Back in November 2017, BMW took the wraps off its new M3 CS. At the time, the Munich-based automaker released very few images of what could be considered the current-generation M3’s last hurrah (grab a copy of our June 2018 issue for some key insights into the next-generation M3). Now, however, the brand has dropped a bunch of fresh photographs.
The latest images show the M3 CS on track and on the road, and furthermore reveal a few more details in the new model’s cabin. Check out the gallery above…
We’ve also since learnt from BMW SA that the local launch of the M3 CS has been pushed back from the initially indicated May 2018 to September 2018. There’s good news, though: of the 1 200 units to be built globally, South Africa’s allocation has been increased from 15 to 20 units (although the local arm of the Munich-based automaker says they are “almost sold out”). The price? Some R1 773 500, which makes it R385 064 more than the M3 with Competition Package.
As a reminder, M3 CS sedan shares much with its M4 CS coupé sibling, including a slight bump in power and torque over the M3 with Competition Package (331 kW and 550 N.m). Indeed, the familiar 3,0-litre turbocharged inline-six makes 338 kW and 600 N.m in M3 CS guise, which is enough for a claimed zero to 100 km/h time of 3,9 seconds (that’s one-tenth faster than the Competition Package). The top speed, meanwhile, is pegged at 280 km/h.
Drive is directed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M DCT, while BMW says the sports exhaust system has been “specially tuned” for use in the M3 CS. The suspension set-up “largely mirrors” that of the M3 with Competition Package, with adaptive suspension fitted as standard.
The new M3 CS runs on special lightweight alloys, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber (265/35 R19 fore and 285/30 R20 after). If these semi-slick, road-legal cup tyres aren’t quite to your liking, BMW says you can order your M3 CS with Michelin Sport road tyres instead.
Like the M4 CS, this new model features a Gurney spoiler lip on the boot lid, although BMW says this particular item has been “designed specifically” for the M3 CS. There’s also a front splitter and a rear diffuser fashioned from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic.
The bonnet and roof are also made from this lightweight material, while you’ll find swathes of two-tone leather and Alcantara inside, along with a new red start/stop button. Interestingly, though, the M3 CS retains its interior door handles (and door panel trim) rather than adopting the lightweight pull hoops used by the M4 CS. A Harman Kardon surround sound system is also included. 
