Thabiso Malimela
A big brand will release a limited run of their production cars for a few reasons. They might want to showcase their ingenuity without diluting the brand or rather as a test to see how the market responds to their product for future reference (1M and M2 are examples of this). Bring in the BMW M4 GTS, a much more hardcore and undoubtedly race inspired iteration of the run-of-the-mill M4 coupe. But after producing 700 M4 GTS models, BMW realised that they might have gotten carried away with the GTS – it was close to un-driveable on anything other than the smooth tarmac of a racetrack. It’s not surprising then that BMW have yet again offered a limited series M4 that offers a more compliant driving experience and is over half a million rand over the standard M4 – wait what? Yes, I did mention the word ‘limited’ in that sentence, didn’t I? As soon as limited production numbers are mentioned, manufacturers feel like they should charge you way more for something that’s only slightly better than the standard car. Hold your horses though because once I’ve told you about this limited edition BMW, you’ll want to buy it!
The case of there being too much of a good thing is true with the M4 GTS – it’s too hardcore. So what happens when you dial it down a bit and remove the race inspired fittings (roll-cage, rear wing, fully adjustable dampers and that questionable water tank in the boot), without getting rid of the DNA of the GTS? You did read the title, right? The M4 CS (not entirely sure what CS stands for) stands between the GTS and the M4 Competition Pack, which is a brilliant version of the M4 itself.
First off, I can tell you that the M4 CS produces 338 kW and 600 N.m from the same 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged straight/inline 6-cylinder raspy noisemaker of an engine, which is 7 kW more than the Competition Package and falls 30 kW short off the M4 GTS (but at least you don’t have to carry around a tank of water in the boot). The rear-wheel drive sports coupe carries a 7-speed M DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and is fitted with lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. With this staggered setup (19-inch 265 mm in the front and 20-inch 285 mm in the rear), 0 – 100 km/h is done in 3.9 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the Competition Package, while the top speed stands at 280 km/h.
In dialing back the GTS (or dialing up the Competition Package) BMW did away with the adjustable suspension of the GTS and decided to stick with the adaptive dampers of the Competition Package. This means that owning the M4 CS will not require regular visits to a chiropractor. However, owning the M4 CS will require you to purchase a set of pants with a lot of pockets – do they even still make those? This is due to the lack of storage compartments that you would otherwise find in the standard M4, which were removed along with the inside door handles (you get straps instead) to reduce the car’s weight – that’s like removing your nose and earlobes so you can lose some weight. It creates a big problem from something that only makes a negligible difference and not entirely practical.
Aesthetically speaking, it will take a slightly trained eye to spot the M4 CS from the standard M4. Upfront, BMW’s updated hexagonal led headlight design makes its way onto the CS and a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic front splitter fitted on the front bumper is a rather conspicuous addition to the face of the CS. Walking around to the rear of the car, you’ll immediately notice the gurney lip spoiler on the boot adding to the appeal of the already aesthetically pleasing rear of the M4/4-series. The sports exhaust from the Competition Package makes its way onto the M4 CS and between its exhaust tips sits a rear diffuser, fashioned from the same material as the front splitter. The rear lights adopt the 3-D OLED design from the M4 GTS which make the already special car a visual occasion that has to be seen to be fully appreciated.
The M4’s arguably less special but more practical twin the M3 sedan, has also just recently received the CS treatment. Mechanically speaking, the same items have been added or removed in attempts of making the M3 CS a more special version of the good ol’ M3 sedan. The M3 CS, too, is ranked above the M3 Competition Package but while the M4 CS was offered in 60 units locally, the M3 CS will just be capped at 15 units when it becomes available in May 2018.
The roof and bonnet on both the M3 and M4 CS are constructed from the familiar carbon fibre-reinforced plastic to keep the centre of gravity of the car as low as possible. Even though the suspension components are barely distinguishable, it is their tuning that sets them apart seeing that the M3 and M4 represent different body types – but you could be fooled in thinking that it’s the same car if you drove them back to back. Inside the M3, you’ll find much of the same treatment the M4 underwent in its CS transformation, only now you will find the inside door handles waiting to be grabbed, mostly by passengers who are crippled with fear. Options for the M3 CS include a Harmon Kardon sound system, Alcantara leather bits in the interior and carbon ceramic brakes.
From the looks of things, the CS treatment was an inevitable step for the M4 seeing that the standard car felt like BMW were sandbagging. (Sandbagging is when you hold back your true power or potential so you can show it later, hopefully, in a spectacular fashion). But costing at R1.84 million (R434 800 more than the Competition Package), is it justifiable against the presence of the Competition Package? If you’re looking for exclusivity, then look no further. However, even though the M4 CS is daily driveable, you’d be better off saving your money and buying the M4 Competition Package. But then again, if you’re looking for something daily driveable, walk over to Mercedes-AMG and take a peek at their C63S. The M4 is more driver rewarding and the CS will give you the most connected experience without having to buy the GTS. Why have BMW made the M3 CS? Perhaps, if you look at how many they’ll be bringing will help you understand why. I doubt anyone ever found the M3 Competition Package lacking in the sharpness department – and in a 331 kW sedan, you’re already getting more than enough. Perhaps the M3 CS is like those exotic delicacies you’ll find in Asian restaurants – it’s completely unnecessary but it’s so cool you’re almost forced to try it out.
