Back in April, BMW whipped the covers off the new M4 CS, conceived to plug the gap between the M4 with Competition Package and the hardcore (but sold-out) M4 GTS and M4 DTM Champion Edition. And now we’ve managed to secure pricing for this latest version of the high-performance coupé.
Set to launch locally this quarter, the BMW M4 CS will be priced at R1 838 500, making it a whopping R570 700 more expensive than the standard M4 and a full R426 364 dearer than the model fitted with the Competition Package.
Exactly how many units have been set aside for South Africa remains to be seen, but we expect numbers to be extremely limited. Indeed, rumour has it that the Munich-based automaker will build just 3 000 units of the CS-badged derivative over a two-year production period, with this limited allocation spread across a number of M-crazy markets.
So, what does all that extra cash buy you? Well, the turbocharged 3,0-litre inline-six in the M4 CS raises the output of the M4 with Competition Package from 331 kW to 338 kW, allowing the M4 CS to dip below the four-second mark for the claimed 0-100 km/h sprint (one-tenth quicker than the Competition Package model at 3,9 seconds). Peak torque, meanwhile, climbs from 550 N.m to 600 N.m.
The M4 CS furthermore comes standard with the M Driver’s Package, which means its top speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h. The new model is equipped as standard with the brand’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (with shift paddles), and will not be available in manual.
BMW says the suspension of the new M4 CS “largely mirrors” that of the M4 with Competition Package, while Adaptive M suspension comes standard. The obligatory blast round the Nürburgring Nordschleife? Some 7 minutes 38 seconds…
The M4 CS boasts mixed light-alloy wheels wrapped in semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (265/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear). Although these cup tyres are road legal, the Munich automaker says the M4 CS can be ordered with Michelin Sport road tyres at no extra cost.
The newcomer also features a model-specific front splitter (made from exposed carbon-fibre) and a carbon-fibre Gurney spoiler lip on the boot lid, while the rear diffuser is swiped directly from the M4 GTS.
Inside, the BMW M4 CS boasts lightweight M sports seats trimmed in leather/Alcantara. The door panel trim, meanwhile, is made from compacted natural fibres and features pull loops to save weight. And the bonnet and roof are fashioned from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic for the same purpose.
[UPDATE: We’re told that just 60 units of the M4 CS have been set aside for South Africa]…
