BMW has a knack for producing focused performance machines with everyday usability, and the 2025 M4 CS continues that tradition but with a hardcore edge.
It slots between the M4 Competition and the now-finished M4 CSL, as a limited-run special that brings more power, less weight, and sharper dynamics over the regular M4.
2025 BMW M4 CS: Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six
Output: 405kW@6250rpm / 650Nm@2750-5950rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: 4WD/RWD
Wheels: F & R: 19×9.5, 275/35 R: 20×10.5, 285/30
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1723kg
Power-to-weight: 4.25:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 10.2L/100km
Our consumption: 13.0L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 59L/98 RONPower efficiency: 25.71kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 1.83 seconds*
0-100km/h: 3.47 seconds*
0-200km/h: 10.70 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.16 seconds*
1/4 mile: 11.33 seconds at 206.2km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.245g*
100-0km/h braking: 35.55m in 2.73 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.302g*
Decibel at idle: 55*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 94*
Starting price: $254,900*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 BMW M4 CS: How much does it cost?
Just 50 units are headed for Australia, priced from $254,900 (excluding on-road costs). For enthusiasts who want genuine motorsport DNA without going full race car spec, the M4 CS could be the answer.
However, it is a lot of money. You could buy yourself a genuine race car with a cage for that money, and one that meets regulations for when you want to go racing. If you’re not interested in racing though, this should provide almost all the thrills and you can drive it home at the end of the day.
2025 BMW M4 CS: Interior & packaging
At first glance, the cabin of the M4 CS is recognisably BMW M, but it quickly becomes clear this is no ordinary M4. The focus on lightweight materials is immediately obvious. Carbon fibre bucket seats that are firm and deeply bolstered offer race-ready support, yet just enough adjustability and comfort to remain liveable day-to-day.
They sit low in the cabin while their exposed carbon shell and red ‘CS’ embroidery add a bespoke visual touch. BMW is usually good at providing a natural and ideal driving position, and it’s no different here. This is a place you’d want to spend considerable time.
Matching the seats, more carbon fibre continues across the centre console, paddle shifters, and interior trim panels, contributing to a total weight saving of around 20kg versus the standard M4 Competition xDrive. The back seats retain a usable level of comfort, though like the front, they’re finished in two-tone Merino leather in black and red.
BMW’s Curved Display dominates the dashboard, running the latest Operating System 8.5 with M-specific graphics. The 12.3-inch driver’s screen and 14.9-inch central touch-screen are responsive and clear, giving you everything from drift telemetry via the M Drift Analyser to real-time temps, pressures, and drive mode settings. It’s highly capable in terms of possible functions, but surprisingly intuitive.
Details like the Alcantara-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with red centre marker, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a Harman Kardon sound system make you feel just as at home on a long road trip as a track day weekend. So while it’s pared back, it’s not punishing. There’s even a 440L boot.
2025 BMW M4 CS: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet sits the most powerful iteration yet of BMW M’s S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six, now pushing out a super-impressive (for its capacity) 405kW and 650Nm. It’s a modest 15kW bump over the Competition, but the CS feels considerably more urgent and alive, particularly from mid-range to redline.
A recalibrated ECU and increased turbo boost help sharpen throttle response and lend the CS an immediacy that sets it apart. The sprint across 0-100km/h is claimed in just 3.4 seconds. We clocked it in 3.47 seconds, with 0-200km/h coming up in 10.70 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 11.33 seconds at 206.2km/h. For a road-legal coupe with a usable boot and rear seats, that’s staggering.
Backing up the engine is BMW’s M xDrive system and an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The gearbox shifts with ruthless speed in Track mode but can still behave politely in Comfort. You can opt for a rear-biased 4WD Sport setting for more slip under power, or switch DSC off entirely and engage RWD for some tail-out fun.
The CS benefits from a unique chassis tune, with revised camber, damper rates, spring settings and anti-roll bars. The adaptive suspension has been reworked for greater body control without making the ride unbearable. And that seems about right. This is not as stiff as it might appear. Yet, the resistance to lean and sheer amount of grip available is nuts.
Combined with the standard carbon front strut brace and staggered lightweight forged wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, the M4 CS delivers enormous grip and laser-precise turn-in.
As for the all-important steering feel, it is weighty but not heavy, and it offers clear road feedback, as you’d expect. During a slide it is quick to respond to your corrections and doesn’t snap back into line when you’re done. This is the stuff proper drift cars are made from. But then if you just want to maximise grip in the default 4WD modes it is an animal between corners, with loads of in-corner grip even if you command power early.
Engine sound is usually an important thing in sports cars and track cars, and although the S58 arguably isn’t as nice to hear as the old naturally-aspirated units, including the V8, there is still plenty of barking and pops and bangs going on here to let everyone know this is no ordinary vehicle. It sounds busy low down, then heavily boosted through the mid-range, with a decent high-rev sing/groan up high. It’s good.
2025 BMW M4 CS: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Sheer driving pleasure: The old tagline certainly rings true here. This is a masterpiece to drive. It fully understands what you want from the vehicle, at both ends of the spectrum.
- Specific output: At just 3.0L yet producing 405kW, it is one of the most power-dense combustion engines currently on the market.
- Quality and cool cabin: It sort of looks like a racing car at first but then you notice various features and luxury touches, all of which sit perfectly within the original ethos of the M3/M4 and 3 Series heritage.
- Usable rear seat: It’s actually quite comfortable, and it means you can take the whole family to the track.
- Exclusivity: Only 50 headed for Australia, this one should go up in value over time.
2025 BMW M4 CS: Key considerations before you buy
- Price: It’s near M5 money and about $65k more than the already-excellent M4 Competition.
- Engine sound: This doesn’t have the same induction noise or high-pitch sing as previous-gen M3/M4s.
2025 BMW M4 CS: Video
