BMW M set to reveal new M3 and M4 CS as part of 50th Anniversary celebrations
BMW M’s 50th anniversary year is shaping up to be a huge 12 months for the brand, with a new M2, the reveal of the first M3 Touring and the hotly anticipated M4 CSL all gearing up for their debuts in 2022. But the model offensive doesn’t stop there, because evo has seen details that confirm M is also working on new M3 and M4 CS models that will take a number of key components from the forthcoming M4 CSL, with the M4 CS potentially only offered with a manual transmission.
The new M3 CS is expected to share a similar collection of upgrades to BMW M’s previous CS models, combining a mild power upgrade, a more focused chassis setup and the addition of some lightweight features and new trim elements. However, unlike the M4 CSL, which will likely be rear-wheel drive only, the new M3 CS will follow the M5 CS in utilising BMW’s adaptive xDrive all-wheel drive system, creating some technical distance between it and the two-door CSL.
This new CS model will join the M3 Touring, which is also expected to only be available exclusively in Competition trim with xDrive all-wheel drive. Both the Touring and CS are also likely to pick up a range of other small changes due alongside the 3-series’s wider mid-cycle update, such as the switch to the slimline dashboard and floating infotainment screen setup first introduced on the all-electric BMW i4.
> BMW M3 Competition xDrive review
Accompanying the new M3 CS will be an additional M4 model that is expected to differ from its four-door CS relative by being only offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and be stripped of more equipment and feature light weight components such as forged alloy wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes; think of it as a CSL-lite. A technical requirement for such a model with a manual transmission will be a torque cap for the car’s 3-litre twin turbocharged straight-six, likely pegged at a similar number to non-Competition M3s available in most markets outside of the UK, so expect 406lb ft, 73lb ft down on the automatic-only Competition.
Both new M derivatives will arrive at a time when BMW M is pushing its agenda at full speed with high performance, high margin models it knows it can only continue to produce for a limited time.
When asked about both new M models a spokesperson said: “BMW doesn’t comment on future products”. However, it did point out that any future M products will be built in strictly limited numbers.
Keyword: New BMW M specials – M3 and M4 CS set to join growing M line up