Turning ‘family wagon’ up to 11, BMW has unveiled an even higher-performance version of the M3 Touring, called the M3 CS Touring. Yep, a wagon track car. Do you really need anything else in life? The new model made its global debut at the Bathurst 12 Hour event kicking off this week.
The BMW M3 CS Touring is, as you’d expect, a wagon version of the latest CS. It features various mechanical and cosmetic enhancements, mostly aimed at improving performance. Some weight has been deducted thanks to carbon fibre bits and pieces, and the chassis and suspension have been tuned to increase grip and handling capability.
Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine producing a mega 405kW and 650Nm. Acceleration across 0-100km/h takes 3.5 seconds and 0-200km/h takes 11.7 seconds, partly thanks to an adjustable all-wheel drive system and quick-shifting eight-speed automatic (with a RWD setting). The top speed is 300km/h, making it one of the fastest factory wagons on sale in Australia.
For the exterior, red highlights around the front grilles and carbon fibre skirting separate the CS from the ‘regular’ M3 wagon, with unique wheels wrapped in 275/35 ZR19 and 285/30 ZR20 tyres (front and rear), a carbon fibre bonnet, side mirrors and rear diffuser helping to save weight.
Inside, special CS M Carbon bucket seats cradle the front passengers, with more carbon fibre trimmings across the dash and console, with CS logos to help stamp its status. BMW says around 15kg is cut from the regular M3 Touring’s weight overall. It doesn’t feature a carbon roof like the sedan, but the roof is painted in gloss black for the CS.
BMW Australia has confirmed the CS Touring will be heading to local showrooms. And like the sedan, this will be a strict limited edition. Prices start from $253,900 (excluding on-road costs), with deliveries scheduled to commence “approximately mid-2025”. Colours available will be; British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Frozen Solid White and Sapphire Black metallic. BMW Australia CEO, Wolfgang Buechel, said:
“Record-breaking sales results for BMW M again show that Australians are true appreciators of cars with emotion and performance. However, it also highlights that our strategy – with support of our dealer partners – is hitting the mark and delivering compelling solutions, of all powertrain types, to our customers.”
