2024 BMW M3 CS

Key Points: Signal Green, M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Gold Bronze Style 827M Wheels

At the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona, BMW unveiled the limited-production M3 CS. Boasting a power increase to 542hp and 479lb-ft from its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, and a weight reduction of 15kg compared to the M3 Competition, it is offered with the rear-biased M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, as well as an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and a variable Active M rear differential. It can launch from zero to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, and with the M Driver’s Package fitted as standard, it has an electronically limited top speed of 188 mph.

The CS has a lightweight construction featuring a number of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, as well as a bespoke chassis setup. The M Setup menu lets the driver switch from the default four-wheel drive setting to four-wheel drive Sport mode, which directs an even greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can also switch off the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system altogether and engage two-wheel drive mode, sending power solely to the rear wheels.

Key features include a set of exclusive 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged M light alloy wheels, M Carbon bucket seats, a titanium rear exhaust silencer, and a carbon fibre roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Its centre console, shift paddles and interior trim are also manufactured from CFRP.

Also fitted as standard is the M Drive Professional package, featuring the M Drift Analyser, the M Laptimer system, and the ten-stage M Traction Control system. The M Mode button on the centre console, also part of the M Drive Professional package, can be used to adjust both the level of driver assistance system activity and the content shown in the information display.

Inside, the CS features BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, as well as satellite navigation, the BMW Intelligent personal assistant, smartphone integration and wireless phone charging. Comfort features and driver assistance systems include two-zone automatic climate control, the Harman/Kardon audio system, Park Distance Control (PDC), front collision warning and lane departure warning.