New BMW M4 CS Edition VR46: 10 units confirmed for SA

Just 92 units of the new BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 will be built but as many as 10 are coming to South Africa. Here’s a closer look at this limited-run derivative…

BMW Group South Africa has confirmed that 10 examples of the new BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 – conceived to honour 9-time motorcycle world champion and current BMW M works driver, Valentino Rossi – have been set aside for the local market, despite the global production run comprising just 92 units.

According to BMW’s local division, the new M4 CS Edition VR46 will touch down in South Africa “from the 3rd quarter of 2025”. Interestingly, Mzansi is in line to receive more examples than markets such as France (6 units) and Australia (4 units).

*This is the “Sport” derivative, finished in “Marina Bay Blue” metallic paint.*

While local pricing for the M4 CS Edition VR46 has yet to be released, it will surely well exceed the R3 050 000 asking price attached to each of the 25 units of M4 CS delivered to South African buyers in 2024.

Purchasing an M4 CS Edition VR46 includes what the Munich-based firm describes as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”, comprising an “exclusive, personal meeting” with Rossi (and “a barbecue”) at his home in Italy and a driving experience at the Misano circuit the following day.

*The “46” is hand painted (also note the yellow V-spokes indicating the position of each tyre valve).*

So, what makes an M4 CS Edition VR46? Well, effectively a special-edition version of the special-edition M4 CS (wrap your head around that one), the VR46-badged high-performance coupé will be available in 2 design variants: “Sport” and “Style”. And just 46 examples of each will be produced at the Dingolfing plant in Germany.

As you might have guessed, “46” holds plenty of significance here, indicating not only Rossi’s current age but, of course, also the Italian’s famous racing number. The figure features prominently in several places on and inside the limited-run model, including on the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof.

*Sport on the left and Style on the right.*

BMW Individual paint finishes further set this model apart: “Marina Bay Blue” metallic for the Sport variant and matte “Frozen Tanzanite Blue” metallic in the case of the Style derivative. Inside, the M Carbon bucket seats come finished in Merino leather upholstery, with the “Sao Paulo Yellow” of the Alcantara shoulder area creating an eye-catching contrast.

Underneath, of course, the M4 CS Edition VR46 is effectively an M4 CS. That means the twin-turbo 3.0-litre, inline-6 petrol engine generates 405 kW and 650 Nm, peak outputs that are delivered to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. BMW lists a 0-100 kph time of just 3.4 seconds, with the 200 kph mark reached in a claimed 11.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 302 kph.

*The roof features a large “VR46” logo and Rossi’s signature.*

“There is no other brand that has motorsport so deeply rooted in its DNA as BMW M. I am proud to be a BMW M works driver, and to share this passion. The fact that there is now a special VR46 edition, in which I was involved from the very beginning of the design process, makes me proud. When I see the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 out on the road or on the race track later, it will be very cool,” said Rossi.

Check back for local M4 CS Edition VR46 pricing as and when we have it…