New BMW M4 CS revealed with 454bhp and 32kg of weight loss

The BMW M4 CS has arrived at the Shanghai Motor Show to sit between the standard M4 and the mighty GTS

BMW has launched a more powerful, lighter and faster M4 at the Shanghai Motor Show. Production of the new BMW M4 CS is limited to two years and sales will begin later this year with prices starting from £89,130.

According to the German brand, what sets the CS apart from the regular M4 is its motorsport inspired character. It’s not quite on the level of the M4 GTS, but its advances on the regular M4 are clear to see. 

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Under the bonnet sits the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six, but BMW has tuned it to produce 454bhp – 29bhp more than the standard M4 and 10bhp more than the M4 Competition Pack. As a result, 0-62mph takes 3.9 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 174mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Alongside the engine tweaks and additional power, BMW has altered the suspension setup to improve dynamic prowess over the standard M4. With the tweaks, BMW claims that the M4 CS can lap the Nurburgring in 7min 38sec – an improvement of 22 seconds over a standard M4. 

BMW has subjected the M4 to additional weight saving techniques to create the CS. Extensive use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic – the bonnet, roof, front splitter, gurney, rear diffuser and even the drive shaft are made of the material – means the CS weighs in at 1,580kg. Compared to a regular M4 fitted with the DCT gearbox, that’s a weight saving of around 32kg.

In terms of styling, the CS remains fairly restrained, with only minor details marking it out as the Club Sport model. A new, more pronounced front splitter is attached underneath the front apron, while a new lip spoiler sits on the bootlid. Unique, ten-spoke alloy wheels finished in grey are fitted, wrapped in Michelin rubber. Two new paint colour finishes are offered too – San Marino Blue metallic and Lime Rock Grey metallic.

In the cabin, BMW has applied a mixture of leather and Alcantara. The dashboard gets CS badging embossed into it, while new sports seats appear too. Standard equipment includes BMW’s Navigation system Professional and automatic climate control.

Tell us what you think of the BMW M4 CS in the comments section below…