Following in the footsteps of the 2023 M4 CSL, it’s the turn of the 2024 BMW M3 CS to come to Canada, also in very limited numbers. Naturally, the price reflects its exclusive status: customers will have to shell out no less than $148,000.
Like all other models bearing the letters “CS” (Competition Sport), this car promises to be extremely capable both on the track and on the road.
The recipe of course begins under the hood. Housed under new stiffener bars for increased rigidity, the 3.0L 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine sees the pressure of its twin turbochargers increase from 24.7 to 30.5 psi and its power climb to 543 horsepower (from 6,250 to 7,200 rpm), an increase of 40 horsepower over the M3 Competition xDrive.
Photo: BMW
Maximum torque remains at 479 lb-ft (between 2,750 and 5,950 rpm). The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive with active M differential that accompany the engine help it produce sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed is 302 km/h.
The driver will be able to switch between 4WD (default) and 4WD Sport modes, the latter channeling even more torque to the rear wheels. For full propulsion, a 2WD mode is accessible by deactivating the anti-skid, enough to make the M3 CS waltz merrily on the circuits.
Photo: BMW
With that comes an active exhaust system with electronically controlled flaps, a titanium muffler and two pairs of matte black finish tips, so that the sound experience is just as exhilarating as the rest.
Not just for the engine
Of course, BMW’s M division engineers modified the chassis as well as the suspension with adaptive dampers taking into account the increased power and weight distribution. Same for the power steering. An M Dynamic driving mode is added and is specifically set for use on the track.
Photo: BMW
Sporting a star design exclusive to the M3 CS and painted in a matte black or golden bronze finish, the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear M wheels are made of a lightweight forged alloy and wrap of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Behind, the standard M brakes can be replaced by carbon-ceramic ones. Customers will also be able to choose the color of the stirrups (red, black or gold).
It should be noted that the spoiler and the front air intakes, the bonnet, the mirror caps, the roof as well as the diffuser and the rear spoiler are all made of plastic reinforced with carbon fiber for the sake of lightness. Same thing inside for the center console, the steering wheel paddles and the various inserts. What about the seats? Real racing bucket seats with a carbon structure and very pronounced downforce for maximum support in fast corners. In total, the new M3 CS weighs around 34 kg less than the M3 Competition.
Photo: BMW
For the rest, let’s mention the frameless grille reminiscent of the racing M4 GT3, the black side skirts, the daytime running lights that illuminate in yellow (again, like the GT cars) as well as the choice of four body colors. Those who do not like the striking green on the images can for example opt for an icy white exclusive to this model. Let’s not forget the system that records and analyzes on-track data to help drivers improve their performance.
The new 2024 BMW M3 CS will go into production at the Munich plant in a few weeks, more precisely in March. That gives you some time to decide if you’re willing to pay the roughly $52,000 extra over the M3 Competition.