BMW M3 CS: Between The Worlds

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

The BMW M3 CS offers its driver the best of both worlds: On the one hand, it offers a good measure of everyday practicality, but is just as suitable for sporty pace.

Visually, the CS is a harmonious blend of the traditional understatement of the M3 sedan and fine racing details from its big brother, the GTS. The curved hips of the four-door model house forged 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) alloy wheels, and a carbon fiber spoiler lip sits on the trunk, which is contrasted by a splinter made of the same material at the front.

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Just like the diffuser under the rear apron, the front aero aid comes from the M4 GTS and is intended to generate some downforce, especially in fast corners.

BMW M3 holds back with hints

Apart from the lettering on the rear, the CS holds back with further visual cues, only the generous use of Alcantara in the interior suggests the M3 top model. The excellent lightweight sports seats are also used here, which not only offer a perfect seating position, but also offer ideal lateral support.

Together with the optionally thick steering wheel, which is also optionally covered in Alcantara, the result is a driving position that is just as suitable for everyday use as it is for the racetrack. In addition, BMW packs the powerful audio system from Harman / Kardon in the M3 CS. Just in the unlikely event that the six-cylinder concert from the new, flap-controlled exhaust system could eventually become boring.

But not only in terms of optics and equipment, BMW has worked hard on the M3 CS. Although there is “only” 7 kW / 10 PS more than before (460 PS instead of 450 PS) and a torque increase of 50 Newton meters to 600, the biggest changes have taken place in terms of driving dynamics. The standard equipment of the M3 CS includes the adaptive M chassis, the application of which has been refined just like that of the multi-leaf lock, traction control and steering.

Together with the standard mounted Cup2 semi-slicks from Michelin, the CS is a fantastic cornering artist and cannot be compared with a normal M3. The sensitive front axle is particularly impressive, with which the CS can be perfectly positioned curve after curve, both on country roads and on the racetrack. In combination with the perfectly coordinated rear axle, which always allows the right amount of slip, the M3 CS effortlessly poaches in the driving fun area of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Sovereign chassis

Not only the new super-grip tires or the adjustment work in the area of chassis and steering are noticeable, but also the weight savings that BMW has achieved with the bonnet and roof made of carbon. Although it is not possible to find out that the CS weighs around 40 kilograms less than a normal M3, the curb weight of a little less than 1,700 kilograms is still too high, but the lower center of gravity ensures a more sedate and fuller driving behavior and less tendency to roll when cornering.

Incidentally, the lightweight carbon fiber material is not only used on the body, carbon is also used in combination with ceramic for the optionally available sports brake system. Although the brakes initially irritate with a somewhat unpredictable cold braking behavior as soon as the discs and pads are up to temperature, the system decelerates reliably and is absolutely stable even after several laps on the racetrack.

But racetracks or extensive country roads are not the only territory of the M3 CS. Although the sportiness increases extremely with the focus compared to a normal M3, if you switch the damper, steering and drive to the most normal mode, the CS is still a very everyday vehicle. The adaptive chassis still cushions smaller bumps very well and the M3 even swallows larger waves on the motorway surprisingly comfortably and with an almost 7-like smoothness. Here the competitor from Alfa Romeo lets the tough dog hang out much more often.

On the move with a seven-speed DSG

The seven-speed dual clutch transmission, whose shifting speed can be adjusted in three stages using the “Drivelogic” switch, ultimately also contributes to the high level of driving comfort. From lightning-fast neck blows to smooth transition, the CS offers everything you need for the perfect balancing act between the city center and the home straight. The long, stepped seventh gear also contributes to a reasonable background noise at high freeway speeds.

Anyone who comes up with the idea of stopping by the BMW dealer in the next few days and ordering a CS should be warned in two ways: On the one hand, BMW is offering a basic price of 114,000 euros on an M3 Competition (85,000 euros) On the other hand, the approximately 1,200 planned copies are almost all sold out. (SP-X)