Last year, BMW’s M division celebrated its 50th anniversary with a number of new models, one of which was the hardcore M4 CSL.
There’s no comparable hardcore version of the M3, which may leave fans of the more practical M thoroughbred a little sour. As it turns out, they just have to be patient, as BMW M on Tuesday unveiled the new M3 CS for the 2024 model year.
2024 BMW M4 CS
The CS car bridges the gap between competition class and hardcore CSL. They’ve boosted performance in the typical fashion of increasing power and reducing weight, and it’s the same with the latest M3 CS. The car is confirmed to have the same 543-horsepower rating as the M4 CSL, produced by BMW M’s familiar twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6. The M3 Competition’s 503-hp performance boost comes from extra boost pressure and tweaks to the ECU.
The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system for a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds at all speeds and a top speed of 188 mph. The all-wheel drive system is a unique setup for BMW M, using a multi-plate clutch to transfer torque between the axles. The system features a rear bias, and a 4WD Sport mode can further enhance this bias. If the driver wants a classic rear-wheel-drive feel, there is also the option to send all drive torque to the rear wheels only.
Other chassis modifications include aluminum struts for increased stiffness, upgraded brakes (with carbon-ceramic rotors available) and unique tweaks to stability control, wheel camber, dampers and anti-roll bars, all designed to improve racing performance. road performance. Wheels can be ordered in gold or matte black and measure 19 inches up front and 20 inches in the rear. The wheels come standard with high-performance tires, but buyers can opt for track-suitable Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires at no cost. In each case, the tires are sized 275/35 up front and 285/30 in the rear.
2024 BMW M4 CS
To save weight, BMW M engineers used lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in the hood, roof, front splitter, front air intakes, mirror caps and rear spoiler. Carbon parts are also used throughout the cabin, including the standard bucket seats, which are also trimmed in Merino leather. A titanium muffler rounds out the list of weight-saving mods, all of which add up to about 75 pounds. The stated curb weight is still about 3,915 pounds, though.
2024 BMW M4 CS
Also inside is a new dashboard introduced for the 2023 3 Series range. It does away with the traditional dashboard cover, leaving a 12.3-inch floating screen for the instrument cluster, joined by a second 14.9-inch floating screen for the infotainment center. Both screens feature the M specific display.
Also standard is M Drive Professional, a suite that includes M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer for recording drives for later evaluation. M Drive Professional also includes M Traction Control, which allows the driver to adjust traction control between 10 settings, and the M Mode drive mode selector, which has options for Road, Sport and Track.
The 2024 M3 CS is confirmed to be a limited edition — BMW M hasn’t said how many — and will go on sale later this year with a starting price of $119,695, including a $995 destination charge.