BMW M3 CS Touring: high-performance car blending practicality with track thrills
BMW has launched the most radical version of the M3 Touring. The CS, or “Competition Sport,” is a series reserved for those who want to buy something more than an M Car. These models get special upgrades that are more centred around the driver than ever before. The M3 Touring is the estate version of the popular performance sedan, increasing practicality with the estate form factor. This also makes it the first ever CS to be a station wagon in the brand’s illustrious high-performance lineup!
Styling Changes
The M3 CS Touring looks similar to the non-CS M3 Touring which is why it is important to observe the details. There are new diagonal LED headlights which can glow yellow! The signature and controversially big kidney grilles, get a Y-shaped horizontal design with red accents. The hood also gets two naked ducts, aiding engine cooling and prioritising performance.
Not to mention, the carbon fibre splitter is also more pronounced on the CS.
The side profile of the M3 CS Touring also received a change as the wheels received new designs which measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. These wheels can be optioned to be painted bronze to add a track-focused touch! The rear also gets M3 CS badging that is blacked out with red accents to signify it is a CS! The carbon fibre diffuser also looks more meaty on the high-performance station wagon.
Interior
The interior of the M3 looks driver-focused and receives a wash of carbon fibre which can be noticed on the dashboard and centre console. It is also finished in a combination of leather and Alcantara to save weight. The German station wagon is supposed to be a daily driver so features BMW Live Cockpit Professional brings cloud-based BMW Maps and Heads Up Display with M Specific Content, a wireless phone charger as well a Wi-Fi interface. The M3 CS Touring will also be optioned with BMW Drive Recorder which will allow users to observe their spirited driving techniques.
The interior also gets M Bucket Seats with illuminated CS badges and features an aggressive Red and Black contrast stitching, flat bottom Alcantara M steering wheel with red 12’o clock marking and CFRP Paddle Shifters. In addition to that, the interior receives several creature comforts such as Forward Collision Warning, Park Distance Control and the Parking Assistant, Lane Departure Warning and the Speed Limit Info system, Comfort Access, dual-zone automatic climate control and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System as standard.
Engine & Performance Details
The main upgrades in the CS revolve around the engine. It is powered by the same 3.0-litre Twin Turbo 6-cylinder engine which gets an additional 20 HP. This means that it produces 543 HP and 650 Nm of torque. It was possible by increasing turbo boost pressure from 24.7 PSI to 30.5 PSI.
The CS also receives engine upgrades such as stiffer engine mounts, an upgraded cooling system and an oil supply system tailored to high-performance driving. There will also be the presence of an optional strut brace for the engine compartment for increased rigidity.
The engine powers all four wheels via the M xDrive AWD System via an 8-speed automatic Transmission. The M3 CS Touring does 0-100 km/hr in a blistering 3.5 seconds and 0-200 km/hr in 11.7 seconds. The M3 CS Touring also comes standard with the electronically limited top speed of 300 km/hr! There are also improved DSC damper settings tailored for committed track driving as well as improved electronically controlled dampers which offer a greater sense of spirited driving.
Unique Driver Focused Features
The M3 CS Touring also gets an M Drive Professional System that contains an M Drift Analyser and an M Lap Timer. The M Drift Analyser gives the M3 CS Touring ability to go sideways and automatically detects and evaluates when the vehicle is drifting, providing data on the drift’s duration, steering angle, yaw rate, wheel spin, and tyre temperatures to identify and assess drifts and allow drivers to improve their drifting technique.
Outlook
The BMW M3 CS Touring also saves 15 kg over the standard M3 to improve the power-to-weight ratio. Overall, the CS Touring is made for a family-oriented buyer who would be impressed by the 500-1510 litres of space as well as the features that mobilise spirited driving. This makes the M3 CS Touring the best one-car solution with its versatility.
However, considering India is not a favourable market for estates, it is not expected that the M3 CS Touring will come to India. It will be made in limited numbers but exact details are still hidden. Buyers currently would need to make do with M4 CS if they want to experience the ultimate version of the ultimate driving machine.
