The agony of choice
BMW plugs M4 niche with the brilliant but pricey CS
BMW HAS A long history of special versions of the M3. The original E30 came upgraded as the Ravaglia, Europameister, Evos I and II, and the hallowed Sport Evo, and then there were be-winged GT and GT2 versions of the E36 and the mesmeric E46 M3 CSL too.
But, even against such precedent, is four different M4s in three years overkill? We got the original car in 2014, but its flawed character coerced BMW to introduce the honed Competition Package (CP) in early 2016. Later that year we were treated to the super-expensive and highly focused M4 GTS, which remains the halo model even though it is out of production.
That leaves a gap to be plugged by this, the M4 CS, which slots between an M4 CP (£3000 more than the regular M4’s £57,000 starting price) and the formerly £121,000 GTS. Thus, the CS is £89,130 – a lot for software changes to the engine and Adaptive M Suspension’s dampers, using the CP as a basis.
Hardware alterations amount to 19-inch front, 20-inch rear lightweight forged alloys paired with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, plus exhaust tweaks, bespoke carbonfibre-reinforced plastic aero, and OLED rear lights. Within, profligate use of Alcantara and the same stripped-back doorcards as the GTS’s lift cabin ambience above that of the CP.
The result is one of the most dynamically talented M4s yet. The CS has a rapier-like front axle that bites cleanly into corners time and time again, courtesy of steering that’s excellent… if you leave it in Sport and resist the urge to use too-weighty Sport+. A seven-speed M Dual-Clutch Transmission is the sole gearbox available, but it’s a cracking unit, quick to respond and beautifully geared for the mighty 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine, which now emits a CP-beating 454bhp and a GTS-matching 443lb ft. Expect 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed limited to 174mph. The CS can also lay claim to the best noise of any M4, thanks to its gravelly exhaust note, unaided by artificial synthesis.
Sales will end in 2019, final build numbers determined by orders placed and, despite the high price, there are costly options that circuit enthusiasts will crave, such as carbon ceramic brakes for around £7000 more. The CS is unquestionably a brilliant performance coupé – only it doesn’t feel £29,000 better than the M4 CP and it isn’t as special to drive as the 700off GTS. A choice car, but not choice M4.