Hardcore BMW M4 CS lands late 2017

BMW Australia has revealed its track-honed 338kW/600Nm M4 CS will land in local showrooms later this year with a $211,610 before on-road costs pricetag, putting it at the top of the German brand’s current mid-size M coupe pecking order.

While the limited-run M4 GTS commands more impressive statistics with a 368kW/600Nm engine and $295,000 cost, all 25 units of the hardcore coupe were sold back in May 2016, leaving the door open for a new 4 Series flagship.

The CS also commands a $71,710 price premium over the base M4 Pure, is $61,710 more than the M4 and $56,710 pricier than the M4 Competition variant.

Powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-mono-scroll-turbo straight-six engine as the rest of the M4 range, the CS produces 338kW of power at 6250rpm and maximum 600Nm of torque between 4000-5380rpm.

This compares with the 317kW/550Nm M4, 331kW/550Nm M4 Pure and Competition, and 368kW/600Nm sold-out GTS.

Fuel economy in the M4 CS is rated at 8.4 litres per 100km while CO2 emissions clock 197g/km.

With power sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the M4 CS is able to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, matching its Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe and incoming new-generation, all-wheel-drive Audi RS5 rivals.

Tipping the scales at 1580kg, the M4 CS is also up to 172kg lighter than the M4 Competition thanks to the extensive use of lightweight carbon-fibre and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), including on the bonnet (which is 25 per cent lighter), roof (saving 6.0kg) and exposed carbon boot-lip spoiler.

Borrowing from the M4 GTS, the CS gains the same CFRP rear diffuser to aid aerodynamics as well as identical Organic LED rear tail-lights.

Mechanically, the M4 CS receives a bespoke tune to its suspension, steering, transmission, differential and stability settings for increased high-speed performance.

Suspension is taken care of by a lightweight double-joint spring strut layout up front and the rear is handled by a five-link axle with forged aluminium used across all suspension links and wheel carriers.

Handling can be toggled between Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings, as can the electrically-assisted power steering system, while dynamic stability control (DSC) can be adjusted to M Dynamic Mode or switched completely off.

The M4 CS also wears double-staggered wheels, with 19x9 fronts wrapped in 265/35 rubber and 20x10 rears with 285/30 tyres. Buyers can opt for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slick tyres for maximum dry-road performance or Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber to accommodate a wider range of driving conditions.

Tucked beneath the 10-spoke lightweight wheels are four-piston M Performance front brakes and two-piston rears as standard, with the option of increased stopping power with the M Ceramic system – which upgrades the M4 CS to six-piston front brakes and four-piston rears.

Inside, BMW has fitted M4 CS-specific door sill panels and Alcantara touches across the door armrests, centre console, steering wheel and seat upholstery. A leather steering wheel is a no-cost option and M Performance’s signature red and blue colour is featured on the stitching of both units.

The M4 CS also comes standard with BMW’s iDrive6 infotainment system featuring an 8.8-inch central screen which can be controlled via touch, controller or voice commands.

The new M4 also has a head-up display, 12-speaker sound system, Anthracite roofliner, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and digital radio.

BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner said the M4 CS will slot neatly between the M4 Competition and hardcore M4 GTS when it lands in local showrooms.

“From its uniquely aggressive appearance to its additional performance over the M4 Competition, the BMW M4 CS is a worthy hero for the recently-updated M4 range,” he said.

“Lighter weight and more power ensure an even more dynamic drive than the M4 Competition, but with additional everyday capability and luxury than the M4 GTS.”