Unveiled: The 2025 BMW M4 CS, A Beast on the Track and a Thunder on the Streets
For enthusiasts craving the apex of BMW's M4 lineup without dreading the extreme, your chariot awaits with the arrival of the 2025 BMW M4 CS. This model elevates the game, striking a fine balance between ruthlessness and everyday usability that will have purists and novices alike clamoring for the driver's seat.
The essence of the M4 CS is its refined aggression. Boasting an impressive 543 horsepower—a notable 20 more than the Competition model, and paralleling the formidable CSL—this beast benefits from an increased max boost pressure in its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged S58 straight-six engine. Despite these enhancements, the torque remains steady at 479 lb-ft, as does its eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a familiar yet exhilarating ride.
What sets the M4 CS apart, however, is not just its sheer power but its dynamic all-wheel-drive system. This crucial difference propels the CS beyond its siblings, achieving a jaw-dropping sprint to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds. Not only does this eclipse the Competition xDrive by 0.2 seconds, but it also outpaces the rear-wheel-drive CSL by 0.4, ultimately reaching a top speed of 188 mph with the M Driver's Package.
Cornering prowess has been meticulously honed. Modifications to engine mounts, camber, damper, spring, steering, braking, stability control, and anti-roll bar settings ensure the M4 CS’s agility. A more lenient M Dynamic Mode traction control, coupled with standard summer tires—or optional track and "ultra-track" variants—promise an exhilarating handling experience. These enhancements are complemented by striking new wheel designs in matte bronze or matte black, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.
True to the heritage of German engineering, the M4 CS is adorned with carbon fiber-reinforced plastic components. The list includes the hood, roof, front splitter, air intakes, mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. The interior follows suit, with the center console, shift paddles, and trim benefiting from the lightweight material. Standard features also include carbon bucket seats and a titanium rear silencer, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 45 pounds compared to the xDrive Competition.
All these refinements translate to a commanding presence on the Nürburgring, where the M4 CS clocked an impressive lap time of 7:21.99, just a blink slower than the CSL, BMW’s fastest production model around the legendary circuit. This speaks volumes about the CS’s capability, blurring the lines between track precision and street performance.
The M4 CS, like its predecessors adorned with the "CS" badge, promises not just performance but brilliance. However, excellence comes at a price. Starting at $124,675, the M4 CS is positioned between the more accessible Competition xDrive and the elusive CSL, representing a compelling proposition for those who seek the ultimate in driving pleasure without venturing into the extremes.
In the automotive world, the 2025 BMW M4 CS sets a new standard for high-performance vehicles, encapsulating the essence of what makes driving a visceral, engaging experience. It’s not just a car; it's a statement.