The 2023 BMW M4 CSL sold out in record time after it was unveiled in May of last year, and today, the M3 is receiving a similar treatment with a ‘CS’ badge that indicates more power, connection with the road, and exclusivity to match. Most importantly, it’s due in Australia following launches of XM, M3 Touring and second generation M2 and is priced from a rather tasty $249,900 AUD plus on-road costs.
It’s everything you expect from a BMW ‘CS’ product, with a lightweight construction thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), increased engine output, unique chassis setup, special design features, and a honed driving experience that’s suitable for road and track.
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Related: The new BMW M3 CS shares a lot in common with the BMW M4 CSL.
First and foremost, the engine is a special unit that’s been lifted from the DTM racing car. The 3.0-litres of displacement remains the same, but there’s a sleeve-free crankcase, a closed-deck head for rigidity, and forged lightweight crankshafts for extremely high levels of torque.
This makes way for an increase in boost pressure and results in a power figure of 405kW – an increase of 30kW/ 40HP over the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive – while still providing an impressive combined fuel consumption of 9.8l/100km. Peak torque of 650Nm is available from 2,750rpm and sustains it all the way to 5,950rpm. A titanium muffler saves 4kg and adds an unmissable soundtrack to the equation.
As expected, acceleration times are immense, the new BMW M3 CS goes from 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and 0-200km/h in 11.1 seconds.
Under the skin, you’ll find an M xDrive all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case for variable distribution of the engine power between the front and rear wheels. Just like the BMW M5, drivers can switch off the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system altogether and engage 2WD mode for some warranted hooliganism.
Related: 2022 BMW 230i Review
Design highlights include the extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) throughout the interior and exterior for a weight saving of 20kg. Carbon fibre can be found on the roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Inside, the centre console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips received the same treatment. All of the above is complemented by standard M Carbon bucket seats.
The 2023 BMW M3 CS is due in Australia in the second half of 2023 in a “limited run” and is priced at $249,900 AUD plus on-road costs. That’s $74,600 more than the M3 Competition xDrive model ($175,300) or nearly $100,000 more than the M3 manual. Carbon-ceramic brakes are the only option, priced at $16,500 AUD. Buyers can choose from any of the no-cost optional paint codes listed below.
2023 BMW M3 CS Features List
CS-specific factory equipment
- CS model specific Full Leather Merino upholstery
- 19-inch/20-inch M light alloy wheels star spoke 827M with track tyres
- M Compound brake, red high-gloss
- M Carbon bucket seats, electric and heated function
- M Alcantara steering wheel
- BMW Laserlight with yellow detail
- M Carbon exterior package
- M Driver’s Package – 305km/h top speed and BMW M Advance 2 driving course
- Carbon bonnet and roof
- Carbon front splitter, blades and air intake
- Titanium exhaust with tail pipes in matt black
- CS-specific engine mounting
Carryover equipment from BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive
- Tyre pressure indicator
- Tyre repair kit
- Adaptive M suspension
- Alarm system
- Comfort Access system
- BMW M lights Shadowline
- M seat belts
- Seat heating, front
- Interior trim finishers, Carbon Fibre
- Ambient Lighting
- Automatic 2-zone air conditioning
- BMW M Head-Up Display
- DAB+ tuner
- Live Cockpit Professional
- Connected Package Professional
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Equipment specifically added to M3 CS
- M front end strut brace
- Driving Assistant
- Parking Assistant
Choice of BMW Individual and metallic paint finishes
- Frozen Solid White
- BMW Individual Signal Green
- M Brooklyn Grey metallic
- Black Sapphire metallic
Equipment removed from M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive
- Storage compartment package
- Galvanic embellishers for controls
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus
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