We here at DRIVEN all love a good wagon, and a stupidly powerful and fast good wagon is even better, so it makes us extremely happy that BMW has whipped the covers off the M3 CS Touring at Bathurst before the 12-hour endurance race this weekend.
The reveal of the CS Touring is the first time the company has hosted the global unveiling of a new model in Australia since it began its operations in the country more than 45 years ago, and also comes after BMW M recorded its highest-ever sales total in Australia in 2024.
The M3 CS Touring is the latest addition to the BMW M line-up of motorsport-derived CS models and uses the same 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine as the standard M3 Touring Competition, but with the charge pressure from the two mono-scroll turbochargers jacked up to 2.1 bar for a maximum output of 405kW and 650Nm, a 15kW increase compared to the standard car.
The engine also has a specially designed mounts with increased spring rates to provide a more rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle’s structure, which BMW says leads to a "sharper engine response and more direct power transmission to the drivetrain."
BMW's "CS" ethos isn't just about extra power, however, it's also about reducing weight, which it has done here with the use of additional carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, such as the car’s bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps and rear diffuser.
CFRP is also extensively used in the cabin, most notably the centre console, seats and steering wheel-mounted shift paddle, and the various lightweight design measures bring a total weight saving of 15kg compared with the M3 Touring Competition.
As a result the CS Touring will rocket to 100km/h from a standing start in 3.5 seconds, and carry on to 200km/h in just 11.7 seconds, with a top speed of 300km/h thanks to the standard fitment of the M Driver’s Package.
BMW says the chassis has been "specifically tuned to complement the powertrain’s performance characteristics", with the dynamic stability control (DSC) and M Dynamic Mode settings have been calibrated for circuit driving, while the adaptive suspension includes electronically controlled dampers with a CS-specific setup and an M-specific front-end strut brace further enhances rigidity.
While going very fast is all fine and well, stopping then becomes even more important, so the M3 CS Touring features M Compound brakes with red calipers, with an option for carbon ceramic brakes being available.
The M-specific double spoke light-alloy wheels are available in matt gold bronze or matt black, and feature staggered diameters of 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear. The wheels are fitted with 275/35 ZR19 and 285/30 ZR20 track tyres as standard, with sport tyres available as a no-cost option, and the CS also features an M-specific exhaust system with electronically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer, and a "weight-minimising design".
Inside, the CS gets electronically adjustable and heated M Carbon bucket seats, an M Alcantara steering wheel, and “CS” badging, as well as a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch control display. The car also includes M Drive Professional, with track-optimised functions such as M Drift Analyser and M laptimer, along with BMW Live Cockpit Professional which includes cloud-based navigation, smartphone integration and wireless charging.
And, of course, it's a wagon so offers practicality on top of all that performance, with up to 1510 litres of cargo space in the rear, while options are simple: just the choice of tyres (no-cost), the carbon ceramic brakes (price to be confirmed, but don't expect much change out of $25 grand!) and your choice of colour (Laguna Seca Blue, British Racing Green, Frozen Solid White or Black Sapphire metallic) which is also a no-cost option.
Sadly, BMW NZ has confirmed that it won't be bringing the CS Touring here, but if you are absolutely determined to get one it will cost AU$253,900 in Australia, with deliveries expected in the middle of 2025.
