Much has been said about BMW losing its magic. You have probably heard it all — their cars got bigger, uglier, heavier — but one thing you may not have realized is that anything with the CS badge is very much an exception. We have experienced this magic first-hand with the previous-generation M2 and M5 CS, not to mention the eye-opening experience that is the M3 CS. Indulging in this 2025 BMW M4 CS was just as much of an eye-opener — man oh man, is it ever a masterpiece.
First impressions
We’ve already covered the technical and touchy-feely stuff, so I will not be going too much into that side of the M4 CS. What I would like to talk about is how the CS (Competition Sport) treatment comes together and becomes way more than the sum of all its expensive and racing-inspired parts. Right away, the M4 CS looks like it means business — the M4 has always been on the controversial side, with much of our collective attention and criticism focused on the design (read: size) of BMW’s iconic kidney grille. However, it looks right at home on the aggressively styled M4 CS, playing into its menacing nature and garnering attention wherever we went.
The rest of the exterior dress-up includes carbon fibre everywhere — the hood, roof, side mirrors, front and rear fascias, you name it — and the CS-exclusive Frozen Isle of Mann Green paint maximizes the M4 CS’ dramatic curb appeal. It also helps when the M4 CS shows up everywhere rolling on 19-inch gold wheels and with an attention-grabbing growl, so no one doubts what it can do in the right hands.
Does the M4 CS drive any different?
Then, there is the way the 2025 BMW M4 CS drives. In this day and age, where cars have really lost most, if not all sense of engagement behind the wheel, the M4 CS really does reset the benchmark. Unlike the standard M4, the CS rewards you with fast, accurate, and genuinely lively steering feel. The chassis is chatty, never lacking in communication for what it intends to do next. You always feel like you are in a perfectly synchronized dance with the M4 CS; you both enjoy the flows and movements in perfect harmony, even though you will not come anywhere close to its limits on the road.
Then there is the sheer power. With 543 horsepower on tap, and a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds, the M4 CS is intoxicating. That sheer power is available at a moment’s notice; driving it on the street is just as much an ultimate pleasure as it is a test of your willpower and discipline. The CS uses the same “S58” twin-turbo inline-six engine as the standard M3 and M4, but it feels exponentially more responsive. It is so willing to rev up so very quickly that response feels supernatural; the eight-speed automatic reacts within milliseconds when the moment calls for it. The way the M4 CS stays a step ahead of your demands makes it feel like a telepathic rocket ship that delivers speed in a sense that rivals many supercars.
What’s the M4 CS like inside?
Inside, the M Carbon bucket seats are the M4 CS’ centrepiece. They are excellent in holding front occupants snugly against any opposing G-forces, and it’s very easy to find a comfortable driving position, with great visibility and the pedals, steering wheel, and other controls falling within a comfortable range. The only caveat here are the bolsters. They are stiff and tall, making for inconvenient ingress and egress. This may be a dealbreaker for some buyers, but once you are situated inside, you will not want to leave. For those planning on hitting the track, the M4 CS’ buckets can easily accommodate a five-point racing harness.
Just like the exterior, there is carbon fibre everywhere inside the M4 CS. It is not just a carbon fibre print, either — look closely and you can see the beautiful weave below a thick clear coat. There are CS logos throughout, the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel is a perfect size, and I loved that the cabin is just so pure and driver-focused. Well, except for the cupholder delete — that felt a bit excessive and took away a bit of the perfect-morning-drive companionship for me. At least the CS keeps the back seats, unlike the M4 CSL, and it even keeps the power-operated trunk for good daily convenience.
Final thoughts
The 2025 BMW M4 CS is marvellous. Whether you are seeking the goods to back up the looks, the theatrics to trigger that adrenaline rush, or the peace when your car understands you and syncs up with your heart’s desires, look no further. It proves that magic still exists in this world, but you will need to pay $169,500 as-tested for a sample like this one. In a way, it’s a bargain given the thrills and sense of engagement, but tracking down one of the 75 other examples sold in Canada will be another feat altogether. Trust me though, when you do, this Bavarian magician will make you feel like you are one of one.
