BMW Launches the 460-HP Inline-Six Sedan, the M3 CS

BMW M3 CS

BMW Launches the 460-HP Inline-Six Sedan, the M3 CS

On February 20, BMW announced the launch of the "M3 CS," a limited-edition model of 30 units, which achieves circuit performance equivalent to the "M4 CS" released in 2017, based on the high-performance sports car "M3 Competition."

Text by HARA Akira

A Harmonious Blend of Circuit Performance and Daily Driving

The BMW "M3 CS" is a model developed by BMW M GmbH to further enhance driving performance within the lineup of the3 Series"" and theM3"" lineup, based on theM3 Competition"" and further developed to improve circuit performance. As a result, both sports driving and daily driving have been refined to a new level.

The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine produces a maximum output of 460 ps (338 kW) at 6,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 600 Nm between 4,000 and 5,380 rpm. With an increase of 10 ps and 50 Nm compared to the M3 Competition, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is under 4 seconds at 3.9 seconds (European measurement), achieving sports car-level performance in a four-door sedan.

The exterior features a CFRP-made exclusive front and rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, and specially developed front 19-inch and rear 20-inch Orbit Grey lightweight forged alloy wheels. The twin-flow exhaust system with four tailpipes produces the sporty engine sound characteristic of M models.

The interior is appointed with a lightweight center console, exclusive bucket seats in black and silver Merino leather, and special Alcantara Anthracite trim engraved with "M3 CS."

In terms of driving dynamics, it is equipped with adaptive M suspension that allows selection between three modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Active M Differential, which are always linked, normally function to stabilize the vehicle by controlling behaviors such as understeer and oversteer. However, in the M3 CS's M Dynamic Mode (MDM), the allowable range of wheel slip is expanded, enabling mild drifting. This allows for dynamic driving enjoyment on the circuit.

The price is 15.78 million yen. The price for the 2018 model of the M4 CS has also been revised to 16.3 million yen with the addition of some equipment.