First, it was the BMW 3.0 CSL based on the current-generation BMW M4. Now, BMW has announced its new and more powerful version of the M3: the CS special edition.
Planned to be built in a limited run, the new BMW M3 CS will be coming to Australia during the second half of 2023 and will cost $249,900 before on-road costs.
BMW says the new CS is 20 kilograms lighter than an M3 Competition xDrive thanks to reinforced carbon fibre-reinforced plastic parts and a lightweight exhaust system.
The new BMW M3 CS will cost $250,000 before on-road costs
The new M3 CS will follow in the footsteps of several other BMW M product launches in Australia this year including the XM, M3 Touring and the second-generation M2.
What makes the CS different from a regular BMW M3?
In terms of performance, BMW has taken the BMW M3 CS to new heights, taking engine tech from the BMW M4 GT3 car such as a closed-deck crankcase and a forged lightweight crankshaft.
The M3 CS makes 405kW of power and 650Nm of torque
BMW also turned up the boost for the twin-turbochargers, raising peak pressure from 24psi to 30psi. Total power and torque outputs for the 3.0-litre straight-six engine now sit at 405kW/650Nm. Peak power is produced at 6250rpm, while peak torque hits from just 2750rpm.
To compare, the current M3 Competition is powered by a 375kW version of this same ‘S58’ engine.
BMW states that in Sport or Sport+ modes, the new M3 CS creates “unmissable racecar undertones” thanks to a new titanium rear muffler.
BMW’s curved displays are standard in the 2023 M3 CS
Purist M3 CS to go all-wheel drive
BMW has made a big change for the M3 CS and will only offer the variant with an all-wheel-drive system and a eight-speed torque converter automatic.
However, owners will be able to engage a rear-drive 2WD mode that can send drive solely to the rear wheels.
BMW says it has reduced weight by 20 kilograms
BMW claims that the M3 CS will be able to achieve the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds and is electronically speed limited to 305km/h.
Other things you should know about the BMW M3 CS
The BMW M3 CS will be available with steel brakes as standard. However, owners will be able to option M carbon-ceramic items for $16,500.
We know one thing is certain: the M3 CS can drift!
Forged alloy wheels are also standard and are staggered in size: 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear.
Inside, the M3 CS will have BMW’s curved display as standard that combines a 12.3-inch information display with a 14.9-inch instrument display.
Other standard features include:
- Full leather Merino upholstery
- M carbon bucket seats
- Alcantara steering wheel
- Carbon exterior package
- Carbon bonnet and roof
- Titanium exhaust system
- CS engine mounts
- M front strut brace
- Driving and parking assistant
- Adaptive M suspension
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front seat heating
- Ambient lighting
- Head-up display
- Wireless smartphone charging
The 405kW twin-turbocharged S58 straight six engine from the M3 CS
BMW M3 2023: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- M3 sedan manual: $153,500
- M3 Competition auto: $163,500
- M3 Competition xDrive auto: $169,500
- M3 CS: $249,900