When we sampled the new-generation BMW M4 Competition (and its sedan stablemate, the M3 Competition, for that matter), the performance-focused 4 impressed, with its 375 kW/650 N.m six-cylinder and quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission combining to provide oodles of oohs, especially during a launch-start (the Bavarian brand claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time — for the rear-wheel-drive derivative — of 3.9 seconds and 3.5 seconds for the xDrive-equipped variant). Is it the benchmark in its class, arguably yes.
However, what if you desired an M4 boasting some more ooh-inspiring performance? Well, soon, you can. It comes in the shape of the M4 CS. You’ll have to be quick about it, though — only a handful examples of this model will be introduced to local shores. Here’s what you can expect from this limited-edition M4.
For the M4 CS, the most notable upgrade made to the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six beating behind the (still divisive?) kidney grille, is the uprated power output — a 30 kW increase over the standard model. As a result, the CS-badged model is endowed with 405 kW, available from as soon as the digital rev needle edges the 6 250 r/min marker to a red line of 7 200 r/min. According to the automaker, this has been achieved by raising the two mono-scroll turbochargers’ pressure to 2.1 bar and several model-specific tweaks.
Torque has remained the same. However, whereas the 650 N.m is available from 2 750 r/min to 5 500 r/min in the standard Competition derivative, the M4 CS’s is on tap until 5 950 r/min in the rev band.
Directed through an eight-speed automatic cog swapper to the firm’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the power and torque figures, BMW says, allow the M4 CS to complete the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds (five-tenths-of-a-second quicker than the rear-wheel-drive M4 Competition and 0.1 seconds faster than the M4 Competition xDrive), before topping out at 302 km/h, thanks to the standard fitment of the firm’s M Driver’s Package.
In addition to this standard feature, the M4 CS ships with 19-inch fore and 20-inch rear lightweight alloys, wrapped in 275/35- and 285/30-size rubber, respectively. Sited behind wheels is carbon-ceramic brakes. To reduce weight, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic elements are also present. Of course, this model is distinguished from the standard versions with several CS-specific details.
BMW M4 CS price in SA
Only 25 examples of the M4 CS will be available in South Africa, each priced at R3 050 000. This model will arrive here during the fourth quarter of 2024.
