New high-performance estate car will be produced in a limited run.
BMW has released a new, even more high-performance version of its M3 Touring – the CS.
It’s the first time the CS name has been used on a touring – or estate – model, having previously been used only on some of BMW’s most hardcore models.
It gets more power than the standard M3 Competition Touring, as well as revised chassis settings and a number of lightweight components crafted from Carbon Reinforced Plastics (CFRP).
While the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine underneath the bonnet may be the same as in the standard M3, power has been increased to 542bhp from 523bhp, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 186mph – 12mph more than the regular M3 Touring. The CS gets an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, too.
Photos: PA Media
These power upgrades are then matched with a revised suspension setup alongside cast aluminium strut braces to help the car remain as rigid as possible. There is also an M-specific exhaust system with a weight-saving titanium silencer.
As mentioned earlier, a number of CFRP parts are used across the CS in areas such as the bonnet, front splitter, air intakes and exterior mirror caps. It also plays a role inside, with the steering wheel shift paddles and centre console made from weight-saving material. The steering wheel is trimmed in Alcantara, while red ‘CS’ lettering is applied to the centre console too.
