Wagon fans and enthusiasts rejoice! Following in the footsteps of the M2 CS pocket rocket, the hardcore M3 CS and the excellent M4 CS, BMW is adding another track-focused CS model to its portfolio. Witness the M3 CS Touring, a lighter and more powerful version of the brand’s M3 Touring wagon.
BMW followed the same recipe it’s done in the past with previous CS models like the M3 CS by adding more power and and removing weight. The M3’s excellent twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 gets new engine management software and a higher boost pressure charge, increasing output to 550 horsepower, up 20 hp versus the M3 Competition Touring. BMW says that’s enough power to get the M3 CS Touring to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, a tenth quicker than the Competition, and my experience with M3s, BMW is probably being conservative.
The wagon’s stability control system, drive modes, adaptive suspension and dampers all get CS-specific tuning. Lightweight forged alloy wheels have a 275/35 ZR19 front and 285/30 ZR20 rear staggered setup, and M Carbon Ceramic brakes are optional. The biggest upgrades to the M3 CS Touring are its extensive use of carbon fiber for weight savings. The hood, front splitter, air intakes, mirror caps and rear diffuser are all made out of carbon fiber. Inside, the seats, trim, shift paddles and center console are all made out of carbon as well. BMW says all this carbon-fiber use shaves 33 pounds off the M3 CS Touring’s weight when compared to a standard M3 Touring Competition.
There’s no word on price, but it doesn’t matter anyway because like the normal M3 Touring, the M3 CS Touring isn’t for us here in North America. That could change, though, as BMW has mentioned if it gets enough buyers to go for the M5 Touring in our market it could bring over the M3 Touring, likely the next-gen model. Until then we’ll just have to watch from afar as the rest of the world gets to have all the fun. BMW says sales of the limited-edition M3 CS Touring will start in March 2025.
