550hp BMW M3 CS is the most powerful M3 yet

BMW has taken the wraps off its most powerful M3 ever, the F80 M3 CS, which is even more powerful than the BMW M3 competition. The BMW M3 CS will be sold in sedan bodystyle only and in limited numbers worldwide. 

1. BMW M3 sedan gets 550hp twin-turbo petrol
2. Does 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds
3. Gets BMW’s xDrive AWD tech with selectable RWD

BMW M3 CS: design and interior 

The M3 CS is set apart from the M3 Competition visually by a raft of design tweaks, such as an angrier-looking, open front grille designed to match the front end of BMW’s GT4-spec M4 racer. Gaping air intakes round off the new-look nose. These are joined by a host of items that enhance aerodynamics, such as a wide front splitter and a lipped rear spoiler. It gets special V-spoke gold wheels – 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear – shod with track-focused tyres. The M compound brakes come with red calipers, while carbon-ceramic brakes are also available.

The interior broadly matches that of the M3 Competition, which means it gets BMW’s newest widescreen infotainment set-up, but Merino leather seats are fitted as standard and CS badging features throughout.

BMW M3 CS: performance

The new BMW M3 CS sedan adds 40hp over the already powerful M3 Competition. Its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six – an uprated version of the same engine found in the standard BMW M3 and BMW M4 – can propel the M3 CS to 100kph from a standstill in just 3.4sec. 

Accelerating from 80-121kph takes just 2.6sec and the top speed is electronically limited to 303kph. The straight-six engine is tuned to deliver 650Nm, which is distributed by BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system. It also gets a selectable RWD feature. 

BMW M3 CS: platform and construction

One of the keys to the M3 CS’s performance figures is its lighter body, made through the extensive use of lightweight materials across the car (such as carbon fibre for the roof) and switching out components for lighter alternatives (such as carbon fibre bucket seats and a titanium rear silencer). In total, the M3 CS is 20kg lighter than the 1,780kg M3 Competition.

Underneath, the chassis is for the most part the same as the M3 Competition’s, albeit with a bespoke set-up. The M Dynamic driving mode has been geared towards high-speed circuit driving, for example. Other bits include individually tuned axle kinematics and wheel camber settings, dampers, auxiliary springs and anti-roll bars. 

The M3 competition will be produced in a limited but undisclosed number. Customer deliveries will begin in March.