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
by Greg Kable
19 April 2017

The 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.  

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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
12

tomy90

19 April 2017
Don't get me wrong it is much more sensible of a price and a better buying prospect than a M4 GTS, but still a big price hike over a normal M4. I hope the car can justify the high price tag. Will not lie I am very curious about the M2 CS

Roadster

19 April 2017
It may have more power than the standard M4 but at the end of the day it's still a 4 Series and at £89,130 BMW really are having a laugh. It's only £5k less than a Range Rover Sport SVR, a car which is worth more than it really is. And it's said the Germans don't have a sense of humour.

eseaton

19 April 2017
I stopped reading at the point where it says no manual gearbox. And then I glanced further down and saw yet more nauseating nonsense about ring times and that was the end.

madmac

19 April 2017
When I read the script , I thought ,"for sure there will be someone whining about "no manual gearbox""
Sure enough, it took only 3 comments.
So are you going back to your horse and cart?
I agree the price is ambitious but it at least has 4 seats.
just like the 911 GT3RS and Cayman GT4, there are many GTS's for sale here in Canada at over inflated prices,no one seems to be buying them.
Still waiting for X Drive in the M, it will come, till then I would have a B3 AllRad, thanks.

Madmac

eseaton

19 April 2017
A good example. For many people (not me), horses are enjoyable things. I loath them, but I don't begrudge them.

I enjoy driving a car with a manual gearbox more than a paddle shift. Therefore that is what I would want.

Why would you wish there to be no choice? How is it in any way to your detriment for there to be so?

Porsche and Aston Martin have realised this, and much to their credit, have re-introduced a manual option.

madmac

20 April 2017
So do I,I drive a manual Audi RS at present and 2 more of our cars are manual,a Ford Focus and a Subaru Outback XT Turbo.The only Auto is my WIfe's X1.But I would rather have a good DSG as it is faster shifting, cleaner, and more economical.

Madmac

eseaton

21 April 2017
But I'm not seeking efficiency, I'm seeking joy. I like changing gear. I like the action. I like the challenge. I like the choices it gives you.

If you play the piano, would you rather play one that did the peddles for you, always perfectly?

If you don't like changing gear, that is completely fine, but I see no reason to wish to deny people who do their pleasure?

Ex Cop

22 April 2017
eseaton wrote:

But I'm not seeking efficiency, I'm seeking joy. I like changing gear. I like the action. I like the challenge. I like the choices it gives you.

If you play the piano, would you rather play one that did the peddles for you, always perfectly?

If you don't like changing gear, that is completely fine, but I see no reason to wish to deny people who do their pleasure?

Buy an E46 M3 then.

Citytiger

22 April 2017
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 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.

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