New BMW M3 CS adds more power, sharper chassis and lots of carbon fibre to create a track-ready executive saloon
This is the new BMW M3 CS, a special edition version of the standard M3 that follows the same recipe of improvement as last year’s M4 CSL. The new car combines a number of lightweight parts and a more powerful iteration of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six, alongside a new chassis setup. The BMW M3 CS is due to go on sale in March of this year with prices starting at £115,900.
The car’s headline 542bhp figure is achieved thanks to higher boost pressure for the straight-six’s two mono-scroll turbochargers, up to 2.1 bar from 1.7 bar. Peak torque of 650Nm arrives between 2,750–5,950rpm, with maximum output at 6,250rpm, while the redline sits at 7,200rpm. Other engine-related modifications include a part-titanium exhaust system and new engine mounts.
The M3 CS’s standard-fit upgrades over the standard M3 include specifically tuned versions of the adaptive suspension, electromechanical steering, braking and DSC systems, plus M Compound brakes, and forged staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels with track-specific tyres.
Exterior features include a carbon fibre roof, lightweight bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, mirror caps, rear diffuser and spoiler. Carbon is also used throughout the interior, which features M Carbon bucket seats as standard. BMW says the changes amount to a 20kg saving over the M3 Competition xDrive.
The BMW M3 CS will be set apart further with bespoke design options including Frozen Solid White paint, with Signal Green (pictured), Brooklyn Grey and Sapphire Black also offered. Standard-fit BMW Laserlight headlights also feature, with a bespoke yellow-coloured low-beam in a nod to the brand’s GT racing cars.
The car uses BMW’s familiar eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox with Drivelogic, which allows for a choice of gear-shift profiles. Four-wheel drive is standard in the form of M xDrive, which utilises an electronically controlled clutch in the transfer case to smoothly vary power between the front and rear wheels. A fully variable Active M Differential is fitted on the rear axle to make use of the four-wheel drive system’s rear bias.
As with most modern M products, the M3 CS allows for on-the-fly setup via its up-to-date curved-screen infotainment system. The engine, chassis, steering, brakes and four-wheel drive system can all be individually adjusted, with the option to save two user presets to be accessed via dedicated steering wheel buttons. BMW’s M Drive Professional system also features, including a drift analyser, lap timer and – perhaps most importantly – ten-stage M Traction Control.
