With the first-ever BMW M3 CS Touring, BMW M GmbH adds another special-edition model to its high-performance vehicle line-up. This exclusive new derivative builds on the success of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, further enhancing its unique combination of exhilarating performance and exceptional practicality.
Offering an increased engine power output, bespoke chassis tuning and minimised weight – helped by numerous components made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) – the new BMW M3 CS Touring (fuel consumption combined: 26.9 mpg; CO2 emissions combined: 240 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G) provides the necessary ingredients for a truly compelling driving experience.
The six-cylinder in-line engine, delivering an impressive 550 hp, combined with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, enables the BMW M3 CS Touring to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph.
Priced from £120,600 RRP, this latest special-edition model will be produced in a limited run alongside all other variants of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M3 Touring at BMW Group Plant Munich, with first deliveries arriving in the UK from March 2025.
Six-cylinder in-line engine infused with motorsport technology.
Developed to deliver exceptional performance on track, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW M3 CS Touring features an extremely rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head with a 3D-printed core. The cylinder bores – which also contribute towards weight reduction – have a wire-arc sprayed iron coating to minimise frictional losses, while the cooling system and oil supply are designed to handle the sustained heavy loads generated during harder driving on a track.
Upgraded M TwinTurbo technology ensures linear power delivery, raising the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers to 2.1 bar. Meanwhile, model-specific tweaks to the engine management system enable a maximum power output of 550 hp – a 20 hp increase over the current BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive. A peak torque of 650 Nm is available from just 2,750 rpm and up to 5,950 rpm, with the engine developing its maximum output at 6,250 rpm before reaching a 7,200 rpm red line.
A specially designed engine mounting with increased spring rates creates an extremely rigid connection between the power unit and the vehicle’s structure. This leads to a sharper engine response and an extremely direct transmission of power to the drivetrain. This instantaneous power delivery means the BMW M3 CS Touring can power from rest to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, while 0 to 124 mph is achieved in 11.7 seconds. The mid-range sprint from 50 – 75 mph takes just 2.7 seconds in 4th gear and 3.5 seconds in 5th gear. The top speed of the special edition is 186 mph.
Standard on the BMW M3 CS Touring is an M-specific exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimising design and – in customary M fashion – two pairs of tailpipes painted in matt Black. The engine’s acoustic presence varies according to the engine profile selected by the driver from the M Setup menu, with SPORT or SPORT+ mode producing a particularly aggressive soundstage, especially through gear changes and the accompanying adjustments in rev speed.
Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive and Active M Differential for dynamic power transfer.
The BMW M3 CS Touring features an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic technology. A Drivelogic button is integrated into the gear selector, making it possible to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics with a choice of three settings. Alongside comfort-focused and sporty options, drivers can also engage a setting optimised specially for track driving. Both the gear selector and carbon-fibre shift paddles on the steering wheel enable sequential interventions during the gear selection process.
Power is transferred to the road through the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which utilises 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. In tandem with the Active M Differential at the rear axle – where operation is also fully variable – the intelligent all-wheel-drive system’s rear-wheel bias enhances the M-typical handling dynamics. 4WD Sport mode can be selected via the M Setup menu to send an even greater proportion of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. Meanwhile, engaging 2WD mode delivers a driving experience for the ultimate purist, where all power is sent to the rear wheels and the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system is deactivated.
Bespoke chassis tuning and outstanding stopping power.
The BMW M3 CS Touring receives model-specific chassis tuning which accounts for its individual performance characteristics, profile and weight distribution. Similarly, settings for the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode are purposefully optimised for the specific demands of track driving. Also bespoke to this model are the electronically controlled adaptive M suspension dampers, M Servotronic steering and integrated braking system.
M Compound brakes provide outstanding stopping power with callipers painted in a choice of Red or Black, while customers opting for M Carbon ceramic brakes can choose between Red or matt Gold. Forged M light-alloy wheels are standard fit and are available in an exclusive double-spoke design with a matt Gold Bronze or matt Black finish. Measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear, the alloys are wrapped track tyres (275/35 ZR19 at the front, 285/30 ZR20 at the rear) as standard. Alternatively, customers can switch to sport tyres at no cost or specify ultra-track tyres from the options list.
Exclusive carbon-fibre components and optimised body rigidity underpin outstanding performance.
Intelligent lightweight construction plays a key role in achieving the individual performance characteristics of the BMW M3 CS Touring, with extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) employed to minimise weight. CFRP components include the bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps and rear diffuser. Moving inside, the M Carbon bucket seats and CFRP steering wheel shift paddles, interior trim strips and centre console also contribute towards weight reduction. These measures amount to a total weight saving of approximately 15 kilograms compared to the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive.
Body rigidity is further increased by high-precision M front end strut braces – also 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.
Balancing performance with everyday practicality – exclusive design features.
The BMW M3 CS Touring combines thrilling M performance with a versatile body concept, offering generous space, particularly in the rear where storage capacity can be expanded from 500 litres to a maximum of 1,510 litres.
As standard, the special edition is equipped with an array of exposed carbon fibre components, including the front splitter, front air intakes and M exterior mirror caps. All of which draw a visually striking contrast with four exterior paint options. Customers can choose from three BMW Individual colours: British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue or Frozen Solid White in addition to Black Sapphire metallic. The roof and model-specific roof spoiler are painted in Black high-gloss. Exclusive to the BMW M3 CS Touring, the roof spoiler is additionally topped with an eye-catching red contour.
The front-end design is characterised by a weight-minimised, stripped-back and frameless BMW M kidney grille, where black model lettering adorns the upper of the two horizontal grille slats. The kidney grille is also bordered by a CS-specific red contour line. The model badge at the front and its counterpart on the boot lid also have black surfaces with a red contour. Positioned either side of the kidney grille are LED icon headlights which glow yellow in a clear homage to motorsport.
Driver-focused cockpit with model-specific features.
The interior of the BMW M3 CS Touring blends a performance-focused cockpit with digital technology and exclusive design features. Electrically adjustable and heated M Carbon bucket seats are fitted as standard for the driver and front passenger. Each have integral head restraints, an illuminated “CS” model badge and surfaces in full Merino leather. Their exclusive Black/Red design is also adopted by the rear seats and all door panels are trimmed with black leather.
The standard M Alcantara steering wheel in three-spoke design – with its flat-bottomed rim and red centre marker in the 12 o’clock position – brings an authentic racing flair to the cabin. Further M-specific details include the red “CS” badge on the centre console, M seat belts and door sill plates which also bear the model designation.
Setup buttons for a customisable driving experience.
An M-specific Setup button on the centre console provides direct access to the settings for the engine, chassis, steering, brakes and M xDrive. In addition, two individually configurable setup variants can be stored permanently (and retrieved) using the M buttons on the steering wheel, offering drivers further customisation for the engine sound, DSC, Automatic Start/Stop function and the shift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
The BMW M3 CS Touring also comes as standard with the M Drive Professional system with track-optimised functions such as the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer. This system also includes 10-stage M Traction Control to provide a fully customisable driving experience on the track. Another feature of M Drive Professional is the M Mode button on the centre console, which can be used to configure the driver assistance systems and the content shown on both the information display and Head-Up Display. Drivers can choose between ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings here.
BMW Curved Display with Operating System 8.5.
The BMW M3 CS Touring features the BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8.5 to provide intuitive control over numerous vehicle functions and digital services, many of which can also be operated via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The M-specific view on the 12.3-inch information display features M Shift Lights at its upper edge, while the status of the driving stability systems, M xDrive and traction control can be found in the lower portion of the screen. Widgets for vehicle setup, tyre pressure and temperature are accessible via the home screen of the 14.9-inch control display.
A standard specification to enhance driving pleasure and comfort in everyday use.
Additional standard-specification features include BMW Live Cockpit Professional which, alongside the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content, brings the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps, smartphone integration, telephony with wireless charging and a WiFi interface.
The BMW M3 CS Touring is also equipped with Comfort Access, two-zone automatic climate control and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System as standard. Park Distance Control and the Parking Assistant, Driving Assistant, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and the Speed Limit Info system are also standard fit.
Priced from £120,600 RRP, the M3 CS Touring will be produced in a limited run alongside all other variants of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M3 Touring at BMW Group Plant Munich, with first UK customer deliveries arriving from March 2025.
