BMW Revives Iconic M3 CS Badge: A Limited-Edition Four-Wheel-Drive Monster with 542bhp
BMW has brought back an iconic badge for a new car, the BMW M3 CS. This limited-edition four-door vehicle is an impressive machine that boasts an upgraded version of the M3’s 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine. The engine produces an impressive 542 horsepower, which is 39 horsepower more than the standard M3 Competition and the same output as the BMW M4 CSL’s six-cylinder engine.
The M3 CS also has BMW’s all-wheel-drive setup, which allows it to out-perform the M4 CSL in the 0-62 mph sprint, taking just 3.4 seconds, compared to the RWD CSL’s 3.7 seconds. The M3 CS also has a top speed of 188 mph, thanks to the standard M Driver’s Pack, while the M4 CSL can reach 193 mph.
The new M3 CS is also 20 kg lighter than the regular M3 Competition, thanks to a standard carbon fiber roof and lightweight aero parts. The car will be available in select markets from March and will have a starting price of £115,900.
The additional power in the M3 CS comes from a tweak to the turbo boost pressure, which has been increased from 1.7 bar to 2.1 bar, and the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The car also has a new specially designed engine mount that has better spring rates for a stronger connection between the engine and body for better engine response. Torque is plentiful at 479 lb-ft.
The six-cylinder engine is matched to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, an active differential, and M’s ‘xDrive’ 4WD setup. The car has been given a rear-bias, which can be intensified by switching into 4WD Sport mode, directing more power to the back wheels.
Drivers can also disengage the front axle entirely by switching off the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and making it fully rear-wheel-drive. This feature is sure to get drivers friendly with their local tire supplier.
The M3 CS also has special suspension tuning that comes in the form of bespoke camber, damper, auxiliary spring, and anti-roll bar settings, along with a special steering tune. Big M brakes are standard, but bigger M carbon ceramic brakes are an option, hiding behind staggered lightweight alloys – 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back.
The car also has a standard fit carbon fiber roof, which is one of the reasons why it is 20 kg lighter than the regular M3 Competition. Additionally, the car has lightweight aero parts including the bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. The car also has CFRP mirror caps and shift-paddles, along with M Carbon bucket seats, and a titanium rear exhaust backbox. The M3 CS is also stiffer as well as lighter.
The M3 CS can be specified in white, green, grey, or black, and it has standard fit ‘Laserlight’ headlights, BMW’s ‘Curved Display’, and all the features you would expect from an exclusive performance saloon. The car also has a unique red color that lines the now-frameless kidney grilles.
This is a limited production vehicle, but BMW has not yet announced how many they plan to produce. The key markets for the new M3 CS are the UK, the USA, Germany, and Japan.
