When you think 'four-door sports sedan', it has to be the BMW M3.
The Bavarian bruiser has long defined the genre — ensuring it has a target on its back constantly. And for as long as that's been true, the marque have pumped out special-edition models. Often with a few licks of extra performance under the bonnet ...
And, here's the latest. It's called the M3 CS, it's limited to 1200 cars world wide, and it brings increased power, Competition Package goodies, and an upgraded interior to an already intriguing segment.
Yes, a bit like the M4 CS.
The biggest upgrades are those to the 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo inline six (linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox). It's more or less the same set-up as what powers the M4 CS — developing 453hp (337kW) and 600Nm of torque, and lobbing the M3 from 0–100km/h in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 280km/h. Limited.
That's more than 20kW and 50Nm more power and torque than the standard M3. And that impressive 0–100km/h time makes this the quickest BMW M3 off the line ever made.
With weight coming down too (thanks to some light-weight panels), the M3 CS's power-to-weight ratio gets a boost as well — 213kW per tonne. That's more than even the Competition Package M3.
Inside, and the CS comes with many of the trinkets that we align with special limited-edition performance cars. Alcantara lines much of the dashboard, centre console, and door cards. CS logos are stamped and embroided as far as the eye can see, including on the dashboard and on the sill plates.
Perhaps the coolest things inside though are the two-tone Merino leather sport seats. There's something retro about their black and grey colour scheme, and the patterned inserts.
Will it come to New Zealand? Yes, in very limited numbers as confirmed to Driven by BMW New Zealand.
It's been reported that almost half of the production run will be going to the United States, meaning that the rest of the world will have to fight tooth and nail for the balance.
Want one? Good luck ...
