What's the news?
This glorious machine is the BMW M4 CS, a new, limited-edition model that fits into the M car's range between the variants fitted with the optional Competition Package and the extremely limited run, super-aggressive M4 GTS of 2016. You'll need to move quickly if you want an M4 CS (and you will), as they're only being built between this year and 2019.
Better news still, the CS previews a whole new range of models coming from BMW with this badging, which leads to a very, very full M-cars offering: first of all are the M Performance models, like the M140i; then there are the, for want of a better word, 'regular' M cars, like the M2, M3, M4 and so on; after that, you'll be able to specify the Competition Package on various models; then there will be the CS cars; and finally, at the top, what BMW calls the 'performance-maximising brand shapers', a realm currently only represented by the aforementioned M4 GTS.
If you've followed all the above, what you'll realise is that we could be looking at an explosion of M cars in the coming months, such as an M2 Competition Package, M2 CS, maybe even an M2 CSL (are we dreaming if we say M2 GTS?), and then the next M5 and M6 should also get much of this treatment as well. It's an extremely exciting time to be a Bavarian cars fan, that much is for sure.
Exterior
The M4 CS is more aggressive to look at than the regular coupe but not as full-on as the GTS. However, there's an argument to be made to suggest this is the best-looking M4 of the lot, because it's a proper stunner without much of the divisive Acid Orange-detailing of the GTS. The front splitter made of carbon fibre and the boot-lip rear Gurney spoiler (composed of the same material) are the key updates, while the carbon rear diffuser of the M4 GTS is carried over. Furthermore, the bonnet of the CS is also made of carbon fibre, while those big air intakes in the M4's chin cool M compound high-performance brakes with four-piston front, two-piston rear callipers. Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) rear lights are employed and those gorgeous black alloy wheels - 9 x 19-inch front, 10 x 20-inch rear - are lightweight and fitted with semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard; optional Michelin Sport road tyres can be equipped at no extra cost.
Interior
Alcantara and leather lightweight M sports seats couple with door cards made of compacted natural fibres and featuring M's tricolour pull loops to make the interior ambience of the CS feel considerably different to that of a regular M4's cabin. Alcantara also swathes the CS-emblazoned dashboard and the steering wheel, while standard features are said to include climate control, BMW HiFi Profession and Navigation Professional too.
Mechanicals
So, it's the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six as found in any M4 but we've got a bit more power here in the CS. As standard, you get 431hp and 550Nm from an M4. The Competition Pack uprates the power to 450hp but keeps torque as is. The mighty M4 GTS, by the way, had 500hp and 600Nm. Therefore, would anyone like to guess how the CS fits into that hierarchy?
Well, it benefits from the same 600Nm as the GTS but an extra 10hp over and above the M4 CP, with 460hp overall. That, though, is a lot of grunt for a 4 Series-sized car, believe us. Economy and emissions are said to be not much worse than the 8.3 litres/100km (34mpg) and 194g/km CO2 of the normal M4, the CS's numbers claimed to stand at 8.4 litres/100km (33.6mpg) and 197g/km CO2.
But you're not interested in any of that eco-stuff, are you? It's basically a bloody fast car. The 0-100km/h time is rated at 3.9 seconds and the M4 CS comes with the M Driver's Package as standard, meaning its top speed is limited to 280km/h. Power goes to the rear axle via the standardised seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, the gearbox benefitting from its own oil cooler and natty paddle shifts in the cabin. BMW M used the M4 Competition Package set-up as the basis for the underpinnings of the CS, while this focused M4 comes with bespoke-tuned Adaptive M dampers as standard. Like any M4, is has an Active M Differential, M Dynamic Mode (MDM) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), with 'controlled drifts' said to be easily achievable with the Sport+ mode of MDM/DSC enabled.
All of the above has allowed the M4 CS to bang in a ferociously quick Nürburgring Nordschleife lap-time of 7m 38sec, a startling distance ahead of the regular M4's already-pretty -scorching 7m 52sec record. Impressed by the M4 CS? You should be.
The new BMW M4 CS will be built at the original BMW plant in Munich and will be priced at €158,690 (OTR).