2024 BMW M3 CS

The limited-edition BMW M3 CS is the most ferocious version of the current M3 sedan range. As the CS (Competition Sport) badge suggests, it sacrifices some comforts for peak performance. The classic recipe of removing weight and adding power has been applied here, with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine tuned to deliver 543 horsepower - 40 more horses than in the M3 Competition and equalling the M4 CSL's output. Unlike the M4 CSL, the M3 CS still has rear seats, and this hot sedan directs power to all four wheels. It'll hit 60 in a supercar-like 3.2 seconds, and the steering and chassis have been enhanced to make this the most responsive of all the M3s. Regular M3 rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C63 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will have a hard time keeping up with the CS, and they're less exclusive - a more direct comparison would be the older Giulia GTA. But is this CS worth over $33,000 more than an M3 Competition xDrive?

The new BMW M3 CS sedan is a fresh arrival for the 2024 model year. It instantly becomes the most expensive of all the M3s. For the huge outlay, you get more power than in the M3 Competition xDrive (+40 hp), less weight (-75 pounds), an interior awash in racy Alcantara, and even more aggressive looks. As we found out in our drive review of the BMW M3 CS, though, it's the difference in the car's communicativeness that truly separates it from the M3 Competition. BMW says only a limited number of M3 CS models will be produced.

Are you sitting down? Whereas a base M3 starts at $76,000, the starting price of the 2024 BMW M3 CS is $118,700 in the USA. That MSRP excludes the destination charge of $995 and a handful of expensive options. For instance, you can spend $8,500 on carbon ceramic brakes and $4,500 on special paint.

There aren't many ways to spec this car, but considering what it is, we'd add the carbon ceramic brakes for that added bit of confidence during track days. Although the Frozen Solid White paint is unique to this car, we'd have it in Black Sapphire as that giant grille doesn't need lighter paint to make it stand out.

When we drove it, we referred to the interior of the BMW M3 CS as being like one in a daily race car. Although the basic foundation of the cabin is the same, there have been many changes for the CS, starting with those standard M Carbon bucket seats. They're visually jaw-dropping, and together with generous lashings of Alcantara and lots of red trim, it feels like a more exciting space than the standard M3. Cupholders and a center armrest have been binned in the interest of saving weight, two omissions that can be annoying in daily driving. However, the comprehensive infotainment suite has been retained, and there is still plenty of space.

Unlike the extreme M4 CSL, the 2024 M3 CS retains a conventional rear seat, so it can still accommodate five occupants. Like a base 330i, this is a proper family sedan with enough legroom and headroom for all outboard seating positions; as usual, the rear center seat has reduced foot space.

The M Carbon bucket seats are a mixed bag. Once you're sitting in them, they're surprisingly comfortable, and they hold you in place brilliantly, thanks to the substantial side bolsters. The driver's seat can also drop down low for a suitably sporty view of the road. However, those same bolsters make getting in and out of the front seats a chore since you have to lift your body over the sides of the seats.

The M3 CS isn't as practical as the normal M3, but that doesn't apply to its trunk space, which is still generous at 16.9 cubic feet. You can still fold down the 40/20/40 rear seats to accommodate bulkier items, too.

It's inside the passenger compartment where some practicality has been lost. The lighter center console is now fashioned from carbon fiber, but the regular center storage compartment and cupholders have been removed. There is still a glovebox and door pockets, but it's best to finish your coffee before setting off in the CS.

Build integrity and the quality of materials are of an excellent standard. M Carbon bucket seats in leather are optional on normal M3s, but they're standard on the CS. Interior colors are very sporty; the Merino leather is finished in black with Mugello Red accents and contrast stitching. The seat cushion and backrest use CFRP in their structure, and the front headrests have an illuminated CS badge. The rear bench also has Merino leather.

The door panels have a black leather finish, and the new lightweight center console is highlighted by CS lettering in red. Carbon fiber features prominently, including on various interior trim strips, while the M Alcantara steering wheel has CFRP shift paddles and a center marker in red. There are special M seat belts woven with the tricolor M stripes, and the door sill plates have M3 CS badging.

There aren't many omissions from the standard feature list despite this being the hottest M3 by far. The sedan comes with dual-zone automatic climate control and comfort access keyless entry. Those carbon front bucket seats have heating and electric adjustments. Other conveniences include an auto-dimming function for the interior and outside mirrors, a garage door opener, and ambient lighting.

The BMW Curved Display is the same as in other 3 Series models but has M-specific graphics. Besides the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, there is a 14.9-inch touchscreen interface. For those who prefer to keep their eyes on the road at all times, a head-up display is standard. Other features include a Harman Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, wireless device charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW Assist eCall.

There are very few four-door sedans that can hold a candle to the way the BMW M3 CS drives. By raising the maximum boost pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 24.7 psi to 30.5 psi, BMW was able to increase outputs to 543 hp from 6,250 rpm to 7,200 rpm, while the torque peak of 479 lb-ft is achieved between 2,750 rpm and 5,950 rpm. It all adds up to explosive performance. The BMW M3 CS will charge from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 188 mph, thanks to the standard M Driver's Package.

An eight-speed automatic transmission and the M xDrive AWD system are standard. The transmission changes up as quickly as one can expect from a non-dual-clutch unit, and the BMW M3 CS's engine sounds mean with the dual-branch exhaust system and its electrically controlled flaps. No matter what gear you find yourself in, the S58 inline-six catapults the M3 forward with alarming, addictive ease.

By shaving 75 pounds from the M3 Competition xDrive's weight and specifically calibrating the DSC system and M Dynamic mode, BMW has created the best-driving M3 yet. The electromechanical M Servotronic steering was also uniquely tuned, and the result is a sedan that is tangibly better than the normal M3.

We found that the CS has incredible on-center sharpness and a great eagerness to change direction. Grip is phenomenal, and the AWD system can send power to the rear axle alone if you're brave enough to try it. The fully variable Active M Differential keeps everything in check when powering through corners. It simply feels more dialed-in than other M3s at all times. Even with the adaptive M suspension in Comfort mode, the CS remains taut, but it's not bone-jarringly uncomfortable - unless you switch to Sport Plus mode, where you will most definitely find the ride intolerable everywhere but on glass-smooth surfaces.

The M3 CS nearly matches the mpg rating of the M3 Competition xDrive, only fall short by 1 mpg in the city. Final gas mileage figures for the CS are 15/22/18 mpg city/highway/combined.

With a fuel tank capacity of 15.6 gallons, the CS can carry enough premium gas to cover around 280 miles.

Although the BMW M3 CS hasn't undergone a safety review, the normal 3 Series has, and the news is good. The 2023 3 Series achieved maximum Good ratings for every crashworthiness category when evaluated by the IIHS, while the 2024 3 Series has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The CS comes with six airbags, dynamic stability control, and cornering brake control. Driver-assistance features consist of lane departure warning, forward collision warning with city collision mitigation, a rearview camera, and active blind-spot detection. That said, it doesn't have access to more advanced safety systems like adaptive cruise control (the more basic dynamic cruise control system is fitted) or a surround-view camera system.

Although it's still quite new to the market, there are no early reliability worries for the BMW M3 CS. No 2024 M3 has been recalled, and 2023 M3s were only recalled once for an unlocked door that could open during a crash. As for the 2022 M3, there have been no recalls.

A four-year/50,000-mile warranty applies to the 2024 BMW M3 CS, and BMW also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years/36,000 miles.

Even though we've had years to get accustomed to the elongated grilles of the current M3/M4, it still forces you to stop what you're doing to look at it - whether in awe or disgust. The exterior of the CS is even more extreme from the front, with a frameless look to its grille. The look is reminiscent of the M4 GT3, and the grille includes red contour lines, horizontal bars, and a small M3 CS badge. Exposed carbon fiber is everywhere, from the roof to the front splitter, front air intakes, M mirror caps, rear spoiler, and rear apron. Even the two channels along the hood have a carbon fiber finish. In terms of size, the CS shares its 112.2-inch wheelbase with other 3 Series models, but its bulging body is nearly three inches longer than a humble 330i.

The basic shape of the LED headlight clusters is familiar, but the M3 CS' daytime running lights have a yellow glow. Even the wheels seem to be screaming for attention - these are forged M light-alloy items with a V-spoke design in either a Gold Bronze or matte black finish. They measure 19 inches in front and 20 inches at the back. High-performance tires are standard, but track-oriented ultra-high-performance tires are a no-cost option. With the optional M Carbon ceramic brakes, the calipers are painted in either red or gold. The rear end of the M3 CS has badging in red, along with the classic quad-exit tailpipes. Of all the available exterior colors, BMW Individual Signal Green is the most vivid, while BMW Individual Frozen Solid White metallic is unique to this car.

The BMW M3 CS is a brilliant four-door sports sedan. Perhaps what's most astounding is how it distances itself from the normal M3, which is already a class-leading car. The quicker steering, more urgent gear changes, and sharper chassis turn a decent family sedan into a supercar-challenging monster whenever the mood takes you. Yes, it could've been a manual, but no human can hope to keep up with the fast gear changes of the automatic. Inside and out, the brash CS is no car for wallflowers, but you can't accuse it of being generic in any way. The price of almost $120k is hard to swallow, but the CS is destined to become a collector's item in the years ahead. Forget the bloated XM - this is BMW M at the peak of its powers.