BMW has made waves again with its new M4 CS, which takes the performance of the M4 CSL and tweaks it just enough to make it a more comfortable and refined option for everyday driving. This car brings something for enthusiasts and daily drivers alike, offering a substantial 543 horsepower while maintaining a degree of luxury that’s tough to beat.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how the M4 CS stacks up against the M4 CSL, where it excels, and the few areas where it may not impress as much. With its twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, all-wheel drive, and near-perfect steering, the M4 CS is one car that feels fast without sacrificing the creature comforts many drivers want.
Performance That Doesn’t Quit
The BMW M4 CS certainly pulls no punches when it comes to performance. Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that churns out an impressive 543 horsepower. That’s enough power to leave nearly every other car in its class in the dust, making the M4 CS a serious contender on both the street and track.
This engine setup is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that responds to every touch of the throttle, ensuring smooth and quick shifts that feel just right. Whether you’re cruising on a freeway or pushing it on a tight, twisty road, the M4 CS handles with grace and confidence.
The acceleration is blistering. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, which is extremely impressive for a car that’s also designed to be an everyday driver. While it’s not quite as fast as the hardcore M4 CSL, the M4 CS doesn’t fall far behind—and it has the added benefit of offering a more comfortable ride, especially on longer drives.
The power is sent to all four wheels thanks to the M4 CS’s all-wheel-drive system, which not only improves traction but also gives the car a more confident and stable feel on the road. BMW has crafted a machine that offers maximum performance without sacrificing control, which is an excellent balance that some of its competitors don’t quite hit.
Exceptional Steering Feel
One area where the BMW M4 CS really excels is in its steering. The feedback from the steering wheel is precise, giving the driver a solid connection to the road. It’s the type of feedback you’d expect from a car that’s designed to be driven hard on the track but still feels like an everyday car when you’re cruising.
This excellent steering feel is partly due to the M4 CS’s adaptive M suspension, which allows the car to adapt to the road conditions and provide a comfortable ride, even when the car is pushed to its limits. On twisty, winding roads, the M4 CS feels like it was made for those kinds of environments, offering a direct and engaging experience that makes you want to drive even longer than necessary.
BMW also uses active steering technology in the M4 CS to make parking easier and improve handling at high speeds. This system adjusts the steering ratio depending on your speed and driving conditions, providing excellent maneuverability at lower speeds while tightening up at higher speeds for maximum control.
A Comfortable Ride Despite the Power
As mentioned earlier, one of the standout features of the BMW M4 CS is its ability to combine blistering performance with a level of comfort that you might not expect from a performance-focused car. When you get behind the wheel of the M4 CS, you’ll notice that it has a surprisingly smooth ride for a car of this caliber. Thanks to its adaptive suspension, the car can soften up the ride when necessary, allowing you to take longer trips without feeling the effects of a stiff chassis.
BMW’s ability to balance performance and comfort is a testament to their engineering prowess. This is a car that can get the job done on the track while still being pleasant to drive on your daily commute or weekend road trip. The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials, and while it’s sporty, it’s not overly aggressive in its design. You can enjoy the high-performance capabilities of the M4 CS without feeling like you’re in a race car every time you get in.
That said, the M4 CS does offer sportier touches that remind you it’s still a part of the M family. The seats are supportive, holding you firmly in place during high-speed cornering, but they’re not so stiff that they’ll leave you uncomfortable on longer drives. If you want a car that offers great performance without being harsh on your body, the M4 CS strikes an impressive balance.
The Price Tag: A Porsche 911 Competitor?
The BMW M4 CS comes with a price tag that puts it in direct competition with some of the more expensive sports cars in the market. Starting at $125,000, it’s a significant investment, but for the performance and comfort it offers, it’s not out of line with what you’d expect from a high-end BMW.
To put that into perspective, the M4 CS’s starting price is about the same as a base Porsche 911, which is often regarded as one of the best sports cars on the market. When you consider the power, handling, and luxury that the M4 CS offers, it’s clear that BMW has positioned it as a true competitor to other luxury performance vehicles. However, the price could be a tough sell for some buyers, especially when you consider the fact that it’s not quite as extreme as the M4 CSL.
Still, for those who want a car that’s capable of extreme performance but don’t necessarily need a stripped-down, hardcore vehicle, the M4 CS is a solid option. It strikes a middle ground between the more extreme M4 CSL and the standard M4, offering the best of both worlds for those who value comfort as much as performance.
The Downsides: Lunch Control and the Price
Of course, like any car, the BMW M4 CS has a few minor drawbacks that might make you think twice before pulling the trigger. First up, there’s the issue of the price. As mentioned earlier, it’s comparable to a Porsche 911, but there’s no getting around the fact that it’s a steep price for a car that isn’t as hardcore as the M4 CSL. If you’re willing to pay for a track-ready, no-compromise vehicle, the M4 CSL might be the better option for you.
Another downside is the so-called “lunch control.” For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, the M4 CS comes with a system that delays the car’s full performance for the first 30 minutes of driving. This means that when you first start the car, it won’t feel quite as fast as it really is. This can be frustrating if you’re looking to get straight into the action, especially since this feature can’t easily be turned off.
While this feature may make sense in certain circumstances—helping drivers warm up the engine before it reaches its full performance—it’s something that feels a little unnecessary for those who want instant thrills every time they hit the gas pedal. It may not be a deal-breaker for most, but it is something to keep in mind if you’re after that immediate rush.
Conclusion: The M4 CS Is a Strong Option for Performance and Comfort Lovers
The BMW M4 CS is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a high-performance car that doesn’t skimp on comfort. With 543 horsepower, an impressive all-wheel-drive system, and great steering feedback, the M4 CS delivers the kind of driving experience that makes you want to go for a spin just for the fun of it. It’s not as extreme as the M4 CSL, but for many, this is the better balance between performance and everyday usability.
Though the price might be steep for some, especially when compared to alternatives like the Porsche 911, the M4 CS offers excellent value for what it brings to the table. It gives you a taste of track-worthy performance without making sacrifices in the comfort department.
If you’re in the market for a luxury performance car and want something that works for both daily driving and occasional weekend thrills, the BMW M4 CS is a car you should definitely consider. It’s fast, comfortable, and surprisingly refined, offering a driving experience that’s both exciting and practical.
