BMW M4 CS Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

BMW released the Life Cycle Update for the second generation of the 4 Series Coupe at the beginning of 2024, and just a few months later, it launched the M4 CS version.

When the German automaker decided to split the 3 Series Sedan from its Coupe version and introduced the 4 Series, some purists were outraged. Soon, however, they discovered that the 4 Series wasn't just a 3 Series with fewer doors; it was re-engineered and modified substantially. As a result, the new product's reputation won back customers and gained even more. But there was one version of this car that ignited spirits every time it appeared: the M4. Its mean look, growling engine sound, and snappy accelerations made even some supercar owners think twice before challenging it. Besides the regular M4, BMW also created the Competition, the limited-edition CSL, and the CS versions. In May 2024, the automaker refreshed the latter and put it on the famous Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit, where the BMW M4 CS recorded an official and notarized time of 7 min. 21.989 sec. for the full 20.832-kilometre (12.943-mile) lap. It was quicker than a Corvette C06 Z07 or a 700 PS (690 hp) Lamborghini Aventador 700-4.

BMW didn't want to call its refreshed vehicles as "facelifted" but preferred the Life Cycle Impulse term instead. So, the LCI-ized version of the M4 G82 got an updated front fascia featuring slimmer LED headlights that sported comma-like yellow daytime running lights. Between them, the automaker kept the same polarizing kidney grille with a vertical aspect, resembling those from the legendary BMW 328 from the '30s. The lower bumper was also improved with angular-shaped air intakes and a carbon fiber lip spoiler at the bottom. On the hood, BMW placed a power bulge featuring exhaust vents.

From its profile, the 2024 M4 CS boasted its new forged light alloy wheels with 19-inch diameter at the front and 20 inches for those in the back wrapped in 275/35 and 285/30 tires, respectively. The exhaust vents behind the front wheel arches were functional and extracted air trapped inside the wheel wells to increase downforce. BMW also added sculptured carbon fiber side sills that reduced the ground effect. The low-slung greenhouse featured a carbon fiber roof and a sloped-down rear window. Finally, at the back, the car got the same laser-like taillights introduced by its lesser-powered siblings, the 4 Series Coupe, in January 2024, but the rear bumper was entirely different. It sported four exhausts neatly integrated into the massive rear diffuser.

Inside, the 2024 BMW M4 CS looked more related to a race car than to a premium coupe. Its lightweight sports seats with integrated headrests at the front were wrapped in Merino leather and sported a red and black color scheme. They were separated by a narrow center console adorned with carbon fiber trims that housed the gear selector, a small storage area, and the rotary dial of the infotainment system. BMW shaved more than 77 lbs (35 kg) from the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe, with which it shared its underpinnings. It also boasted a slightly enhanced dashboard that was updated to the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system. In the back, the automaker placed a bench seat profiled for two.

But the most significant upgrade was found under the car's skin. There, BMW found a way to squeeze more oomph from the S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. It was 20 PS more powerful than the M4 Competition and sent all the 550 PS (542 hp) in all corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The M4 CS was built only two years and it sat between the M4 with Competition Package and the M4 GTS. It was the best balance between a race-focused and a road car.

While some other car manufacturers are building either a performance car or a track-ready vehicle, BMW decided to go mid-road with the CS. It took some parts from the M4 Competition and some parts from the GTS. After the mix was done, it added some specific features.

On the outside, at the front, there was a lip-spoiler at the bottom of the apron. It was made out of carbon-fiber but it was fixed, while the GTS had it adjustable. The hood was made out of carbon-fiber as well as the one found on the GTS. In the back, the CS featured a specific lip on the trunk. For the wheels, the car was fitted with 19” light-alloy wheels in the front and 20” wheels in the back, equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

Inside, there was a mix of race-inspired features and comfort. The door panels and the seats were carried-over the GTS. The suspension was taken from the Competition model. The infotainment system was similar to the one in the regular M4.

Under the hood, there was the same inline-six unit with two turbochargers that offered more power than the M4 Competition Package. It was fitted to a standard 7-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox, and that was the only transmission available.