Unleashing the Beast: The New BMW M4 CS Exceeds All Expectations

While it’s true that BMW has not dipped its toes into the supercar realm since the early 1980s, the Bavarian automaker has certainly crafted a vehicle capable of entering the big leagues with unbridled confidence. The new M4 Competition Sport (CS) is a testament to this notion, boasting performance figures that are not only impressive but seem to defy the limits of automotive engineering. With the capabilities of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a blistering 3.4 seconds and achieving 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h) in merely 11.1 seconds, the M4 CS is making waves in the world of performance vehicles.

However, recent tests have revealed that the second-generation BMW M4 CS is even quicker than official figures suggest. A recent acceleration test conducted at the renowned Lurcy-Lévis track in France showcased the M4 CS reaching 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds, effectively slicing a significant 0.3 seconds off the manufacturer’s claims. The excitement doesn’t stop there; it recorded a jaw-dropping time of 10.4 seconds to hit 124 mph, outpacing BMW’s advertised time by a notable 0.7 seconds. Such feats are no small potatoes for a vehicle that is primarily classified as a luxury sports coupe.

Another benchmark performance is in its completion of a standing kilometer (0.6 miles), taking only 20.2 seconds on the FIA-homologated straight. Although the 1.5-meter straight used for the testing was not ideally long enough for the M4 CS to clock its full claimed top speed of 188 mph (302 km/h), it did briskly reach an astounding 162 mph (260 km/h). The acceleration capabilities were maximized by keeping the vehicle in all-wheel-drive mode while engaging launch control, truly establishing the M4 CS as one of the quickest accelerators in BMW’s storied history.

While the M4 CS impresses, it's important to note that it may not be the fastest car in BMW's illustrious M lineup; that honor likely still belongs to the M5 CS. Yet, with technology evolving and gas-powered alternatives rapidly fading, the question remains whether a comparable internal combustion engine car can ever be crafted to top the M4 CS's performance. BMW has confirmed plans for a fully electric M3, which is expected to deliver a dizzying sub-3.0-second 0-60 mph time, leveraging the immediate torque provided by electric motors. This new offering is slated to hit the market in 2027 or 2028 on BMW's Neue Klasse platform.

For fans of the six-cylinder and V8 setups, there is still good news. BMW M has committed to maintaining the inline-six and V8 engines at least until the end of this decade, which offers a glimmer of hope for traditionalists who prefer the resonance of gasoline engines. Nevertheless, whispers from insiders suggest there will be one last hurrah for a gas M3 before full electrification takes over. However, it seems the highly anticipated “G84” may not feature a manual gearbox, steering purists into potentially unfamiliar territory.

As for the M4, the outlook is a tad grim for those yearning for a future iteration featuring a combustion engine. Speculative reports indicate that the next generation of this series may not even be on the drawing board, hinting that the entire 4 Series lineup could fade from existence once the current generation sees its end. It’s a dynamic and rapidly-changing automotive landscape, forcing luxury car enthusiasts to stay alert in their pursuits.

Now, for those still enthusiastic about an internal combustion engine, it’s essential to move quickly should you wish to own the M4 CS. Only 1,700 units are being produced for the global market, and with its intriguing blend of performance, luxury, and exclusivity, it’s bound to be a sought-after collectible in the years ahead. If you ever wanted to own a piece of performance excellence and luxury, the M4 CS is nothing short of an automotive masterpiece.

In conclusion, the BMW M4 CS is a monumental success story that illustrates the pinnacle of what this storied brand can achieve in the realm of high-performance luxury vehicles. With its astonishing capabilities, limited production, and resulting exclusivity, it has firmly put itself at the forefront of the modern enthusiast’s wish list. Only time will tell how it holds up against the inevitable tide of electric performance, but for now, it reigns supreme as an exhilarating driving machine.