Only 1,200 examples will ever be made.
BMW continues to expand its performance portfolio. The M4 CS was a huge success and has since been followed by the M3 CS. The M3 CS, like its two-door sibling is lighter and faster. It was also built in very limited quantities. However, it has the added luxury of a backseat.
The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine under the hood produces 453 horsepower (337 Kilowatts) as well as 443 pound feet (600 Newton-meters). This number is 28 hp (20 kW) more than the standard M3, but also delivers 10 percent more torque (406 vs. 443 lb.ft). This extra power and a 110-pound (49 kilogram) weight loss allow for a sprint of just 3.7 seconds (96 km/h) and an electronically limited top speed (174 mph (280 kmh).
BMW also equipped the M3 CS with a few performance parts to help cope with all that oomph. The M3 CS has a dual-branch sports exhaust system that features four tailpipes and is controlled by flaps according to the drive mode. You can choose from Comfort, Sport, or Sport+ driving modes. Each offers a variety of damper settings.
All that power is controlled by BMW’s seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. This is paired with an electronically controlled Active M limited slip differential. BMW admits that it is almost identical to the Competition Package but has added features to make the special edition model more powerful.
The M3 CS rides on lightweight forged alloy wheels that were inspired by the M4 racecars used in the German Touring Car Championships (DTM). The wheels are finished in an Orbit Grey Matt and wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (265/35 R 19 in front, 285/30 R 20 in rear). BMW M compound brakes are standard. However, carbon ceramic can be purchased for an extra cost.
Exterior design has been updated to give the already muscular-looking M3 a more modern look. The front fascia is now more defined with a large central vent and two flanking ventilations. It’s accented by LED headlights and slim dual kidney grilles. The front splitter has been redesigned with the “Gurney Flap”, which is made from exposed carbon fiber.
The cabin has a sporty theme with unique Silverstone/Black leather and Alcantara finishes throughout. An M3 Competition Package has been used to carry over a set of lightweight M-sport seats. A steering wheel with an anthracite-colored Alcantara wrap and an M-sport steering wheel have also been installed. You can also find a lot of “CS” badges throughout the interior.
The new BMW M3 CS is available for order in the U.S. starting in May 2018. But hurry! Only 1,200 of this hardcore sedan will be made worldwide with only 550 coming to the U.S. Although the price was not disclosed by the company, it is expected that the M4 CS will be priced similarly to the M3 CS at close to $70,000.