New BMW M3 CS: like the M3 Comp… but better

New BMW M3 CS: like the M3 Comp… but better

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Here it is, folks. After several online teasers, the lighter, stiffer, and more potent M3 CS flagship saloon has finally been revealed at the 24 Hours of Daytona. 

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As a hardcore model of the BMW M3 and one that follows directly in the footsteps of the iconic M3 CSL from 2003 and the RWD F80 M3 CS, it packs 405 kW and 650 Nm from the very same S58 3.0-litre in-line straight-six engine that powers the standard M3 Competition bruiser. 

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Here we see a notable power bump of 30 kW over the standard M3 Competition and the same output as the M4 CSL revealed in 2022. 

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With all four paws delivering power to the tarmac via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M3 CS dashes from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds while shifting through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with an active M differential. 

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Besides gaining more power, the M3 CS loses about 34 kg courtesy of the extensive use of carbon fibre to make the bonnet, roof, side mirror caps, rear diffuser, boot spoiler, air intakes, and front splitter. There is also a titanium rear silencer that shaves more than 4 kg off the weight of the exhaust system. Other weight-saving measures have been introduced inside, thanks to standard M Carbon bucket seats, shift paddles, centre console and trim strips made from CFRP.

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Visually, the M3 CS has always been a stunner, and this one is no exception. It features exposed carbon-fibre surfaces for the roof, two indents chiselled into the bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, M exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear apron. 

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Black side skiers and M gills add more pizzazz to the car's overall look. Depending on your taste, it can be had in the exclusive Frozen Solid White hue or the Brooklyn Grey and Sapphire Black metallic paints. Specially designed for this model are red contour lines as well as the M3 CS lettering on the upper section of the two horizontal grille bars. The M# CS badging at the front and back features black surfaces with a red border. 

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There are aggressive standard laser headlights that nod to the GT racer and illuminate yellow instead of white. It runs on a set of 19" at the front and 20" at the rear axle wrapped around a set of forged M light-alloy wheels in a v-spoke design with a Gold Bronze finish. These house standard M Carbon ceramic brakes and can be painted in matt gold or red, depending on your liking. 

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Unlike the M4 GTS and CSL, it wouldn't have made sense for the M3 CS to delete the rear seats because it would defeat the purpose of being a sedan. Instead, the retained rear seat bench are complemented by the standard M Carbon bucket seats that get electric and heated features. 

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The M Carbon bucket seats are wrapped in Merino leather and get the bespoke design in a black/red colour scheme with distinctive contrast stitching. The rear two seats get the same bi-colour treatment. 

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The interior also features M seat belts with a woven stripe pattern in BMW M shades. The door sill plates bear the M3 CS inscription, an Anthracite-coloured headliner, interior trim strips in carbon fibre finish and an M Alcantara steering wheel with a red centre marker.

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Connectivity is powered by the latest-generation BMW iDrive that is based on the BMW Operating System 8, which includes the BMW Curved Display for the cockpit courtesy of a 12.3" information display and a 14.9" control display. 

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BMW South Africa says only 20 M3 CS models are headed to our shores from the third quarter of 2023 and each carries a price tag of R2,971,000, sadly, all units have been accounted for.

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The M3 CS continues to be an essential model in the BMW range and is a future collector's item of note. The multifaceted allure of the M3 lives forth here as it's predisposed for track use and has family-carry abilities, all while being considerably lighter in weight than the already-brilliant standard M3 Comp. 

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