- BMW reveals 2024 BMW M3 CS with more hp and better performance than ever
- The sedan ditches some 20 kg thanks to carbon-fibre parts inside and out
- A revised 3.0L turbo six-cylinder makes 550 hp, 39 more than the M3 Competition
BMW is adding another performance variant to the M3 family: say ‘Hi’ to the 2024 BMW M3 CS. Engineers have plugged in the M3’s 3.0-litre turbo straight-six, but added more power by adjusting turbo boost pressure and engine mounts, and by making further changes to the ECU so the unit now cranks out 479 lb-ft of torque and 550 hp, a few dozen horsepower more than the M3 Competition, and enough to match the M4 CSL.
But thanks to the new CS’s AWD setup and lightweight design (it’s 20 kg lighter than the standard M3 Competition, with carbon fibre in the roof, aero bits, hood, splitter, intake, and more) it performs the zero-to-100-km/h dance a few tenths of a second quicker than the M4 CSL, at 3.4 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, is 302 km/h.
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Power moves from the engine to the M’s four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission (no manual this time, folks) and has a rear-wheel bias that becomes more apparent in 4WD Sport Mode — or it can be switched to RWD completely by turning off the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) altogether. As BMW puts it, “this setting engages skilled drivers in the driving experience to an even more intense degree.”
To improve handling, BMW tuned the electronically controlled dampers and anti-roll bars, and dialed in special wheel camber and axle settings. Steering is also CS-specific. Stopping power comes from standard special-edition M compound brakes with red or black calipers; or M carbon-ceramic brakes with gold or red calipers. Those will put the pinch on 19-inch wheels up front; and 20-inch wheels in the back, wrapped in 275/35 ZR19 tires and 285/30 ZR20 tires, respectively. Drivers who don’t want the designated track tires as standard can opt for high-performance rubbers at no charge instead.
2024 BMW M3 CS Photo by BMW
2024 BMW M3 CS Photo by BMW
2024 BMW M3 CS Photo by BMW
2024 BMW M3 CS Photo by BMW
2024 BMW M3 CS Photo by BMW
2024 BMW M3 CS Photo by BMW
2024 BMW M3 CS Photo by BMW
2024 BMW M3 CS Photo by BMW
Exterior markings that clearly identify the M3 CS include a kidney grille with an “M3 CS” badge on the upper section, with red highlights surrounding it. And like the M5 CS, DRLs project yellow light like motorsport cars, rather than the normal white. Inside, M carbon bucket seats come standard in black Merino leather, and are complemented by red accents and stitching, a CS logo on the console, an Alcantara-wrapped M steering wheel with carbon-fibre paddles, and “M3 CS” etchings on the door sill plates. Paint options include Frozen White, Black Sapphire metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, or, for a little extra, the pictured BMW Individual Signal Green.
Production of the limited-run 2024 BMW M3 CS is set to begin in March, with models starting at US$119,695, destination included, nearly $40,000 more than the lesser Competition.
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Keyword: BMW's 2024 M3 CS adds more power, style to top Competition trim