The 2025 BMW M4 CS Emerges as the Fastest Accelerating M4 Available

As anticipated, it represents a leaner and more potent variant of BMW’s high-performance coupe, delivering 543 horsepower (20 more than the Competition model and equivalent to the CSL) due to increased maximum boost pressure from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo S58 inline-six engine. The torque remains the same at 479 lb-ft, as does the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Distinct from the rear-wheel-drive CSL, the CS is solely all-wheel drive, enabling it to outpace its pricier, more intense counterpart in the race to 60 mph, achieving a time of just 3.2 seconds. This positions the CS as the quickest accelerating M4 among its siblings, surpassing the standard Competition xDrive by 0.2 seconds and the rear-wheel-drive CSL by 0.4 seconds. It hits a top speed of 188 mph with the M Driver’s Package, up by 8 mph from the aforementioned Competition model.

Its capabilities in cornering have also been improved. The engine mounts are more rigid, and various aspects such as camber, suspension, springs, steering, brakes, stability control, and anti-roll bars have all been adjusted. The M Dynamic Mode traction control is reportedly more forgiving than in the base model. While summer tires come standard, track or “ultra-track” tires are available at no extra cost. These are mounted on new wheels—19 inches in the front, 20 inches in the rear—that are offered in either matte bronze or matte black.

No German performance special would be complete without an abundance of carbon fiber, and the M4 CS certainly fulfills that requirement. The carbon fiber-reinforced plastic construction is visible in elements like the hood, roof, front splitter, air intakes, mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. Inside, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic is also incorporated, including the center console, shift paddles, and trim. The carbon bucket seats, optional in the standard M4, come standard in the CS. Additionally, the exhaust system features a titanium rear silencer, reducing weight by eight pounds compared to the regular M4 exhaust. Altogether, the M4 CS is 45 pounds lighter than the xDrive Competition variant.

The culmination of these weight-saving measures, performance enhancements, and increased boost is reflected in a Nürburgring lap time of 7:21.99, only 0.2 seconds adrift from the CSL, recognized as the fastest production BMW to conquer the Nordschleife.

In my personal encounters, any BMW bearing the “CS” designation typically signifies outstanding excellence. The cost for this anticipated brilliance,nevertheless, tends to be quite high-priced. The 2025 BMW M4 CS kicks off at $124,675, which is $16,000 less than the CSL, yet a substantial $35,000 more than the Competition xDrive.

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