BMW M GmbH will add a formidable special-edition model to its product range in 2023. The new BMW M3 CS is an exclusive high-performance car that combines supreme dynamic prowess with the everyday usability of an M3 saloon.
With intelligent lightweight construction, the new BMW M3 CS features carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, increased engine power and a bespoke chassis setup. Exclusive design features and specification ensure exhilarating performance and give the new BMW M3 CS a character profile all its own.
The new BMW M3 CS teams a 550 hp six-cylinder in-line engine with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. These combine to produce a 0 to 100km/h time of 3.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited 250km/h top speed.
The new BMW M3 CS will be built in a limited run at BMW Group Plant Munich, with the UK market launch commencing from March 2023. Prices in Ireland will start from €211,660 RRP.
Straight-six engine produces 550hp
The new BMW M3 CS features a carefully modified version of the high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine, with M TwinPower Turbo technology, developed for the BMW M3 and BMW M4. The modifications result in a maximum of 550hp, a considerable upgrade of 40hp in peak output compared with the BMW M3 Competition Saloon.
The power increase is achieved through targeted revisions to the engine’s M TwinPower Turbo technology. The adjustments primarily involve raising the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 1.7 to 2.1 bar and making some model-specific tweaks to the engine management.
A specially designed engine mount, with increased spring rates, was also designed to create an extremely rigid connection between the power unit and the vehicle’s structure. This results in an even sharper engine response and direct transmission of its power to the drivetrain. Peak torque of 650Nm is produced between 2,750 and 5,950rpm and maximum output arrives at 6,250rpm. The engine revs to a maximum 7,200rpm.
The engine’s performance characteristics are dominated by its unabated power delivery right through the rev range. Enhancing the soundtrack is the dual-branch exhaust system, featuring electrically controlled flaps and a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimising design. In customary M fashion, it features two pairs of matt black tailpipes which help produce the emotionally rich soundtrack.
| Model | Max Power (hp)* | Peak Torque (Nm)* | Acceleration (0-100km/h) (secs)* | Top Speed (kms)** | CO2 Emissions (WLTP) (g/km)* | Fuel Consumption Combined (WLTP)* | Retail Price | ||||||||
| BMW M3 CS | 550 | 650 | 3.4 | 250 | 234-229 | 10.1 – 10.0 | €211,660 |
These may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected. **Electronically limited.
Optimal combination of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive and Active M Differential
The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic is operated using either the M-specific selector lever, on the centre console, or the carbon-fibre shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission’s shift characteristics can also be altered using the Drivelogic button integrated into the selector lever – with the choice of comfort-oriented, sport and track-optimised settings.
The traction and agility of the new BMW M3 CS are both enhanced by the presence of M xDrive all-wheel drive. This uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully variable and super-smooth distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimised to keep the all-wheel-drive system performing effectively – even under hard driving on the track. The system’s rear-wheel bias and the way it teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle – whose operation is also fully variable – add to the signature M feeling when accelerating or powering through corners.
The M Setup menu also lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs an even greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can also switch off the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system altogether and engage 2WD mode. By sending drive power solely to the rear wheels and suppressing any intervention from the control systems to stabilise the vehicle, this setting engages skilled drivers in the driving experience to an even more intense degree.
This optimal combination of engine, transmission, and M xDrive help ensure exceptional acceleration times. The new BMW M3 CS takes just 3.4 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest and 11.1 seconds from 0- 200km/h. The 80 to 120 km/h takes only 2.6 seconds (in 4th gear) and 3.3 seconds (in 5th gear). The M Driver’s Package is standard and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
Bespoke chassis set-up; track tyres as standard
The chassis technology in the new BMW M3 CS has been tuned precisely to the engine’s performance characteristics and to complement the overall vehicle concept and weight distribution. The model-specific settings for the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode have also been purposefully geared to the specific demands of high-speed circuit driving.
Individually tuned axle kinematics and bespoke wheel camber settings, dampers, auxiliary springs, and anti-roll bars help optimise steering precision, transmission of lateral forces and spring and damping response. The new BMW M3 CS also features a model-specific setup of the adaptive M suspension and its electromechanical M Servotronic steering – with its variable ratio and integrated braking system.
Standard specification for the new BMW M3 CS includes M Compound brakes with the brake callipers painted in red. Optional M Carbon ceramic brakes are also available, with brake callipers in matt gold or red. The standard equipment list also includes forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design, with a gold bronze finish or an optional matt black finish. Measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, they are shod with track tyres that have been purpose-developed for this special-edition model, measuring 275/35 ZR19 and 285/30 ZR20 at the front and rear respectively.
Lightweight construction, extensive use of carbon fibre and improved body rigidity
Extensive lightweight construction, with the use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components both inside and out, has enhanced the performance and character of the new BMW M3 CS.
Featuring a carbon fibre roof, the new BMW M3 CS also uses lightweight, high-tech material for its bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Its centre console, the shift paddles on the steering wheel and its interior trim strips are also all manufactured from CFRP. The standard M Carbon bucket seats also help reduce weight, as does the titanium rear silencer – resulting in a reduction of four kilograms off the weight of the exhaust system.
The various lightweight design measures bring a total weight saving of 20 kilograms, compared to the BMW M3 Competition Saloon with M xDrive.
Body rigidity has been further increased by high-precision strut braces for the engine compartment, that have also been engineered for lightness. The cast aluminium elements, connecting the spring strut towers to the front end, feature a weight-optimised geometry that has been precisely matched to the forces applied in various driving situations.
Unique design features
The new BMW M3 CS features numerous individual design features. Exclusive to this latest special-edition model from BMW M GmbH is the Frozen Solid White paint. Exposed carbon-fibre surfaces for the roof, the two indents chiselled into the bonnet, the front splitter, front air intakes, M exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear apron combine with the black side skirts and M gills to provide a stunning contrast to this new paint. Signal Green, Brooklyn Grey and Sapphire Black are available as alternative exterior colours.
The vehicle’s front end sports a weight-saving, frameless BMW kidney grille with a stripped-back design – reminiscent of a racing car. Unique to this model, red contour lines are featured along with the “M3 CS” badging on the upper of the two horizontal grille bars. Both the model badge at the front and its counterpart on the boot lid have black surfaces with a red border.
BMW Laserlight headlights, also included as part of the standard specification, add a particularly striking and distinct look to the front end of the new BMW M3 CS. By illuminating yellow instead of white – both during the Welcome sequence when the vehicle is unlocked and while low beam or high beam is switched on – they reference successful GT racing cars.
M Carbon bucket seats, with exclusive surfaces and stitching
The inside of the new BMW M3 CS has been designed with driving pleasure and maximum performance in mind, enhanced by advanced digital technology and exclusive design elements.
The M Carbon bucket seats in a model-specific design, and fitted as standard, greet both the driver and front passenger. Fully electric and heated, they include integral head restraints along with an illuminated model badge. This results in a unique blend of racing flair and long-distance comfort. The use of CFRP in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest, as well as the eye-catching cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints, reflect the seats’ weight-minimising construction.
The seats are upholstered in Merino leather and feature an exclusive design in a black/red colour scheme with distinctive contrast stitching. This bi-colour finish is repeated for the two rear seats. The door panels are trimmed entirely in black leather in both the front and the rear, while red “CS” lettering adorns the lightweight-design centre console.
The standard interior equipment list for the new BMW M3 CS also includes: M seat belts with a woven stripe pattern in BMW M GmbH colours; door sill plates bearing the designation “M3 CS”; an anthracite-coloured headliner; interior trim strips in a carbon fibre finish and an M Alcantara steering wheel with CFRP shift paddles and a red centre marker.
Setup button to customise the car’s configuration
The M-specific control/operation system includes the Setup button on the centre console, which enables direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive.
Two individually configured setup variants can also be stored permanently: the preferred settings can be set up for the engine note, the DSC system, the Automatic Start/Stop function and the shift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and then simply retrieved using the M buttons on the steering wheel.
Also fitted as standard in the new BMW M3 CS is the M Drive Professional system. It therefore not only benefits from the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer functions, for evaluating and recording driving skills and performance at the track, but also comes with M Traction Control – whose ten stages provide the ideal tool for driving on closed circuits.
The M Mode button on the centre console – also part of the M Drive Professional package – can be used to adjust both the level of driver assistance system activity and the content shown in the information display and optional Head-Up Display, with a choice of ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.
BMW Curved Display
The latest generation of BMW iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 8, is standard in the new car which includes the BMW Curved Display for the cockpit. This features a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, which are housed together behind a curved glass surface. With its ergonomic driver-centric positioning, the BMW Curved Display makes the already intuitive touch control even more user-friendly.
The layout offers M-specific read-outs and driving-related content to help provide a focused, performance-led driving experience. All data, as well as vehicle status and settings information, are neatly arranged within it. The familiar M Shift Lights appear at the top of the information display, while the driving stability system, M xDrive and traction control modes are all indicated at the lower edge. Special widgets containing information on the current vehicle setup, as well as tyre pressure and temperature can be added to the control display’s home screen.
Added enjoyment and comfort during everyday driving – all standard features
BMW Live Cockpit Professional, fitted as standard, incorporates the BMW Maps navigation system, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone integration, telephony with wireless charging and a WiFi interface.
The new BMW M3 CS is also equipped – as standard – with the latest version of Comfort Access, two-zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and the Speed Limit Info system.
Additionally, BMW M GmbH’s latest special-edition model, includes the BMW Head-Up Display (with M-specific readouts) and the BMW Drive Recorder. An alarm system, automatic boot lid operation and the Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant systems are also included.
