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BMW M3 CS limited-edition special launched

BMW’s sports saloon gets 454bhp and lashings of carbon

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8 Nov 2017

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BMW has taken the wraps off the M3 CS, a faster and more focused limited-run version of the standard car. Based on the M3 Competition Pack, the new car is powered by a 454bhp version of that car’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine and is only available with BMW’s seven-speed M DCT automatic gearbox. Needless to say, it’s fast: 0-62mph takes 3.9 seconds and top speed is 174mph.

The M3 CS has very similar suspension to the M3 Competition Pack, with a host of lightened components and standard BMW Adaptive M suspension combining to make the M3 suitable for both road and track use. Along with its suspension, the new car has received tweaks to its steering, differential and stability control systems, all of which can be adjusted using the car’s infotainment system to suit your needs.

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A headline addition to the car’s technical specification are its tyres: semi-slick (but road-legal) Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are fitted to lightweight 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear. Huge grip is the result, along with excellent on-track performance. The car can be ordered with Michelin Sport road tyres instead if wet-weather performance is a concern.

On the styling front, it’s special-edition business as usual – a small carbon-fibre spoiler is joined by a carbon front splitter and rear diffuser to improve aerodynamics and reduce lift at speed. The CS retains the carbon-fibre roof of the standard car, but gains a carbon-fibre bonnet for further weight-saving. The alloy wheels used are unique to the CS, too.

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Inside, the CS continues the racy theme with two-tone leather sports seats and swathes of Alcantara trim. This is no stripped-out road-racer, though; climate control, sat nav and a powerful Harman Kardon stereo all feature, along with BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.

The new car goes on sale in January 2018. Just 100 of the planned 1,200 examples will reach the UK, priced at £86,380 – £24,800 more than a standard BMW M3 Competition Pack.