Number 46 is now 46 years old, and BMW M. has the perfect gift to mark the birthday of Valentino Rossi (ITA), nine-time motorcycle world champion and current official BMW M rider: the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46!
This exclusive edition, produced at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, is available in two distinctive design variants: Sport and Style. The “Doctor” himself was personally involved in the design process for both versions, both of which will be produced in a limited series of 46 units. The famous number, which is Rossi’s trademark, appears in several places on and in the interior of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, for example on the doors and the roof, which is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The purchase of a BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 also comes with a unique experience including an exclusive personal meeting with Valentino Rossi at his home, the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia (ITA), and a BMW M driving course at the Misano circuit (ITA).
“There is no other brand that has motorsport as deeply rooted in its DNA as BMW M. I am proud to be a BMW M factory driver and to share this passion. The fact that there is now a VR46 special 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 on the road or on the racetrack later, it will be very cool.”, declares Valentino Rossi about publishing and collaborating with BMW M.
Exclusive BMW Individual paint finishes and special details on the exterior and interior
The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 stands out from the BMW M4 CS (combined fuel consumption: 10,2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; combined CO2 emissions: 232 g/km according to the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G)* in its two exclusive BMW Individual paint finishes, which harmonise perfectly with the numerous exposed carbon surfaces, such as the imprints on the bonnet. Other distinctive features include a host of exclusive details in the exterior and interior. The overall colour concept of both versions is inspired by Valentino Rossi’s favourite tones and his expressive visual style. For example, the “Sport” is finished in Marina Bay Blue metallic, while both sides of the car feature an oversized “46” in darker Tanzanite Blue metallic. In the “Style” variant, the body is finished in matt Tanzanite Blue Metallic, with the “46” this time in Marina Bay Blue Metallic on both sides. In a nod to Rossi’s favourite colour, the outline of the BMW M kidney grille and one of the V-spokes of the forged M light-alloy wheels – which, as on racing cars, indicates the position of the tyre valve – are painted in bright yellow, as are the brake calipers with the M logo and an accent strip on the door frames of the “Sport” variant. The carbon fibre roof – like the hand-painted sides of the car – is adorned with a large VR46 logo (also in yellow, of course) and Rossi’s signature. The tailgate is adorned with VR46 lettering.
The yellow accents continue in the interior of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, which is predominantly Night Blue. The M Carbon bucket seats are upholstered in Merino leather in the colour combination Black/Night Blue. The Sao Paulo Yellow of the Alcantara shoulder area creates an exclusive contrast. The head restraints, as well as the door sill trims, are adorned with a prominent yellow VR46 logo. In addition, the flat-bottomed, three-spoke M Alcantara steering wheel is decorated with yellow contrasting stitching and a yellow centre marker. On the carbon fibre centre console of all Edition VR46 models is a badge bearing the words “1/46”, identifying each Sport or Style car as part of the limited series.
405 kW/550 hp six-cylinder in-line engine
The heart of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is a high-revving 3,0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. From day one of its development, this engine has had racetrack performance as its raison d’être. An increase in the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers to 2,1 bar and model-specific adjustments to the engine management mean that the engine in the edition model now generates 405 kW/550 hp, which is relayed to the road via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system and the Active M Differential. The lightning-fast power delivery and optimised traction enable the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,4 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11,1 seconds. Applying the “1 foot rollout” method**, the figures are 3,1 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and 10,8 seconds for the 0-200 km/h sprint. Acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h takes 2,6 seconds in fourth gear and 3,3 seconds in fifth. The top speed of the edition model, which comes as standard with the M Driver’s Package, is electronically limited to 302 km/h.
The excellent engine response is due to a model-specific engine mount with more powerful springs. The rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle structure enables particularly direct transmission of its power to the powertrain every time the driver presses the accelerator. The oil supply system – like the cooling system – is designed to meet the specific challenges of racetrack use, including high revs and extreme lateral acceleration. The engine’s power is accompanied by the stirring soundtrack generated by the twin-branch exhaust system, which features electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with a weight-saving design and, in keeping with M tradition, two pairs of tailpipes painted in matt black.
Model-specific tuning of chassis technology and control systems
The chassis technology of the new BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 has been precisely adapted to the engine performance, the overall vehicle concept and the weight distribution. The axle kinematics, wheel camber adjustment, shock absorbers, auxiliary springs and anti-roll bars optimise steering precision, the transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, the response of the springs and shock absorbers and the position of the wheels. The electronically controlled dampers of the Adaptive M suspension are also tuned to suit the model, as are the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable steering ratio and the integrated braking system.
46 – the mark of an exceptional runner
The number 46 accompanied Valentino Rossi throughout his extraordinary career as a motorcycle racer and driver, and became an even more important trademark than his nickname “The Doctor” or “Il Dottore”. Having seen his father Graziano Rossi race on motorcycles with the number 46, Valentino also opted for the 46 from the very beginning of his career – and did not even swap it for the number 1 when he became world champion, as would have been his right.
Valentino Rossi won his first world title in the 125cc class in 1997. Two years later, he added the title in the 250cc class. In 2000, he moved up to the top class of Grand Prix racing, the 500cc, in which he was crowned world champion in 2001. The following year, this class was replaced by the MotoGP class, and Rossi remained the dominant force. In 2005, he won four more world titles, and the eighth and ninth would follow in 2008 and 2009. With these nine world championships and no fewer than 115 Grand Prix victories to his name, he is one of the three most successful motorcycle racers in history and a global icon of motorsport and style. The VR46 has become a global brand and Rossi's hometown of Tavullia even reduced its speed limit from 50 km/h to 46 km/h in his honour.
Official BMW M driver since the beginning of 2023
When the curtain fell on his motorcycling career at the end of the 2021 season, Valentino Rossi turned his attention solely to motor racing, having already tested multiple Formula 1 race cars and made guest appearances in rallies and endurance races. Since the start of the 2023 season, he has been a BMW M works driver, plying his trade behind the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3 for BMW M Team WRT in series such as the GT World Challenge Europe and the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) – which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA). In early February 2025, he finished second in a BMW M4 GT3 at the Bathurst 12 Hour (AUS), the opening round of that season’s Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).
Exclusive meeting with Valentino Rossi in Italy
The purchase of a BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 comes with an exclusive bonus: the opportunity to enjoy a very special two-day experience in Italy. On the first day, you will visit the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, where you will enjoy a barbecue and have the opportunity to chat with Valentino Rossi in person. On the second day, you will travel to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for a BMW M driving course with the brand’s latest models. Rossi, driving a BMW M4 GT3, won the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup races at his home track in 2023 and 2024.
*Consumption and emissions figures:
(combined fuel consumption: 10,2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; combined CO2 emissions: 232 g/km according to the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G)
** Value with “rollout” subtracted. With this alternative measurement method, time measurement only begins after leaving a light barrier. The distance not taken into account in the measurement (the “rollout”) is 1 foot = 30,48 cm.
The data on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electricity consumption and range refer to vehicles marketed in Germany. All figures have already been calculated on the basis of the new WLTP test cycle. The data on consumption and emissions refer to the German Energy Labelling Regulation for Passenger Cars (EnVKV).
CO2 EMISSIONS AND CONSUMPTION.
Fuel consumption, combined 10,2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions, combined: 232 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G.
