With the first-ever BMW M3 CS Touring, the prestige German car maker adds another special edition model to its high-performance vehicle line-up. This exclusive new derivative builds on the success of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with ‘M xDrive’ (all-wheel-drive), further enhancing its unique combination of exhilarating performance and exceptional practicality. For the uninitiated, CS stands for ‘Club Sport’ which means power and performance has been increased and as ever with BMW, this sporting yet practical car retains the legendary BMW handling characteristics.
The Power
Upgraded ‘M Twin-Turbo’ technology ensures linear power delivery, raising the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers to deliver increased engine power. Add to this a bespoke chassis tuning and minimised weight, aided by numerous components made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, results in the new BMW M3 CS Touring offering the necessary ingredients for a truly compelling driving experience. With an active differential and optional sport or track tyres, this great car offers the family driver the best of both worlds. It will carry your family in safety while providing the drive of your life; it is a BMW after all.
The six-cylinder in-line engine, delivering an impressive 550bhp (557PS) is combined with an eight-speed ‘M Steptronic’ transmission and ‘M xDrive’ all-wheel drive, enabling the BMW M3CS Touring to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph. Standard on this version is an M-specific exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimising design and two pairs of tailpipes painted in matt Black. The engine’s acoustic presence varies according to the engine profile selected by the driver from the M Setup menu, with ‘SPORT’ or ‘SPORT+’ mode producing a particularly aggressive soundstage, especially through gear changes and the accompanying adjustments in rev speed.
The Exterior
The M3 CS Touring combines thrilling M performance with a versatile and practical body concept, offering generous space, particularly in the rear where storage capacity can be expanded from 500 litres to a maximum of 1,510 litres with the split rear seats folded.
As standard, the special edition M3 is equipped with an array of exposed carbon fibre components, including the front splitter, front air intakes and M exterior mirror caps. All these features draw a visually striking contrast with four special exterior paint options: ‘British Racing Green’, ‘Frozen Solid White’, ‘Black Sapphire’ metallic or, as seen here, the rather tasty ‘Laguna Seca Blue’. Very nice. The roof and model-specific roof spoiler are painted in Black high-gloss. Exclusive to the BMW M3 CS Touring, the roof spoiler is additionally topped with an eye-catching red contour.
The front-end design is characterised by a weight-minimised, stripped-back and frameless BMW M kidney grille, where black model lettering adorns the upper of the two horizontal grille slats. The kidney grille is also bordered by a CS-specific red contour line. The model badge at the front and its counterpart on the boot lid also have black surfaces with a red contour. Positioned either side of the kidney grille are LED icon headlights which glow yellow in a clear homage to motor-sport traditions.
The Interior
The inside of this exceptionally quick estate car (station wagon) blends a performance-focused cockpit with digital technology and exclusive design features. Electrically adjustable and heated ‘M Carbon’ bucket seats are fitted as standard for the driver and front passenger. Each have integral head restraints, an illuminated ‘CS’ model badge and surfaces draped in full Merino leather. Their exclusive Black/Red design is also adopted by the rear seats and all door panels are trimmed with black leather.
The standard ‘M Alcantara’ steering wheel in three-spoke design, with its flat-bottomed rim and red centre marker in the 12 o’clock position, brings an authentic racing flair to the cabin. Further M-specific details include, again, the red ‘CS’ badge on the centre console, M seat belts and door sill plates which also bear the model designation.
The latest design BMW ‘Curved Display’ and ‘Operating System 8.5’ provide intuitive control over numerous vehicle functions and digital services, many of which can also be operated via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. An M-specific set up button on the centre console provides direct access to the settings for the engine, chassis, steering, brakes and M xDrive. In addition, two individually configurable set up variants can be stored permanently and retrieved using the M buttons on the steering wheel, offering drivers further customisation for the engine sound, dynamic stability control, automatic Start/Stop function and the shift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
The M3 CS Touring also comes as standard with the ‘M Drive Professional’ system with track-optimised functions such as the ‘M Drift Analyser’ and ‘M Lap-timer’. This system also includes 10-stage ‘M Traction Control’ to provide a fully customisable driving experience on the track. Another feature of ‘M Drive Professional’ is the M Mode button on the centre console which can be used to configure the driver assistance systems and the content shown on both the information display and Head-Up Display. Drivers can choose between ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings here.
The vehicle also features the ‘BMW Curved Display’ and ‘BMW Operating System 8.5’ to provide intuitive control over numerous vehicle functions and digital services, many of which can also be operated via the ‘BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant’. The M-specific view on the 12.3 inch information display features M Shift Lights at its upper edge, while the status of the driving stability systems, M xDrive and traction control can be found in the lower portion of the screen. Widgets for vehicle setup, tyre pressure and temperature are accessible via the home screen of the 14.9 inch control display.
Other features supplied as standard include Comfort Access, two-zone automatic climate control and the ‘Harman Kardon Surround Sound System’. ‘Park Distance Control’ and the ‘Parking Assistant’, ‘Driving Assistant’, ‘Front Collision Warning’, ‘Lane Departure Warning’ and the ‘Speed Limit Info’ system are also standard fit.
BMW & MHH International
As is well known, BMW offer a vast range of vehicles, fuel, electric and hybrid, from growling beasts like this featured model to large SUV’s and standard saloons. Something for everyone, as they say. You can see our current stock of BMW cars here. There is sure to be something to suit most motorists. Don’t forget that with the tried and tested MHH International export service your next BMW could be safely shipped to destinations around the world. You can find the list of countries served and information about VAT reclaim services or get in touch with us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.
