BMW M3 CS price and specification announced

The new BMW M3 CS has arrived in Australia as the most potent and performance focused model of the M3 range priced from $179,900 plus on-road costs.

Powering the M3 CS is an uprated twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six engine with output increased to 460 hp (343 kW), 12 kW more than the M3 with Competition Package. Torque figure remains unchanged at 550Nm. The added punch propels the M3 CS from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds, 0.1 second quicker than the M3 Competition Package. The top speed of the new special edition, which comes as standard with the M Driver’s Package, is electronically limited to 280 km/h (174 mph).

The new BMW M3 CS is equipped as standard with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT). The suspension largely mirrors that of the M3 Competition Package. The links and wheel carriers at both the front and rear axles are made from forged aluminium to reduce unsprung weight. Fitted as standard is Adaptive M suspension, whose geometry has been tuned to deliver optimised performance on both the road and track.

Ensuring the best possible grip in all driving conditions are the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – which includes M Dynamic Mode – and the Active M Differential. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified to suit the dynamic requirements of the BMW M3 CS, as has the set-up of the electromechanical steering. The driver has the option of adjusting the steering and suspension settings to their personal preferences or the demands of the route at hand.

The special edition’s light-alloy wheels measures 9×19 inch at the front and 10×20 at the rear. They are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres measuring 265/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. These semi-slick cup tyres, which are also road-legal, provide improved grip and supreme lateral stability at high track speeds. The M3 CS can also be ordered with Michelin Sport road tyres.

Changes to the exterior of the M3 CS are subtle and include a front splitter, boot lip spoiler and rear diffuser made from carbon fibre. Inside, the new BMW M3 CS distinguishes from the rest of the M3 models with generous use of two-tone full leather upholstery in Silverstone/Black and Alcantara. Among the standard features on board are automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon surround sound system and the Navigation system Professional.

2018 BMW M3 range pricing (excluding on-roads)

Key standard specification highlights

The BMW M3 CS’s standard equipment list includes:

• Mixed, forged light-alloy wheels, featuring 19-inch front and 20-inch rear diameters
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard; Super Sport tyres are a no-cost option
• CFRP roof, bonnet, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear gurney flap
• Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Black Line LED tail lights
• Quad 80mm stainless steel tailpipes, engraved with M emblems
• Seven-speed M DCT transmission
• CFRP prop shaft
• Specifically tuned Adaptive M suspension
• M Drive Modes with specific calibrations
• Active M differential
• M Driver’s Package, with top speed increased to 280km/h
• Full leather Merino upholstery in bicolour Black/Silverstone
• BMW Individual Full leather interior trim, in bicolour Black/Silverstone
• Head-Up Display with specific M contents
• Front and rear Park Distance Control
• 12-speaker HiFi system, specially adapted for the M3 CS
• Navigation system Professional with 8.8-inch touch screen display
• Cruise control with braking function

BMW M3: Performance and efficiency