- BMW has revealed its first M3 CS Touring
- The limited-edition wagon develops 543 hp from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6
- Prototypes for the next-generation M3 are already testing in public view
BMW has taken the performance of its M3 Touring station wagon sold overseas up a notch with the launch of a hardcore CS version.
The new M3 CS Touring was revealed on Thursday at Australia’s Mount Panorama Circuit, where the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race will run this weekend, and will be offered as a limited edition, much like its M3 CS sedan counterpart.
The CS treatment for the M3 Touring brings the same 543-hp rating as the hardcore M4 CSL coupe, generated by a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 found in all M3 and M4 models. The performance increase over the 523-hp M3 Competition comes from extra boost pressure and tweaks to the engine’s electronic management.
Like most other M3 models, power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system with an active differential at the rear axle. Performance claims include a 0-62 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. Equally impressive, the hot wagon will pull from 50-75 mph in 2.7 seconds in fourth gear and in 3.5 seconds in fifth gear.
The CS treatment also includes improved body rigidity through additional bracing, more powerful brakes, and various weight-saving measures. These weight-saving measures include carbon-ceramic rotors (available), a titanium exhaust system, and the extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for components like the hood, front splitter, front air intakes, side mirror caps, rear diffuser, and seat backs.
For the chassis, BMW said the suspension, steering, and braking systems all have tuning unique to the model. The settings for the electronic stability control system and M Dynamic Mode have also been optimized for track driving, according to the automaker. The wheels are light alloys measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, wrapped in 275/35-size tires at the front and 285/30-size tires at the rear.
2025 BMW M3 CS Touring
The U.S. received the M3 CS sedan for the 2024 model year, but don’t expect the wagon to make it here, as the regular M3 Touring remains off-limits for our market. BMW does offer the larger and more powerful M5 Touring here, however. Elsewhere, the M3 CS Touring will start deliveries in March.
The M3 CS Touring will be one of the final additions to the current M3 lineup. BMW has already been spotted testing prototypes for the next-generation M3, both with a gas engine and a new quad-motor electric powertrain. However, there is still significant development ahead, as the new M3 isn’t expected to arrive until around 2027.
