The battleground of automotive excellence—the Nürburgring—has witnessed the rise of a new champion in the form of the BMW M4 CS, trailing only behind its sibling, the M4 CSL, in the record books. With a staggering lap time of 7:21.989, this beast cements its position as the second-fastest BMW to master the Green Hell. A feat only surpassed by the racetrack-ready M4 CSL, the CS version blends prodigious performance with daily driveability in a package that is nearly as fast as the halo CSL model.
Raising the Bar: The M4 CS Performance Phenomenon
The BMW M4 CS isn't just about claiming second place in the family hierarchy; it's about setting a new benchmark for what performance cars can achieve. Priced at a premium but offering an experience unparalleled in its segment, the M4 CS leaps beyond its price tag with a lap time that challenges even the Ferrari 488 GTB. This machine isn't merely faster than its four-door sibling, the M3 CS, by two seconds; it's a testament to BMW's commitment to engineering marvels that delight both enthusiasts and purists alike.
Under the hood lies the heart of the beast—a 543 hp turbocharged inline-six engine that propels this all-wheel-drive coupé to its record time. This powerhouse is paired with a meticulously tuned chassis and aerodynamic enhancements, allowing it to navigate the Nürburgring with precision and poise. While the M4 CSL might shave a few more seconds off the lap time with its rear-wheel drive and weight-reduction strategy, the M4 CS stands as a more versatile contender, offering a blend of performance and comfort.
Inside the M4 CS: Where Speed Meets Sophistication
The M4 CS doesn't strip away comfort for the sake of speed. Inside, M Carbon bucket seats cradle the driver and front passenger, offering a perfect vantage point from which to command this formidable machine. Unlike the radical weight-saving measures seen in the M4 CSL, the CS variant retains a rear bench and sound insulation, making it the choice for those who crave speed without sacrificing the creature comforts of a luxury coupe.
Weight is considered meticulously, with the M4 CS shedding 45 lbs compared to the M4 Competition Coupe with xDrive, striking a balance that makes it both a fierce competitor on the track and a comfortable companion on the street. This slight reduction in weight, alongside its awe-inspiring power and dynamic all-wheel-drive system, ensures that the M4 CS is a car that can dazzle on the racetrack and delight on a leisurely drive.
A New Era of Performance
The onboard footage released by BMW not only showcases the M4 CS's agility and speed but also highlights it as a vehicle that doesn't compromise on performance for practicability. As this formidable coupe gears up for production, with order books opening soon and a starting price of $124,675 (including destination charge), potential buyers are looking at a vehicle that is set to redefine expectations and set new benchmarks in the world of high-performance automotive engineering.
In the quest for supremacy at the Nürburgring, where legends are forged and records broken, the M4 CS has proven that BMW remains at the forefront of automotive performance. With power, poise, and a price that pitches it as a more accessible alternative to the ultra-focused M4 CSL, the M4 CS is not just a car; it's a statement—a finely tuned symphony of speed, sophistication, and pure BMW engineering prowess.