By Otsile Kadiege

Two years ago, BMW M peeled the wraps off the all-new M4 CSL (short for Competition Sport Lightweight) which is a more thoroughbred, track day-focused version of the M4 Competition coupe. The engineering boffins at Bavaria recently lifted the veil off the CS version of the M4 which slots between the Competition and CSL, and it’s earmarked for local introduction during the fourth quarter of 2024.

M4 CS exterior design and styling

The M4 CS is instantly recognisable thanks to a CFRP bonnet with exposed carbon-fibre elements, a redesigned kidney grille with red detailing flanked by redesigned headlights with iconic yellow low beams, CFRP air inlets as well as a CFRP front splitter. The M4 CS is shod with staggered light-alloy wheels – 19-inches upfront and 20-inches at the rear. These are fitted with high-performance tyres specially developed for the special-edition model in size 275/35 ZR19 (front) and 285/30 ZR20 (rear).

The rear sports M4 CSL 3D taillights with BMW’s Laserlight technology. Other highlights include a CFRP rear spoiler, a CFRP rear diffuser and an exhaust system with titanium silencers. The new BMW Individual special paint finishes Riviera Blue and Frozen Isle of Man Green Metallic are available exclusively for the latest special-edition model from BMW M GmbH. It can also be specified in the exterior shades M Brooklyn Grey metallic and Sapphire Black metallic.

M4 CS interior design and tech

Inside, the M4 CS looks similar to the CSL. However, it sets itself apart with a redesigned flat-bottom M Alcantara multifunctional steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marking, BMW’s Curved Display formed by a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches. It’s running on BMW’s Operating System 8.5 and has various M specific menus like M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer. The M4 CS is also fitted with M bucket seats in two-tone black/red as well as an illuminated ‘CS’ badge on the head restraints.

M4 CS performance

Powering the M4 CS is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology found in the BMW M4 GT3 racing car. BMW M increased the power to 405kW and 650Nm. Key to this power boost was an increase in the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 1.7 bar to 2.1 bar and model-specific tweaks to the engine management. 

The engine is paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. BMW M claims the M4 CS sprints from zero to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds thanks to M xDrive AWD system and has a top speed of 302km/h. 

The special-edition model is equipped as standard with M Compound brakes with callipers painted in a choice of Red or Black. The callipers for the optional M Carbon ceramic brakes can be specified in a Red or matt Gold painted finish. The new BMW M4 CS also comes as standard with forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design – available in either in matt Gold Bronze or matt Black.

Pricing and availability

The BMW M4 CS will be available in SA during the fourth quarter of 2024. Sadly, only 25 units will be heading to our shores at a whooping R3,050,000 asking price.