With the unveiling of the first-ever BMW M3 CS Touring, BMW M GmbH is introducing an electrifying blend of high-performance sports car engineering and everyday versatility. This latest addition to the BMW M3 lineup brings race-bred performance to the Touring segment, offering an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining a practical edge.
The M3 CS Touring follows in the footsteps of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, taking its already potent performance attributes to a new level with an enhanced powertrain, weight-saving carbon fibre components, and track-optimised chassis tuning. Under the hood, a 405 kW (550 hp) six-cylinder in-line engine, coupled with M xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, propels the M3 CS Touring from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
The highly anticipated world premiere will take place at the legendary Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia, on January 30, 2025, during the Bathurst 12 Hour race. Following its unveiling, deliveries of this limited-run special edition will commence in March 2025, reaching customers in Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, with Germany being the primary market for the model. Production will take place at BMW Group Plant Munich, alongside other variants of the M3 family.
Track-Bred Powerhouse: A Racing-Inspired Powertrain
The beating heart of the BMW M3 CS Touring is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, developed with advanced race-derived technology. Among its high-performance enhancements are:
- A rigid crankcase with a closed-deck design for enhanced durability.
- A forged lightweight crankshaft, ensuring rapid power delivery.
- A high-revving design, peaking at 7,200 rpm.
- Upgraded M TwinTurbo technology, increasing boost pressure to 2.1 bar for maximum power output of 405 kW (550 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque.
The M-specific exhaust system, with electrically controlled flaps and a titanium rear silencer, enhances the aural drama of the M3 CS Touring. The driver can toggle between SPORT and SPORT+ settings, amplifying the car’s presence on the road or track.
Precision Engineering: M Steptronic Transmission & M xDrive
The powertrain is seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, featuring Drivelogic technology for a customizable shifting experience. Drivers can select between three modes: Comfort, Sport, and Track-Optimised Settings.
The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, in combination with an Active M Differential, provides optimal power distribution between the front and rear axles. The system features 4WD, 4WD Sport, and a pure 2WD mode (with DSC deactivated) for enthusiasts seeking a traditional rear-wheel-drive experience.
Performance figures are nothing short of breathtaking:
- 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph): 3.5 seconds.
- 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph): 11.7 seconds.
- Top speed: Electronically limited to 300 km/h (186 mph).
Track-Optimised Chassis and Braking System
To match its enhanced power output, the M3 CS Touring features a model-specific chassis setup, including:
- Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
- M Servotronic steering for precise handling.
- M Compound brakes, available with callipers in Red or Black.
- Optional M Carbon ceramic brakes, with callipers in Red or Gold.
- Forged M light-alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) in Gold Bronze or Matte Black.
- Track-focused tyres (275/35 ZR19 front, 285/30 ZR20 rear) as standard, with ultra-track tyres available as an option.
Lightweight Carbon Fibre Components for Maximum Agility
A key focus in the development of the BMW M3 CS Touring was weight reduction, achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in:
- Bonnet, front splitter, air intakes, exterior mirror caps, and rear diffuser.
- M Carbon bucket seats, steering wheel shift paddles, and centre console.
These measures contribute to a 15 kg weight reduction over the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, further enhancing agility and performance.
Exclusive Exterior and Interior Design Elements
The M3 CS Touring is available in an array of striking exterior colours, including:
- British Racing Green.
- Laguna Seca Blue.
- Frozen Solid White.
- Sapphire Black Metallic.
Additional aesthetic highlights include:
- Frameless BMW M kidney grille with red contour lines.
- Yellow GT-inspired LED headlights.
- Black high-gloss roof and roof spoiler.
- Red trim accents on the roof spoiler.
Inside, the driver-focused cockpit is packed with M-specific details:
- Electrically adjustable M Carbon bucket seats with an illuminated “CS” badge.
- M Alcantara steering wheel with a red centre marker.
- M Drive Professional system, including the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer.
- M Traction Control with 10-stage adjustability.
- M-specific Head-Up Display.
Advanced Digital Features and Driver Assistance
The M3 CS Touring comes with the latest BMW iDrive system (Operating System 8.5), offering a seamless interface through the BMW Curved Display. Key digital features include:
- 12.3-inch instrument cluster with M Shift Lights and traction control status.
- 14.9-inch central touchscreen with track-specific widgets for tyre pressure and temperature monitoring.
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with voice control.
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional with cloud-based BMW Maps navigation.
- Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
A suite of driver assistance systems enhances convenience and safety:
- Front Collision Warning & Lane Departure Warning.
- Speed Limit Info System.
- Parking Assistant with Park Distance Control.
- Optional Driving Assistant Package for additional assistance features.
A Perfect Balance of Performance and Practicality
The BMW M3 CS Touring represents a remarkable fusion of racing-inspired performance and daily usability. Its powerful engine, lightweight design, track-optimised technology, and premium interior make it an unparalleled option for enthusiasts seeking an everyday performance machine with race-bred DNA.
With limited production and global exclusivity, the BMW M3 CS Touring is set to become a highly sought-after collector’s item, delivering an electrifying experience on both the race track and the open road.
