Since its introduction in 2014, the BMW M4 has offered a high-performance twist on the company’s luxurious 4 Series. Along the way, there have been several specialty variants that offered even more motorsports features and power for drivers who are serious about their cars, including the recent top-of-the-line 2023 M4 CSL. Now, BMW and performance vehicle fans will see the return of another M4 favorite.
In September 2023, BMW M division leader Frank van Meel announced the 2024 BMW M4 CS would arrive at dealerships midway through the year. As part of a facelift of the entire BMW M4 and M3 lines, the M4 CS will be a new way to upgrade the already impressive “executive sport” machine. With the mid-2024 target fast approaching, we’re taking an early look at the 2024 BMW M4 CS and what it will have to offer sport and luxury enthusiasts.
The History of the BMW CS
Even if the CS name was all we had to go on, dedicated BMW and performance car followers would already have an idea of what to expect. After all, the original BMW CS is considered one of the most noteworthy sports coupes of the 1970s. The legend began in 1968 with the BMW 2800CS (the abbreviation stood for “Coupe Sport”), which was also the start of the E9 platform. Technically, the 2000CS and 3200CS preceded it, but these earlier models lacked the high-performance credentials that made the CS what it is today.
The BMW 2800CS quickly took the automotive world by storm. Its M30 I-6 engine produced 170 hp, putting it in the upper echelon for its class at the time, with excellent handling and ride quality. It looked great, too, with styling that included a shark-like forward-angle nose, a longer wheelbase than the 2000CS, and simple but sophisticated lines. Add an upgraded suspension that made driving it a pure pleasure, and the CS series was everything people could ask for.
The BMW CS later received an upgrade with a bored-out engine that came in both carbureted (3.0CS) and fuel-injected (3.0CSi) variants, giving it even more power. Not only was it a hit on the road, but it was a hit on the track. The 3.0CSL motorsports model introduced in 1972 was a six-time winner of the European Touring Car Championship.
After the original E9 ceased production in 1975, the CS nameplate lay dormant until July 2017, when BMW rolled out the BMW M4 CS. This limited-edition vehicle continued the CS tradition (although the designation now stood for “Competition Sport”) for two years with a 454 hp engine—29 more than the already-impressive baseline M4 of the time —that added up to a zero to 60 mph jaunt of 3.9 seconds. It also had a sporty exterior, an updated exhaust, and smoother steering. BMW next attached the CS moniker to single-year runs of the BMW M3 in 2018, the BMW M2 in 2020, and the BMW M5 in 2021. Then, the CS returned to the M3 lineup for the 2024 model year, continuing the tradition.
What to Expect From the 2024 BMW M4 CS
Now, six years after the first M4 CS rolled off the production line, this accomplished name is set to return. Official details of the new BMW M4 CS have not yet been confirmed by the manufacturer. However, two key pieces of info have emerged:
- The M4 CS will be considered a bridge between the M4 Competition and the high-performance M4 CSL, which was introduced during the 2023 model year for a 1,000-vehicle limited edition run.
- It is expected to be based on the powertrain and performance upgrades used in the recent 2024 BMW M3 CS.
Based on that, we can make a good projection of what the 2024 M4 CS will offer performance-driving enthusiasts. The 2024 M3 CS, like the 2023 M4 CSL, is powered by the S58 3.0L TwinPower Turbo I-6 engine with a boost pressure of over 30 PSI. This adds up to 543 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the 2024 M4 Competition is rated for 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Per BMW itself, the M4 Competition needs a mere 3.4 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. The M4 is already one of the most powerful vehicles in its class, and the CS variant is certainly going to kick it up a few notches.
Furthermore, the M3 CS has many components made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, such as the roof, hood, spoiler, and more. This results in a weight savings of 75 lbs compared to the base model, further improving the power-to-weight ratio for better acceleration and handling. A few old-schoolers may be turned off by the fact that in the M3 CS, this powertrain only comes with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, but that might change in the M4 CS––after all, the M4 CSL is rear-wheel drive. Other ways the M4 CS could build up its performance profile include a more efficient exhaust, stronger engine mounts, high-performance tires, and a better differential.
Building on a Luxury Performance Beast
Beyond this, we’re anticipating the rest of the M4 CS to be at least as good, if not better, than the rest of the 2024 M4 lineup. Further, as we mentioned, BMW has refreshed the entire M4 lineup for 2024, adding some exciting new features. To give you something to compare it to, here are some of the recent M4 highlights:
- Stiff suspension for responsive handling
- Carbon-ceramic brakes
- Luxurious leather upholstery
- 12 cu.ft. of cargo space
- 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Harman-Kardon speakers
- Selectable traction control
Can It Shake Up the Market?
That’s not to say there aren’t a few potential reservations about the upcoming BMW M4 CS. We really hope BMW redesigns the nose of the vehicle—which has been described as “brutish”—to something more sporty and visually appealing. Also, if the most recent M3 CS is any indication, the 2024 BMW M4 CS certainly won’t be cheap. The M3 CS sedan has a starting price of $118,700 compared to $76,000 for the base M3. With the 2024 BMW M4 starting at $78,100, it would be fair to expect the new M4 CS to start somewhere in the low $120,000 range.
Even so, the BMW M4 already stacks up favorably against other “mainstream supercars” like the Chevy Corvette, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, and Mercedes-AMG C63. The 2024 M4 CS is almost assuredly going to bring the heat when it comes to performance. The BMW M family collectively sold more than 177,000 cars in 2022 to set a new high mark, and by playing its cards right, the M4 CS could poach from competing models to push sales even higher.
The BMW M4 is described as motorsports meets luxury, pleasing those who want some of each. The CS variant is for enthusiasts who want to emphasize motorsports features without sacrificing too much luxury and comfort. If you look forward to taking your car to the track and missed the chance to get the ultra-limited M4 CSL, then this is the car for you. We’re eagerly anticipating its arrival and seeing it take on the competition.
