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Jan 18, 2024

BMW M's latest M3-based track monster is so much better than the existing M3 Competition

2022 was a triumphant year for BMW's M division, with the launch of the M4 CSL, the M3 Touring, the XM, the second-gen M2, and the 3.0 CSL. However, it seems that the ‘home of high-performance cars’ is not giving up too easily. Enter the M3 CS, the ultimate iteration of the G80 generation M3, which also happens to offer more than its provoking aesthetics. This new limited edition M3 ditches its somewhat extreme attitude of the existing M3 Competition and welcomes a more track-intended performance. We have listed all the essential facts you need to know about this new Bimmer in town.

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The M3 CS is bonkers, even more so if compared to the existing M3 Competition. BMW M retuned the 3.0-liter twin-turbo S58 straight-six engine, increased boost pressure from 24.7 to 30.5 psi, and an updated cooling system inspired by the M4 GT3 race car. The outcome is a colossal 543 horsepower, which is 40 extra ponies than the M3 Competition, but identical to the M4 CSL. Nevertheless, the twisting power remains at 479 pound-feet and is available as early as 2,750 rpm. In addition, the lightning-fast eight-speed ZF-sourced torque-converter gearbox remains untouched.

BMW affirms that the new M3 CS could gallop to 6 0mph in 3.2 seconds and continue speeding until it hits the limiter at 188 mph. If you compare the numbers to the mass-produced M3 Competition xDrive, the new M3 CS is three-tenth of a second quicker and eight mph faster. Nevertheless, that also makes the new champ from M town stand fast against the Porsche 911 Carrera. However, the figures quoted by BMW could be slower than they are. We expect a 0-60 mph timing of three seconds dead, which will make it in the same ballpark as the standard 600-horsepower M5.

Similar to the limited edition M5 CS, the M3 CS sheds a considerable amount of weight, which has been done by using CFRP or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Using a generous amount of lightweight materials, including the titanium exhaust system, helps shed 75 pounds over the M3 Competition. Apart from the carbon fiber roof, which is a standard fitment, the M3 CS comes with CFRP made hood, front air vents, front splitter, exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, paddle shifters, and the center console. However, the weight loss on the M3 CS is not as significant as the M4 CSL, probably because of the xDrive system.

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The M3 in the Competition Sport flavor is an all-wheel-drive-only super sedan. This is the reason behind its jaw-dropping acceleration. Although the xDrive is generally rear-wheel biased, it is intelligent enough to understand when you need extra traction from the front wheels. The M Setup menu will let you tweak the 4WD setting to 4WD Sport, making the engine send maximum power to the rear wheels. Moreover, you can engage 2WD after disabling the Dynamic Stability Control, which will give you the complete analog feel of a rear-drive sports car.

The M3 in the CS flavor indeed delivers the enticing looks we expect from a BMW M car. However, being flamboyant while retaining its design roots is a compliment it deserves. So apart from the annoying kidney grille design, which now has a frameless design for added weight reduction, the bonnet features two chiseled creases echoing the M4 CSL. The DRLs on the M3 CS run yellow like the M5 CS, and the rear fascia remains identical to the M3 Competition. The addition of a wacky-looking Signal Green exterior finish screams performance. If you are not a fan, BMW will let you choose alternative exterior colors, including Sapphire Black and Brooklyn Grey. Irrespective of which exterior color you choose, the M3 CS will sport a set of gold-bronze or matte-black wheels with a unique V-spoke style.

The M3 CS is among the ultimate driving machines, and while it is a hardcore iteration of the M3, it does not fall short in terms of interior quality. The M Carbon bucket seats, which are also power-adjustable and heated, come as standard with the M3 CS. In addition, the seats are upholstered in Merino leather with unique Mugello red and black accents, along with an illuminated "CS" logo near the head restraints. The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel has carbon fiber accents and is very different from the M3 Competition. However, unlike the M5 CS, which is strictly a four-seater, the M3 CS allows you to sit three people in the rear, just like the M3 and the M3 Competition. So that is a plus-one in terms of practicality.

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BMW is shipping all of its latest cars with the seamless curved display running the latest iDrive 8 OS. So it is evident that the M3 CS will have a similar affair. The curved display features a 12.3-inch unit for driver information and a slightly longer 14.9-inch unit for controlling the infotainment system. However, like the other BMW M cars, the M3 CS has M-style dials and widgets on the MID, which display M Shift Lights, M xDrive mode, traction control settings, and tire pressure. You can also option your M3 CS with a head-up display and BMW Drive Recorder.

The M3 CS does possess great power from the tuned S58 engine, but since it is more track-focused than even the M3 Competition, BMW had to make the chassis more capable. So apart from the tuned axle kinematics, there are bespoke dampening and wheel camber settings, anti-roll bars, and even a custom M Servotronic variable steering ratio. However, the stopping power of the M3 CS is the standard M Compound brakes, and the M Carbon ceramics are offered as an option. To further increase body rigidity, you can spec your M3 CS with high-precision strut bars in the engine compartment.

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The M3 CS comes with a handful of updates over the M3 Competition, and while the features are tempting, they will cost you a lot of money. The all-new BMW M3 CS has been priced at $119,695, about $45,000 more expensive than the M3 Competition. Moreover, its elder sibling, the M5 Competition, which comes with a 617-horsepower fire-breathing V-8, is about $6,500 cheaper than the M3 CS. Although, the M3 CS has many unique features and customization options that make up for its higher price tag.

The M3 CS, like the M5 CS, is a limited edition model and will be produced in limited numbers, as per BMW. However, given the exclusivity of the M5 CS and the M4 CSL, we believe that the M3 CS will follow a similar path and could be produced around 1,000 examples in total. So, if you want to get your hands on one of these, hurry up!

After working predominantly as a freelancer at CarHP/CarIndigo, Amreetam joined the TopSpeed team as a journalist in September 2021. In a world where SUVs are booming, he favors sedans and adores BMWs and Mercedes, with a special spot for Lexus and Genesis. He is currently pursuing Master of Arts in History and is 24 years old.