BMW M3 CS breaks cover

The 454bhp BMW M3 CS is now the fastest accelerating 3 Series.

A few months back, BMW revealed the limited edition M4 CS (Club Sport). Now, inevitably, the Club Sport treatment has made its way to the German company’s baby super saloon, the M3.

Just like the M4 CS, the M3 CS’ core focus is to cut some kilos off the standard M3’s bulk. Therefore, lightweight components like carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof & bonnet, and M Sport seats are used in its construction, resulting in a weight loss of 10kg over the standard M3. Adding to this is the more powerful motor - the twin-turbo, 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine in the CS pumps 454bhp and 600Nm - about 29bhp and 50Nm more than the base M3.

Consequently, the CS’ power-to-weight ratio, at 286bhp per tonne, is 20bhp per tonne more than the standard car - and even 8bhp per tonne more than the M3 Competition Package. The CS can dismiss the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating iteration of the M3. The exhaust on the M3 CS is also a bespoke unit.

However, the CS is not made to be a completely stripped-down model, instead it saves some kilos without giving up on essential creature comforts. So, adaptive suspension with three modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+), full climate control and a premium infotainment system powered by Harman Kardon acoustics are very much standard on the M3 CS. Additionally, you can spec the car with options like carbon-ceramic brakes and Alcantara interior trim.

On the outside, the CS’ alloy wheels are inspired by BMW’s DTM touring car, measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s are the standard tyre option. Also standard is an additional body kit - however, it’s pretty subtle, and quite reminiscent of the one offered on the M3 Competition Package.

Just like its coupe twin, the M3 CS is a limited edition model - with a production cap of 1,200 units. In the UK, the BMW M3 CS costs £86,380 (~Rs. 73.66 lakh).