January 31st 2023
The BMW M3 has long been a symbol of sophisticated performance, revered for its perfect balance of thrilling driving dynamics and refined comfort. But with the introduction of the 2024 BMW M3 CS, the German automaker has taken things to a whole new level, crafting a vehicle that is even more focused on track-day thrills than its already track-focused sibling, the M3 Competition.
At the heart of the M3 CS lies a retuned 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six engine that delivers an impressive 543 horsepower, a full 40 horsepower more than the 503-hp M3 Competition and 70 horsepower more than the standard M3. This increased power is achieved through increased boost pressure, which has been raised from 24.7 psi in the Competition to a whopping 30.5 psi in the CS. This extra power is complemented by a cooling system derived from BMW’s M4 GT3 race car, ensuring that the engine can handle the demands of track use.
The M3 CS comes standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a rear-biased AWD, with a “4WD Sport” setting that sends even more power to the rear wheels, and a “2WD” setting for those who crave a more traditional rear-wheel-drive experience. BMW claims that the M3 CS can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 188 mph (when equipped with the M Driver’s Package).
In order to maximize performance and minimize weight, the M3 CS features generous amounts of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic on its roof, hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, center console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips. The titanium rear silencer fitted to the CS’s exhaust system is said to save more than eight pounds compared to the standard system, resulting in a weight loss of roughly 75 pounds compared to the M3 Competition with standard M Sport seats.
The M3 CS rolls on special gold bronze or matte black M-specific wheels with a unique V-spoke design and comes standard with high-performance summer tires in sizes 275/35ZR-19 front and 285/30ZR-20 rear. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are also available as a no-cost option. The interior of the M3 CS features Merino leather-upholstered power-adjustable heated seats with a unique black and Mugello red color scheme and distinctive contrast stitching.
The 2024 BMW M3 CS will be a limited-production model, with production set to begin in March of this year. Pricing for the M3 CS starts at $119,695, making it a tempting option for BMW fans looking for an even more hardcore driving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned track veteran or just a weekend warrior, the BMW M3 CS is sure to impress with its blend of thrilling performance and bespoke appointments.