BMW M3 CS Touring launched at Mount Panorama circuit

BMW M will on Thursday use the legendary Mount Panorama racing circuit in Australia to reveal the new M3 CS Touring — the harder-core derivative of the new station-wagon shape launched in 2022. The third element of the compact CS range that includes a sedan and coupe also leans towards road and track usage.

It’s a limited-run model for customers in Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea and other markets that’s powered by the twin-turbo 3.0l in-line six-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Headline outputs are 405kW and 650Nm sent to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is in 3.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 300km/h thanks to the standard fitment M Driver’s Package.

Away from track conditions it has a combined fuel consumption of 10.5l/100km and CO₂ emissions of 238g/km while benefiting from similar motorsport potions, including the extensive use of weight-saving carbon fibre as a bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps and rear diffuser. The company says it weighs about 15kg less than the conventional BMW M3 Competition Touring. 

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case for smooth distribution of engine power between the front and rear wheels combines with an active M Differential at the rear axle, adjustable for 4WD Sport mode or the drifty 2WD mode with a drift analyser and lap-timer. Body rigidity can be increased further with the optional fitment of the M front end strut brace for the engine compartment.

Model-specific tuning for the chassis technology meets with a performance-focused M Compound braking system, specific weight distribution and electronically controlled dampers. Forged M light-alloy wheels in 19-inch front/20-inch rear sizes in a double-spoke design with a matt Gold Bronze or matt Black finish are part of the package, and shod with either sport or track rubber as a no-cost option.

Ultra-track tyres are also optional, which can be easily carted inside the 500l boot space luggage that’s extendable to 1,510l. The spacious cabin also gains the M Carbon bucket seats, CFRP steering wheel shift paddles, interior trim strips.

It retains daily functionality through electrically adjustable and heated seats covered in Merino leather, head-up display, iDrive and a curved display screen, the voice-activated AI assistant, comfort access, two-zone climate control and the Harman Kardon sound system, and the typical array of BMW safety and convenience systems including a 10-stage M Traction control, park distance control, parking assistant, front collision and lane departure warning systems. 

The BMW M3 CS Touring can be ordered with a paint finish in British racing green, Laguna Seca blue, Frozen solid white or Sapphire black metallic. The roof and roof spoiler are in black high-gloss and black model lettering and LED headlights that glow with signature yellow of CS badged BMW M models are further separators. 

BMW SA says it will market the limited model to local enthusiasts starting in 2026, with numbers not as yet confirmed.