M4 CS will be available for order starting at the end of this month. Pricing for the new CS-spec M4 starts at $123,500 — not including a $1,175 destination and handling fee.
Recap
2025 BMW M4 CS
Slotting in between the M4 Comp and M4 CSL, BMW’s 2025 M4 CS is a high-performance, track-ready daily driver that benefits from a host of model-exclusive tuning and features.
