The most powerful and track-focused version of the new BMW M3 sports sedan range has debuted, ahead of the first Australian showroom arrivals later this year.
He 2023 BMW M3 CS has been unveiled in Europe, ahead of the first Australian deliveries in the second half of this year.
The new G80 series M3 CS is the second generation of the nameplate, which is based on the regular version of bmw The smallest four-door M car with more power, less weight and more precise suspension and steering.
BMW says a “limited run” of cars will be made from March, but it’s unclear how many will be produced and how many will arrive in Australia.
Pricing in Australia will start from $249,900 plus road costs – $74,600 more than the M3 Competition xDrive model ($175,300) on which it’s based, and about $100,000 more expensive than the base manual M3.
While the previous generation of the 2018 M3 CS was rear-wheel drive, the new model is offered exclusively with ‘M xDrive’ all-wheel drive, linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The familiar 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine has been tuned to produce 405kW and 650Nm, 30kW more than the standard M3 Competition xDrive, and matches the related M4 CSL special edition coupe.
BMW claims a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds for the CS, 0.1 seconds quicker than the model on which it is based, plus 0-200 km/h in 11.1 seconds. and a top speed of 302 km/h (up to 12 km/h). ).
The extra power comes from increased turbo boost pressure and revised engine software, according to the automaker, while there are new, stiffer engine mounts that are claimed to deliver “even sharper engine response.” “.
As with the standard M3 Competition xDrive, the all-wheel-drive system is combined with a limited-slip rear differential and switches to a rear-wheel-drive mode with the stability control system turned off.
The M3 CS sheds 20kg compared to the M3 Competition xDrive, thanks to carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the bonnet, front splitter, front air intake inserts, side mirror covers, rear diffuser, the spoiler on the trunk lid, the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, the center console and dash inlays.
There are also M Carbon front bucket seats as standard, plus a titanium muffler that sheds 4kg alone, connected to black exhaust tips.
Under the skin, the M3 CS gains retuned adaptive suspension and steering systems, reworked stability control software, and an aluminum strut brace under the hood.
The wheels, available in gold or matte black, measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 275/35 R19 front and 285/30 R20 rear track tires as standard (a more road style). focused tire is optional).
M Compound brake discs with six-piston front and single-piston rear calipers, finished in red, are standard, while carbon ceramic brake discs with red calipers are optional.
The M3 CS will stand out from regular M3s on the road with a front end derived from the M4 CSL, with red-accented grille inserts, a larger splitter and a new twin-striped bonnet.
The laser headlights reflect other BMW M CS and CSL cars with yellow light signatures, said to be inspired by GT drag racing cars. There is also a modified rear wing and M3 CS badging with red outlines.
Four colors are available: Frozen Solid White metallic, Brooklyn Gray metallic, Sapphire Black metallic and Signal Green shown in these launch images.
Inside, the M3 CS loses the standard rear center car seat and gains standard fit carbon fiber bucket seats with power adjustment, heating, black and red Merino leather upholstery with contrasting stitching.
Other changes include the M3 CS door sills, tri-stripe seatbelts, an Alcantara steering wheel with a red center marker, and a carbon fiber center console that swaps the center armrest and storage box for a small armrest. and an open storage tray to save weight.
The M3 CS benefits from the 12.3-inch instrument display and 14.9-inch iDrive 8 center touchscreen now standard on the regular M3.
Standard features carried over from the M3 Competition xDrive in Australia include keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio and tire pressure monitors.
You miss out on lane centering assist, auto park, and adaptive cruise control, though. However, autonomous emergency braking is standard.
Local buyers can opt for carbon and ceramic brakes for $16,500, while different exterior paint colors, wheel designs, and tire compounds are no-cost options.
He 2023 BMW M3 CS it is expected in Australian showrooms in the second half of this year.
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