The 2017 Shanghai Motor Show is underway, and BMW have already started soaking up the limelight with a lighter, faster version of the M4. The production of the new BMW M4 CS will be limited to two years, and prices will start at around $150,000 (AUS).
According to the German auto giant, the main difference which sets the CS apart from the original it’s based on is its motorsport-inspired character. They’re certainly not wrong about this when it comes to the looks. As soon as you lay eyes on this car, you immediately wonder what it would look like with a sharp, angular spoiler and some branded car wrapping! While this new version of the M4 isn’t quite up to the strict performance standards of the M4 GTS, the improvements made from the base model M4 are plain to see.
The bonnet houses the same 3-litre, twin-turbo engine, but it’s now been tuned to produce 454bhp – 10bhp more than the M4 Competition Pack and a whole 29 higher than the standard M4. Due to this, taking the car from zero to 62mph takes 3.9 seconds, with power being shot to the rear wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. Although the engine tweaks and added power have been the highlight of all of BMW’s hard work, they’ve also changed the suspension setup in order to improve the car’s dynamic prowess over the original M4. With these tweaks in place, BMW have claimed that the M4 CS is capable of lapping the Nürburgring in 7 minutes 38 seconds. That’s 22 seconds faster than the first M4.
When it comes to styling, the CS has remained rather modest, with only a few frills and details that tell you this is the Club Sport model. A refreshed, more prominent front splitter has been added under the front apron, while there’s a new lip spoiler on the boot lid. There are new, ten-spoke alloy wheels with a distinct grey finish, and two new metallic paint jobs have been offered on the car – San Marino Blue and Lime Rock Grey. Open the doors, and the car continues to be a delight to the senses. BMW has used an interesting combination of leather and alcantara for the interior. The dash gets its very own CS badging, and there are sleek, new sports seats for you to enjoy as well. BMW’s “Professional” version of their navigation system, along with automatic climate control, comes as standard.
As part of their work on the CS, BMW have also applied a range of weight-saving changes. The car is full of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. This has been used for the gurney, front splitter, roof, bonnet, rear diffuser and even the drive shaft. This change alone has enabled the car to shed an impressive 32kg from the original M4, which came with a bulky DCT gearbox.
If you already have an original M4, then the CS probably isn’t worth the money for a few little perks. For many though, this is certainly a dynamic and welcome addition to BMW’s impressive fleet.
