The 26-year-old Canadian Samantha Tan has been a motor sportswoman from an early age. She has been competing for victory in BMW M racing cars since she was 19 years old. Her first professional BMW M was the M235i. In the following years, she moved up to the GT4 class, where she got behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT4. Today, Samantha Tan races the BMW M4 GT3, with which she has already secured numerous victories, including in the demanding endurance series. So it was only natural to invite her to test drive the new BMW M4 CS on the racetrack. The special model, which is limited to a production period of 12 months, is positioned between a racetrack experience and fascinating performance on the road and takes its genes from motorsports. The high-performance car has an increased engine output, a model-specific suspension set-up and optimized weight thanks to intensive lightweight construction with numerous components made of carbon. But will it be enough to impress GT3 driver Samantha Tan?
Hello Samantha, it is a pleasure to meet you here together with the M4 CS. You are driving the M4 GT3 on the racetrack so you are familiar with the engine characteristics. So how was driving THE M4 CS?
Driving the M4 GT3 always gives a very precise and connected feeling to the racetrack – allowing me to be as accurate and fast as possible. Similarly, the M4 CS was a lot of fun and very impressive the first time I drove it. I felt these same characteristics and the sound of the exhaust was incredible, which allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my time driving the car. The added 15 kW (20 hp) compared to the M4 Competition, along with the 20kg weight reduction, made the M4 CS feel much more nimble.
How does the suspension feel in comparison to your racecar?
The specific CS suspension, paired with track tires, creates an unparalleled driving experience that reminds me of my racecar’s setup. The reduced weight significantly contributes to the driving performance, allowing the vehicle to perform at a super high level while still offering a comfortable daily driving experience. The suspension setup, tailored for a more sporty feel, combines agility, responsiveness, and comfort seamlessly.
Nice! What are your favorite interior features in the M4 CS?
I absolutely love all of the carbon elements that were added to the M4 CS. The M carbon bucket seats are both comfortable for track use but also everyday driving – I actually have the same M carbon bucket seats in my daily vehicle. The carbon fiber center console with the red CS badge and the new steering wheel, which also has alcantara and the iconic 12 o’clock mark, enhances the sporty feel and complements the overall aesthetics of this beautiful car.
And what about the exterior? What do you really like about this high-performance coupé?
I really love the look of the car. The yellow headlights remind me of my racecar’s lights and are very unique. The carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonnet combined with the kidney grille looks very bold while reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. The Riviera Blue metallic paint also reminds me of the classic Laguna Seca Blue and complements the car beautifully!
Last but not least, you are currently driving the 1 Series M Coupé and we totally agree with you that this is one of the all-time great M cars. But would you consider trading it in for the new BMW M4 CS?
As much as I appreciate the allure and performance of the new BMW M4 CS, I’m still very attached to my 1 Series M Coupé – it’s like my child. I would never consider trading it in, but I would gladly welcome the M4 CS as another esteemed addition to my collection.
