THE FIRST-EVER BMW M3 CS TOURING today made its world premiere at the legendary Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit – scene of the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance motor race (1/2 February).
It marked the first time BMW has hosted the global unveiling of a new model in Australia since the German marque began its official local operations in the country more than 45 years ago.
The world premiere also comes after BMW M recorded its highest-ever sales total in Australia in 2024 with a 14.7 percent increase compared with 2023. That result meant Australia was ranked fourth worldwide for the share of BMW M registrations in the total sales mix.
Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, said unveiling of the BMW M3 CS Touring in Bathurst was a coup for BMW’s local operations and recognition of its standing and growth trajectory.
“The world premiere of a new BMW model is significant for any market and the fact we have been selected for the launch of the M3 CS Touring is an honour while highlighting the importance of Australia in the global context,” Mr. Buechel commented.
“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.”
The global debut of the new model occurs just as BMW M Team WRT took to the track for its third successive outing at the Bathurst 12 Hour running a pair of BMW M4 GT3s in the outright Pro class (and which they won in a spectacular one-two finish).
Its experienced driver line-up was again by bolstered by Valentino Rossi, the former nine-time world motorcycle champion and now successful race car driver.
The BMW M3 CS Touring: motorsport pedigree combines with everyday usability
The M3 CS Touring is the latest addition to the BMW M line-up of motorsport-derived CS models that feature increased engine power output, bespoke design features and reduced weight thanks to the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components.
It builds upon the success of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive that launched here in 2023 and blends that car’s character profile with an even higher level of performance.
Its on-board space can be used in a variety of ways and ensures that its highly dynamic driving characteristics can be experienced on both the racetrack and in numerous everyday driving situations.
Model-specific performance characteristics of the engine and power transfer via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system deliver exemplary driver engagement and outstanding levels of all-weather traction.
The high-revving 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine of the BMW M3 CS Touring includes upgraded M TwinPower Turbo technology. The charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers has been raised to 2.1 bar, which, combined with model-specific tweaks to engine management, enables the maximum output to reach 405kW – a 15kW increase on the M3 Touring Competition with M xDrive. Peak torque is 650Nm.
It has a specially designed engine mounting with increased spring rates that creates an exceptionally rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle’s structure. The result is even sharper engine response and a direct transmission of its power to the drivetrain.
The M3 CS Touring can achieve the standard sprint in a blistering 3.5 seconds, and from zero to 200km/h in 11.7 seconds. Its top speed is 300km/h thanks to the standard fitment of the M Driver’s Package.
The car’s stirring engine note is courtesy of the M-specific exhaust system, which features electronically-controlled flaps, titanium rear silencer and weight-minimising design. The two pairs of tailpipes positioned within the rear diffuser are finished in matt black.
The chassis of the M3 CS Touring was tuned specifically to complement the powertrain’s performance characteristics. The settings for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and M Dynamic Mode are also purposefully calibrated for circuit driving.
The electronically-controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension are also in a model-specific set up, as is the M Servotronic steering and integrated braking system. Body rigidity is further increased by the M front end strut brace in the engine compartment.
The immense stopping power of the M3 CS Touring is thanks to M Compound brakes with callipers finished in red. Customers can also opt for M Carbon ceramic brakes as an option, and the callipers of these are also finished in red.
The M3 CS Touring is fitted with M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive double-spoke design that are available in either a matt Gold Bronze or matt black finish. They are staggered in diameter, measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, shod with 275/35 ZR19 and 285/30 ZR20 track tyres as standard. Customers can also opt for sport tyres as a no cost option.
The intelligent lightweight design plays a major role in delivering the exclusive performance attributes of the M3 CS Touring. This includes use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the car’s bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps and rear diffuser.
CFRP is also deployed in the cabin for the centre console, M Carbon bucket seats and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The various lightweight design measures bring a total weight saving of 15kg compared with the M3 Touring Competition with M xDrive.
The CFRP elements for the exterior create a contrast with the dynamically stretched lines and striking exterior colours available for the M3 CS Touring. Four finishes are available: British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Frozen Solid White and Sapphire Black metallic.
The roof and model-specific roof spoiler are in black high-gloss and bring a sense of elegance to the styling, while the roof spoiler also features a red surround that is unique to the model.
The LED headlights of the M3 CS Touring meanwhile glow with the same distinctive yellow light as GT race car in a clear nod to the car’s motorsport connections.
The driver and occupants of the BMW M3 CS Touring are treated to a sports car cockpit that integrates advanced digital technology and exclusive design aspects. It is also highly practical, with up to 1510 litres of available cargo space.
Model-specific highlights for the interior include electronically adjustable and heated M Carbon bucket seats for the driver and front passenger – complete with integrated head restraints and illuminated “CS” model badges – an M Alcantara steering wheel in a three-spoke design and additional CS badging on the centre console and sill plates.
The BMW M3 CS Touring includes elements to precisely tailor the driving experience, such as the M-specific Setup button on the centre console for configuring the engine, chassis, steering, brakes and M xDrive.
It also features M Drive Professional, integrating track-optimised functions such as M Drift Analyser and M lap timer.
The M3 CS Touring features BMW Operating System 8.5, providing intuitive control of numerous functions and digital services. A 12.3-inch instrument display and 14.9-inch control display combine to provide the driver with essential and useful information and visual elements, from M Shift Lights to vehicle set-up, tyre pressure and temperature.
Other features include BMW Live Cockpit Professional which, alongside the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content, brings the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps, smartphone integration and telephony with wireless charging.
Customer deliveries of the M3 CS Touring are expected in the middle of 2025, with pricing from $253,900 (plus on road costs).