BMW’s CS designation denotes its flagship performance models, a badge bestowed on the brand’s most exceptional, track-focused, and street-usable cars.
The brand-new 2024 BMW M3 CS boasts a retuned engine with enhanced boost pressure and an additional 40 horsepower, leveraging cooling technology borrowed from its GT3 racing counterpart for exceptional performance. The powertrain features reinforced engine mounts for increased stiffness, while optional carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires – designed to provide maximum grip – enable the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, outpacing even the M4 CSL.
The CS Temporary was designed for scintillating efficiency, allowing everyday use without sacrificing usability, unlike the M4 CSL’s compromised approach. The M3 CS maintains its all-wheel-drive setup to ensure exceptional grip, while also adopting the same rear-differential decoupling mechanism as the M5, allowing drivers to fully immerse themselves in a rear-wheel drive experience when desired. To handle the considerable 543 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, the eight-speed computerized transmission needed significant bolstering, rendering a manual gearbox insufficient to manage such potent power output, despite its inherent advantages in terms of driver involvement. Porsche’s RS division crafts a bespoke automotive experience.
With weight reduction a key objective, BMW employed innovative materials to pare down the CS’s weight, utilizing lightweight carbon-fiber reinforced plastics for the roof, front hood, seats, center console, and exterior aerodynamic package. With the addition of a lightweight titanium rear silencer, this combination results in a substantial 34kg weight reduction compared to the M3 Competition xDrive model. While the difference may not be substantial in isolation, collectively these features still yield a noticeable advantage on the road.
Unlike many other efficiency sedans currently available on the market, none are as raw and track-focused as this model. While the four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C 63 and aging Audi RS 5 Efficiency fall short in terms of overall efficiency, the CS leaves them both in its dust with its unparalleled performance capabilities. While the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing may be unusually competitive, it’s likely that you’d find an Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA or Jaguar XE SVR on the used market somewhere in the world that would adhere to the same standards.
As you fire up the inline-six engine and take your initial grasp of the throttle, mastering this moment becomes a distinct skill in its own right. While the CS’s engine produces a familiar BMW din with metallic whining sounds, it is interestingly quiet enough at 3,500 rpm to remain stealthy, not disturbing anyone. While not a soul-stirring, charming, or even pleasant harmony, the raw octaves harmonize with the M3 seamlessly, much like how heavy metal complements a DOOM playthrough – an unlikely yet fitting pairing that wouldn’t resonate equally with jazz or classical settings.
The ensuing acceleration is depraved. The seamless integration of an 8-speed transmission into a modern vehicle’s computerized system is a testament to the ingenuity of automotive engineers, allowing for swift and refined gear shifts that elevate the overall driving experience. Despite being a relatively new technology, shifts are dispatched remarkably quickly, outpacing many dual-clutch transmissions available in the market today; its strength is more than adequate to effectively manage the significant amount of torque generated. The powertrain displays a distinct aversion to languid driving when operating in its most spirited settings, responding with abrupt accelerations and jarring hesitations whenever throttle inputs fall short of 50 percent. A car that’s eager to get moving, it strains to make progress.
When initially exploring the Comprehensive Survey (CS), you uncover the fundamental moment you jump into its vast expanse. As you slip behind the wheel of an M4 GT3, the prospect of a high-stakes Le Mans qualifying lap unfolds like a complex puzzle, requiring precision calibration of numerous settings, parameters, and drive modes to navigate the challenge without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of variables. When experimenting with settings, users can identify their most frequently used configurations and store them on one of two customizable M button slots on the steering wheel for rapid recall.
We highly recommend selecting the MDM Traction Mode, which is our top pick for a thrilling experience. The methods are calibrated to allow for deliberate energy oversteer and the thrill of controlled drifts, yet caution is required to prevent over-enthusiastic inputs from getting out of hand. As a gentle breeze lifts the burdened soul, this ethereal being delights in liberating individuals from temporal constraints, bestowing upon them a fleeting sense of liberation. Without electronic nannies to rein them in, the M3 CS’s exuberant personality is free to unfurl and fully disconnect from its traction control systems. As the nostrils expertly navigate tight corners, their precise movement will leave even the most skilled sports sedans in awe. As the driver skillfully manipulates the pedals, the vehicle seamlessly transitions into a rear-controlled slide, characterized by a subtle yet precise application of both throttle and reverse lock – a move that belies its apparent simplicity.
With the Michelin Cup 2 tires, a deliberate shift of weight from the rear axle is required to unlock the full potential of their mechanical grip, leveraging inertia and momentum for enhanced performance. The rear can be coaxed into play, yielding a surprisingly controlled and manageable performance reminiscent of the expertly tuned electronic stability control systems found in the Lamborghini Huracan and Urus – spirited, yet refined rather than overly cautious. It’s adept at recognizing when to curtail the moment and defuse a smile-boosting instant. Ultimately, drivers would likely opt to fully disable all-wheel drive (AWD) features, though the system does offer an impressive ten levels of adjustable traction control settings – akin to a high-performance mode like that found in the AMG GT R – allowing even novice users to gradually become accustomed to the CS’s unique dynamics.
While we’ve often praised the CS’s sporty abilities, we were pleasantly surprised to discover a remarkably tame nature when engaging its more subdued driving settings and muffling the exhaust valves. With a swift press of the accelerator, the exhaust note remains hushed and understated. Even without the reduced cabin insulation, the vehicle remains eerily silent. Despite the sound of stones and pebbles hitting the underside, the powertrain seamlessly shifts through its eight gears, moving quietly behind closed doors. While the suspension is indeed stiffer than what you’d typically find in an M3, its firmness is predictably consistent with the car’s overall performance-focused design. Sturdier than a well-sorted Honda Civic Type R, yet less extreme in its dynamics than a track-honed Porsche 911 GT3 RS on an empty motorway. While the carbon-ceramic brakes incorporate a chewable material, their unique design ensures they remain silent even in cold temperatures, eliminating any awkward squealing sounds when stopping at intersections.
Will this paint color truly have the desired impact? While the Sign Inexperienced trim is an acquired taste, there are alternative options available for those who prefer something different: Brooklyn Gray Metallic, Sapphire Black Metallic, and Frozen Steel White provide a range of choices for consumers to suit their individual preferences. Notwithstanding, the gleaming gold wheels prove a sweet indulgence, while the sleek, low-slung titanium exhaust hangs tantalizingly behind the rear bumper, begging to be noticed. The CS upgrades feature a subtle yet striking lip spoiler, a prominent M3 badge on the front quarter panel, and a sleek black hood stripe that adds a touch of sophistication.
The M3’s notorious kidney grille suddenly appears more appealing, thanks to its sleek GT3-inspired inlets. The sleek design incorporates a potential destructive zone, reduced horizontal slats, and a prominent front grille that gives the CS a chiseled appearance reminiscent of a California governor. While a minimalist design is appealing, it’s unclear what benefits this would bring; however, the prospect of eliminating clutter by removing unnecessary components could have its advantages? To further sweeten the offer, the CS boasts yellow headlights mirroring those on its racing vehicles, which only illuminate in low-beam, high-beam, or upon vehicle unlocking.
Wrapped in a luxurious blend of carbon fibre, Alcantara suede, and supple leather, the interior of this high-performance vehicle exudes a sporty sophistication. The mid-armrest cowl has vanished, replaced by an uncovered storage compartment and a leather-wrapped wrist rest emblazoned with a CS badge, making it a useful feature when navigating the rotary dial’s twists. Despite being a last-generation feature, the BMW rotary dial still offers a tactile experience that’s superior to using modern touchscreens. The controller’s subtle haptic feedback and intuitive rotation cues make it noticeably more reactive than those found in the iX and i4’s latest dial designs. The latest products require increased momentum to initiate and feature a narrower tolerance range for precise movement. Despite some initial teething issues, every product remains committed to delivering exceptional value and seamlessly optimizing the user experience through its intuitive touchscreen interface.
While BMW may have prioritized weight reduction further if it were a paramount concern, it seems they deliberately sought to maintain a balance between lightness and usability for their drivers navigating daily commutes. While the Wi-Fi cellphone charger and heated seats represent modest upgrades, the absence of a central storage compartment and 360-degree camera feels like an oversight, leaving one wondering why these features were deliberately omitted from the package. Consider streamlining the vehicle by eliminating rear seats, incorporating a sturdy roll cage and fire extinguisher, replacing traditional handles with rugged fabric door pulls, and installing thin, lightweight window panes for enhanced aerodynamics. Seems unclear about criteria for exclusion and emphasis.
Notwithstanding, BMW stands out as the sole manufacturer observed to harmonize the exterior paint colour with the on-screen vehicles depicted. With meticulous attention to detail, this case is a perfect replica of its original counterpart, featuring the signature Sign Inexperienced paint job and authentic gold wheels, leaving nothing to be desired. Flipping the wheel or tapping the signal stalk triggers the display to accurately reflect the current gear selection from the driver’s perspective. While luxury brands like Land Rover, Audi, or Mercedes may not offer such customization options, we still demand a unique and personalized experience from our vehicles. A few key tweaks can significantly enhance the driving dynamics and make it truly one-of-a-kind.
While the carbon fiber trim adds a touch of sophistication to the interior, it’s undoubtedly the striking carbon bucket seats that truly steal the spotlight. While their imposing appearance may suggest otherwise, these products are surprisingly accommodating once installed. Hopping into a car’s driver’s seat can be just as challenging as squeezing into a cramped bucket seat. Porsche’s seats, with their robust side bolsters, can be quite unforgiving, requiring deliberate entry movements to avoid a snug, if not unpleasant, fit.
The seatback is adjustable solely in the fore-and-aft direction, with no provision for adjusting the headrest. The seat isn’t merely desired – it’s an invitation to sink in, with its sumptuous texture and inviting contours. The driver’s seat can be adjusted to a remarkably low position, allowing occupants to feel almost flush with the pavement beneath. The seats feature recessed mounts for three-point seatbelts and boast a reduced weight profile compared to standard sport seats, albeit with only minimal mass savings, as they still incorporate amenities like heating, memory settings, and electronic adjustment. The iconic CS emblem shines brightly at night, a beacon of pride and identity.
The BMW M3 CS is a high-performance sedan that expertly balances its racing instincts with its highway comfort. A noticeable leap forward from its M3 competitors, this car springs to life as soon as you fire up the potent inline-six engine, delivering a driving experience akin to that of a high-performance racecar. Despite being an AWD system, the vehicle’s exceptional mechanical grip minimizes any performance compromise that might arise from driving in poor weather conditions. As the CS hurtles forward at breakneck velocities, only to abruptly slow down just as quickly, one can’t help but question BMW’s reported fuel efficiency claims – this vehicle’s performance seems more akin to that of a high-performance supercar than a mere luxury sedan. While its highway comfort and entry ergonomics are somewhat compromised, the compromise is well worth making. The comprehensive solution encompasses the entirety of the package.
2024 BMW M3 CS
Sign Inexperienced
$148,000
$162,900
3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six
543 hp @ 7,200 rpm
With a maximum torque output of 479 pound-feet and a powerband spanning 2,750 to 5,950 revolutions per minute?
8-speed computerized
Entrance engine, AWD
17.5
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
