BMW unveils the all-new M3 CS

If you’re a fan of sporty performance and a stylish build, look no further than the BMW M3 CS. The high-performance model will be unveiled this month by BMW M GmbH, the subsidiary of BMW AG, that manufactures high-performance cars. This specialist arm of the world-renowned brand is soon to release the new BMW M3 CS – an exclusive, high-performance car that combines the practicality of everyday usability with sporty good looks, and superior on-road performance.

BMW M3 CS: Exterior design

The striking exterior design of the all-new BMW M3 CS showcases several model-specific design features that include the Frozen Solid White paintjob. Complimenting this eye-catching finish are the exposed carbon-fibre surfaces including the roof, the two bonnet indents, the front air intakes, the front splitter, the M exterior mirror caps, the rear spoiler, and the rear apron. These prominent design features are further highlighted by the contrasting black side skirts and M gills. The exterior of BMW’s latest model is also available in Brooklyn Grey and Sapphire Black.

At the front end of the vehicle sits the iconic BMW kidney grille, albeit a frameless version with a unique stripped back design. This adds a further sporty flavour to an already flashy looking car. Additional model-specific characteristics of this high-performance vehicle are the red contour lines, along with the “M3 CS” badges situated on the top horizontal grille bar. The model’s badges at both the front and the rear comprise of a black surface with a red border.

Also included as standard on this high-end vehicle are the BMW Laserlight headlights that bestow the front end with a distinctive look. Reminiscent of GT racing cars, these shapely headlights illuminate yellow instead of the usual white when the vehicle is first unlocked, and when either the low or high beam are turned on.

BMW M3 CS: A lightweight construction

Thanks to use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components on the exterior and interior of the car, both its look and performance have been greatly enhanced. Along with the before mentioned exterior components, the high-tech material has also been used for the steering wheel, the shift paddles, the centre console, as well as the strips of the interior trim. Yet another notable standard feature are the M Carbon bucket seats. This seating, along with the titanium rear silencer contribute towards the lightweight nature of the M3 CS.

All the numerous lightweight design features have reduced the weight of the car by 20 kilograms – compared to the BMW M3 Competition Saloon with M xDrive. Furthermore, the master designers at BMW have managed to improve body rigidity using high-precision strut braces on for the engine compartment. These components have also been engineered to be as light as possible. Connecting the spring strut to the front end are cast aluminium elements with a weight-optimised geometry design. This ensures these parts are carefully designed to match the forces created in various driving circumstances and conditions.

BMW M3 CS: Interior design

Matching the exceptional nature of the exterior design of the M3 CS is the luxurious interior layout. Every element of the cockpit and cabin has been painstakingly designed to deliver the ultimate in performance and sheer driving pleasure. This is achieved through the careful inclusion of both advanced digital technology and model-specific design characteristics.

The before mentioned standard M Carbon bucket seats not only provide a racing car feel, but maximise long-distance comfort and support for both the driver and front passenger. These first-class seats are not only heated and fully electric, but include integral head restraints and illuminated model badges in their design. All seating exhibits an exclusive black/red colour scheme with distinctive contrast stitching.

Additionally, CFRP has been used in the structural elements of the backrests and seat cushions, along with the cut-outs in the side bolsters, and below the head restraints – all contributing towards the overall lightweight construction of the M3 CS.

Complimenting the bi-colour finish of the seating are the front and rear door panels that have been trimmed solely in black, with red “CS” lettering embellishing the centre console.

Further standard interior design elements include an anthracite-coloured headliner, M seat belts with a woven strip pattern in BMW M GmbH colours, door sill plates with “M3 CS” branding, and the before mentioned steering wheel complete with red centre marker.

BMW M3 CS: Driving technology

BMW’s newest creation houses the latest generation BMW iDrive that is based on the BMW Operating System 8. This standard feature includes the BMW Curved Display that sits proudly in the cockpit, and comprises of a 12.3-inch information display, along with a 14.9-inch (diagonal) control display. Both screens are situated alongside one another, behind a concaved glass surface. Thanks to the ergonomic and driver-centric placement of the BMW Curved Display, this intuitive touch screen setup is easier to access and to use than ever before. 

To assure a focused and performance-orientated driving experience, the display layout provides M-specific read-outs and driver-related information. This data, that includes settings information and vehicle status, is perfectly placed, and arranged for convenient access.

The distinctive M Shift Lights are positioned at the top of the information display, whilst the driving stability system, M xDrive and traction control modes are situated at the bottom. Available as an addition to the control display’s home screen are special widgets that provide information on the vehicle’s current setup, along with both tyre temperature and pressure.

BMW M3 CS: Drivetrain and on-road performance

A Setup button located in the central console is included in the M-specific control/operation system. This allows for immediate access to setting options for the engine, steering, chassis, braking system, and M xDrive.

For the drivers’ convenience, two individually configured setup variants can be permanently saved. These preferred settings can include the engine note, the Automatic Stop/Start function, the DSC system, and the shift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. These saved configurations can be instantly accessed via the M buttons located on the steering wheel.

Yet another noteworthy standard feature of the new M3 CS is the impressive MDrive Professional system. This means the car not only utilises the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer functions – used to assess and record driving proficiency and closed-circuit performance – but M Traction Control as well. This system features ten stages that provide excellent assistance when driving on the racing track.

Part of the M Drive Professional package is the previously mentioned M Mode button located on the centre console. Complete with a choice of ROAD, SPORT, and TRACK settings, this conveniently located controller can be used to modify the level of driver assistance system activity. It also allows for the easy adjustment of content presented on the information display, as well as the information provided through the optional Head-Up Display.

BMW M3 CS: Tech features

Further contributing towards the exclusive nature of the new M3 CS is the standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional system that incorporates BMW Intelligent Personal Assist, BMW Maps navigation, smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi interface, along with telephony featuring wireless charging.

Other standard features of this M3 include the most recent version of Comfort Access, a Harman Kardon Sound System, two-zone climate control, hands-free tailgate opening, and an array of driver assistance features. These include but are not limited to Lane Departure Warning, Front Collision Warning, Park Distance Control, and a Speed Limit Info system.  

BMW M3 CS: A powerful drive

Powering the new M3 CS is a meticulously modified version of the six-cylinder, in-line engine, developed for the BMW M3 and BMW M4. This beast of a motor comes complete with M TwinPower Turbo Technology, resulting in a maximum power output of 550hp. This is a 40hp increase on the peak output produced by the BMW M3 Competition Saloon.

Carefully conducted revisions to the engine’s M TwinPower Turbo technology has resulted in the substantial increase in power output. These revisions include an increase to the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 1.7 to 2.1 bar. Additionally, model specific adjustments were made to the engine management.

To ensure an exceptionally firm connection between the power unit and the structure of the vehicle itself, a specially designed engine mount complete with enhanced spring rates was also included in the M3 CS’s fundamental design. The result – an enhanced engine response along with a direct transference of power to the drivetrain.

This setup delivers an impressive peak torque of 650Nm, that is generated between 2,750 and 5,950rpm. The maximum output is reached at 6,250rpm, whilst the engine revs to a maximum of 7,200rpm. This all translates to a 0 – 62mph time of just 3.4 seconds, a 0 – 124mph time of 11.1 seconds, a 50 – 75mph time of 2.6 seconds (in fourth gear), and a 50 – 75mph time of 3.3 seconds (in fifth gear). Furthermore, the M Driver’s package – fitted as standard – produces an electronically limited top speed of 188mph. The new M3 CS offers a combined fuel economy of 27.2 – 28mpg, and produces 234 – 229g/km of CO₂ emissions combined: in the WLTP cycle.

The unabated power delivery of the engine is delivered right through the full range of revs, with the dual-branch exhaust system helping to deliver the appropriate soundtrack for a high-performance vehicle of this nature. This premium exhaust system features electronically controlled flaps along a titanium rear silencer. The system’s lightweight design also comprises of two pairs of matt black tailpipes – adding to the model-specific look of the vehicle.

BMW M3 CS: Customised chassis

The new BMW M3 CS features a bespoke chassis setup, the technology of which has been precisely tuned to the engine’s performance properties, in order to complement the overall weight distribution of the vehicle. The M Dynamic mode and DC system’s model-specific settings were intentionally designed to produce its high-speed, track-orientated driving performance.

Several components assist in the optimisation of steering accuracy and the transmission of lateral forces, along with damping and spring response. These include individually tuned axel kinematics, as well as the bespoke camber settings, auxiliary springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars. Also featured in BMW’s latest creation is a model-specific setup of the adaptive M suspension and its electromechanical M Servotronic steering – with its variable ratio and integrated braking system.