Meet the BMW M3 CS: the most powerful M3 to date

“BMW M GmbH will maintain its focus on adding highly appealing special-edition models to its product range in 2023,” reads the press release which just came to our office. 2023 could be some year for M fanatics then, and the performance brand has kicked things off with the M3 CS: the most powerful M3 yet.

First things first then: let’s talk numbers. The BMW M3 CS has 543 horsepower and 650 Newton-meters of torque from the same twin-turbo, 3.0-liter "S58" engine, with the extra power coming from the special magic done by the M engineers.

This means that the M3 CS matches the hardcore M4 CSL in terms of horsepower. But it’s not just about the extra power as BMW has given the M3 CS a very rigorous carbon fiber-reinforced plastic diet. CFRP can be found on the hood, front splitter, air intakes, side mirror caps, rear diffuser, trunk lid spoiler, and the roof.

Unlike the last-gen M3 CS, the newly launched one has BMW’s xDrive system (basically all-wheel drive) which works in the favor of the new kid on the block. In reaching 62mph from a standstill, the M3 CS beats the M4 CSL with the former reaching it in 3.4 seconds compared to the latter’s 3.7s.

However, it loses out on beating its big brother on the top speed as the M3 CS maxes out at 188 mph because it comes with the M Driver’s Pack while the M4 CSL can hit 193 mph flat-out.

Inside, the M3 CS has electric and heated front seats sporting illuminated "CS" logos and Merino leather with Mugello red accents. Other notable aspects of the interior include the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, seatbelts bearing the M color scheme and door sill plates bearing the "M3 CS" badge.

The M3 CS rides on grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires forged wheels available in matte black or gold bronze. BMW says that it will build the M3 CS in “limited numbers” with no specific production number mentioned.