BMW has unveiled the latest in a long and storied line of limited-edition M cars at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, the new M4 CS.
Taking its cues from the likes of the E30 M3 Sport Evolution, the E46 CSL and E92 GTS, the new special edition M4 CS raises the abilities and the performance of the F82 M4 one step higher.
Key to that is the extensive use of carbon-reinforced plastic body panels, which makes the CS significantly lighter than the regular M4 and also lowers the car’s centre of gravity.
The car comes powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine as the regular M4, but it’s had its power boosted to a maximum of 454bhp with 600Nm of torque.
That makes it around 10bhp more powerful than the Competition Package-spec M4, and with BMW’s M seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as standard it can hit 0-62mph in a dizzying 3.9 seconds.
M4 CS models also get their electronic speed limiters relaxed, which means that if you present it with enough tarmac it’ll be able to sprint all the way on to a top speed of 174mph.
Lots of bits are carried over from the Competition Package models, with the same Adaptive M Suspension fitted as standard, which offers selectable Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings.
However, the CS gets bespoke mapping for its stability control programmes and for the M Active Differential at the rear, while it also features a much more aggressive exterior.
Over the standard M4 models, the CS gets a larger front splitter made of exposed carbon fibre, plus a large diffuser, boot lip spoiler and gurney flap at the rear to aid aerodynamic efficiency.
BMW says this is a different setup to the range-topping M4 GTS, though, and is less track focused. As a result, there’s no roll cage and the front splitter is non-adjustable, but there are some other motorsport-inspired touches.
For a start, the M4 CS rides on bespoke lightweight alloy wheels clad in super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, plus large ceramic brake discs with eye-catching yellow callipers.
Inside, there’s lightweight BMW sports seats that come upholstered in leather and Alcantara, plus a kit list that includes the likes of a high-quality Hi-Fi and sat-nav.
The car is completed with an interior door handle delete, with a race-inspired pull loop instead, plus unique new paint options including San Marino Blue Metallic, Lime Rock Grey Metallic and a limited-edition matt blue called Frozen Dark Blue II.
There’s no word yet on exactly how many M4 CS’ will be made, but prices in the UK will start from approximately £98,000 when the car goes on sale this year.
