BMW M3 CS 2023: $250k super sedan announced for Australia

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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 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.

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. 

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 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. 

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 

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