Lighter, More Powerful 2025 BMW M4 CS Is The Kind Of Overkill You Want
BMW is upping the ante of the M4 lineup with the addition of the 2025 M4 CS, which is meant to bring a little bit more of that hard edge to its sports coupe over the current M4 Competition. Like the BMW M3 CS that came out last year, the new M4 CS has more power, a retuned chassis and some weight reduction all in an effort to make the CS faster and more fun than the cars that slot below it.
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The M4 CS pumps out 543 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, a 20-hp bump over the M4 Competition, but torque remains the same. It’ll also carry over the regular M4 Competition’s 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and standard xDrive all-wheel-drive. BMW was able to squeeze that horsepower bump out of its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter S58 inline-6 by upgrading the twin-scroll turbos, raising the engine’s maximum boost pressure to 30.5 psi, and by tweaking the engine management computer.
Photo: BMW
BMW says the CS has a 3.2-second 0-to-60-mph time (0.2 second quicker than the normal M4 Comp), a Nürbrugring Nordschleife lap time of 7:21.99 (about 7 seconds quicker than Sport Auto got in the M4 Comp), and an electronically limited top speed of 199 mph (19 mph faster than the M4 Comp). That’s quite brisk.
Even though the M4 CS is all-wheel drive, BMW says that, like other AWD M cars, you can still stick it in rear-wheel drive mode if you so please. Regardless, the system is rear-biased no matter what you do (as it should be). BMW also switched up the axle kinematics, camber settings, dampers, auxiliary springs and anti-roll bars for more aggressive driving. Electronically controlled dampers on the Adaptive M suspension also have a bespoke setup for the M4 CS, and the steering has been retuned as well. Additionally, there’s a new front strut brace for increased torsional rigidity and better handling.
Photo: BMW
The M4 CS is also fitted as standard with BMW’s M Compound brakes, and you can choose to have your calipers painted red or black. If that just isn’t enough braking power for you, feel free to upgrade to the M Carbon ceramic brake setup with calipers that can be finished in red or gold. Going around those big ol’ brakes are forged alloy wheels that can be painted either Gold Bronze or matte black. You’ll find 275/25ZR19 tires up front and 285/30ZR20 rubber out back. Track tires are also a no-cost extra if you’re feeling a bit wacky.
To shave weight, BMW broke out the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and threw it all over the M4 CS. One of the best examples is the carbon-fiber roof that aids in lowering the car’s center of gravity. The hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler are also made from CFRP. Step inside and you’ll find a hell of a lot more of the stuff. The center console, shift paddles and various other pieces of trim are made of CFRP. The biggest piece of carbon fiber inside the car, though, are the M Carbon bucket seats, which look totally badass and probably are not that comfortable, but who needs comfort?
Photo: BMW
BMW also cut weight out of the M4’s exhaust system using a titanium rear silencer. All of these things put together means the CS is 77 pounds lighter than the M4 Competition. When the car launches, it’ll be available in just two colors: Riviera Blue and Frozen Isle of Man Green Metallic. It also has plenty of red bits and exterior carbon-fiber accents, a reworked kidney grille and a slightly different lighting treatment with yellow DRLs that’ll let people know this is no ordinary M4.
Having already spent time with the M3 CS on track, I can tell you with certainty that the M4 CS will be just as if not more bonkers. The 2025 M4 CS will make its first in-person appearance this Friday, May 10 at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Laguna Seca, as well as the Spa-Francorchamps World Endurance Car Championship. BMW says the M4 CS will start at $124,675 (including destination) when it enters production alongside other M4 variants at the company’s factory in Dingolfing starting in July of this year.
On Track In The 2024 BMW M3 CS | First Drive
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