The best family car ever? The M3 CS is here!
BMW M3 CS Touring: A High Performance Estate Worth the Wait
Enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating this one. The first glimpse of what appeared to be an M3 CS Touring surfaced in early 2023, and now, after a teaser earlier this week, the real deal is here. Boasting 550 horsepower and a price tag of £120,600, this high performance wagon is poised to redefine practicality and performance. More than just a fast estate, the M3 CS Touring promises to deliver one of the most exhilarating modern M car experiences to date.
Power and Performance
Sharing much of its DNA with the M3 CS saloon, the Touring version arrives with high expectations. Under the hood, the twin-turbocharged 3.0 litre S58 inline six engine delivers 550 horsepower, courtesy of 2.1-bar turbochargers borrowed from the M4 CSL. BMW claims impressive acceleration figures: 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-124 mph in 11.7 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph. Adding to the excitement, the titanium silencer promises a ‘particularly aggressive soundstage.’
Lightweight Construction and Aerodynamics
Despite being a practical wagon, the CS Touring benefits from strategic weight savings. Carbon reinforced plastic components, including the bonnet, front splitter, and rear diffuser, contribute to a reduction of approximately 15kg, not something you're going to feel but a saving nonetheless. The standard fit carbon bucket seats further enhance the lightweight approach. As for aesthetics, the CS specific design elements mirror those of the M3 CS saloon and M4 CS coupe, featuring a distinctive grille, red accents, including on the rear spoiler and signature yellow daytime running lights.
One of the standout details is the availability of Laguna Seca Blue, an exclusive Individual colour making a long awaited return. Other available options include British Racing Green, Frozen Solid White, and Black Sapphire. Pairing any of these with the optional Matte Bronze wheels is going to be a winner!
Track Ready Chassis Enhancements
The M3 CS Touring has been purposefully engineered to excel on the track, so you can now complete a track day with your kids and dog (definitely don't do that). Structural reinforcements under the bonnet, bespoke DSC tuning (including M Dynamic Mode), revised adaptive dampers, and sharper steering response all contribute to a more engaging driving experience. Standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres provide excellent grip, with the option to upgrade to even more aggressive Cup 2R rubber. For those seeking the ultimate braking performance, M ceramic brakes are also available.
Practicality Meets Performance
Unlike some high performance models that compromise practicality for speed, the M3 CS Touring retains the full cargo capacity of the standard M3 Touring. With 500 litres of storage space, expandable to 1,510 litres, it remains a practical choice for those who need versatility without sacrificing performance. Inside, the cabin is adorned with CS badging, black leather and Alcantara with contrasting red stitching, and the familiar M-specific controls. The M Drift Analyser and 10 stage M Traction Control remain key features, with rear wheel drive mode available for purists.
Pricing and Availability
The M3 CS Touring is available for order now, with first deliveries expected in March 2025. Priced from £120,600, it commands a significant premium over the standard 530hp M3 Touring Competition, which starts at £90,000. However, BMW’s track record with special edition M models, such as the previous M2 CS and M5 CS, suggests that the additional investment translates to a notably superior driving experience. If history is any indication, the M3 CS Touring could well be one of the most desirable M cars of the modern era.
For those seeking the ultimate blend of performance, practicality, and exclusivity, the M3 CS Touring is shaping up to be an unmissable proposition.
Need parts for your M3 Touring? Check out the M3 G80/G81 collection here