BMW M4 CS revealed with 460 hp, M4 GTS styling

If you’re in the market for a BMW M4, and you need something a little more exciting than the standard car fitted with the Competition Package, what are your options? There’s the M4 GTS, but that may be a little uncompromising for some. Thankfully, the brand-new M4 CS is here to fill in that role.

The special-edition model was initially shown to Asia-Pacific press at the BMW M Experience Conference event in Incheon, South Korea earlier this week, but as we’ve been informed, no photography of any sorts was allowed at the time.

Disclosure out of the way, let’s jump straight into the important bit – the engine. It’s a 3.0 litre twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder unit that you find in a regular M4, except this one delivers 460 hp at 6,250 rpm and 600 Nm at 4,000-5,380 rpm. This represents a 10 hp/50 Nm increase over the regular M4 with the Competition Package (M4 CP), and brings it closer to the M4 GTS (500 hp/600 Nm), which packs water-injection technology (not featured on the M4 CS).

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic, which comes with a dedicated oil cooler. BMW says the M4 CS will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the M4 CP, and will hit an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h.

The handling components on the M4 CS are carried over from the M4 CP, including the Adaptive M suspension, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system (includes M Dynamic Mode), Active M Differential and fade-resistant M compound brakes (four-piston callipers at the front and two-piston callipers at the rear).

For easy identification, the model also get its own distinct styling where the front end features the well-known kidney grille with black-painted bars. A new front splitter made from exposed carbon-fibre further highlights the M4 CS’ sportier-than-normal identity, as does the bonnet made from lightweight carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

At the back, more carbon-fibre is used to make the boot-mounted spoiler lip that is tasked to reduce rear axle lift. Even more eye-grabbing are the new headlights featuring OLED (organic light emitting diode) technology, producing an interesting-looking 3D effect. Adjust your view even lower and you’ll spot the rear diffuser, which is adapted from the M4 GTS, together with the M-branded four stainless steel tailpipes.

As for the wheels, BMW has created unique, ten-spoke, light-alloy wheels in Orbit Grey for the M4 CS that measure 19 inches at the front, and 20 inches at the rear. They are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres (265/35 front and 285/30 rear), and closely modelled on that of the successful BMW M4 DTM racing cars, according to BMW.

Also part of the exterior kit is the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line package that adds on high-gloss black trim on the side window trim and window recess cover, kidney grille and the M gills on the front wings.

BMW also lists two new colours that are exclusive for the M4 CS – San Marino Blue Metallic and Lime Rock Grey Metallic. However, if you need something even more exquisite, there’s Frozen Dark Blue II, a matte blue finish created by BMW Individual. The exterior paint finish will be available in November this year but do its elaborate painting process, a limited number of cars will wear that colour.

Inside, there’s plenty of leather and Alcantara for your fingers to touch, and the M4 CS receives the same M sport seats fitted in the M4 CP (upholstered in Merino leather and Alcantara). A leather-wrapped M sport steering wheel is standard but as a cost option, you can have one wrapped with Alcantara instead.

The cabin is also awash with plenty model-specific identifiers as seen on the trim strips and door sills, plus hints of the M4 GTS, most notably the cloth straps that act as grab handles. Luxuries such as the BMW Navigation system Professional, BMW ConnectedDrive Services, BMW M Laptimer app and adaptive LED headlights (including BMW Selective Beam), are all standard here.

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