Australian specifications and pricing have been announced for the 2018 BMW M3 CS, the flagship 3 Series model is due to arrive in June with a starting price of $179,900 plus on-road costs.
To get behind the wheel of what BMW describes as “the most potent M3 ever built” requires an additional $33,000 over the Competition variant and a nutty $50,000 over the entry-level Pure.
Power comes from a slightly upgraded twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine that generates 338kW and 600Nm, an increase of 7kW of power and 50Nm torque over the Competition model. Drive is taken to the rear axle via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The additional power allows the M3 CS to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds – a whole 0.1 seconds faster than the M3 Pure and M3 Competition variants. With the M Driver’s Package included, the top speed is electronically-limited to 280km/h.
As with the M4 CS, BMW has deployed carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to keep the weight down, the bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and ‘Gurney’ boot-lip are all made of the material.
The M3 CS also gets adaptive LED headlights, Quad 80mm stainless steel tailpipes with engraved M logos, adaptive M suspension and an active M differential as standard.
On the inside, buyers get the BMW Individual full Merino leather trim, head-up display, 12-speaker audio and an 8.8 inch infotainment system.
Being a flagship model, the M3 CS doesn’t have a long options list, buyers can add front and rear carbon-ceramic brakes, a rear roller sunblind, sun protection glazing, a headlight washer system, TV option for the infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay integration.
The M3 CS officially goes on sale locally in June with production limited to 1200 units globally.
BMW M3 CS standard equipment highlights:
Mixed, forged light-alloy wheels, featuring 19-inch front and 20-inch rear diameters
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard; Super Sport tyres are a no-cost option
CFRP roof, bonnet, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear gurney flap
Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Black Line LED tail lights
Quad 80mm stainless steel tailpipes, engraved with M emblems
Seven-speed M DCT transmission
CFRP prop shaft
Specifically tuned Adaptive M suspension
M Drive Modes with specific calibrations
Active M differential
M Driver’s Package, with top speed increased to 280km/h
Full leather Merino upholstery in bicolour Black/Silverstone
BMW Individual Full leather interior trim, in bicolour Black/Silverstone
Head-Up Display with specific M contents
Front and rear Park Distance Control
12-speaker HiFi system, specially adapted for the M3 CS
Navigation system Professional with an 8.8-inch touch screen display
Cruise control with braking function
Speed Limit Info
BMW Connected+
BMW ConnectedDrive Services including real-time traffic information, Intelligent
Emergency Call, TeleServices, Remote Services and ConnectedDrive Freedom including Concierge Services
2018 BMW M3 pricing (excludes on-road costs):
M3 Pure – $129,900
M3 Competition – $146,900
M3 CS – $179,900
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