BMW M3 CS 2018 revealed as limited-run model

BMW has unveiled its bahn-storming M3 CS, the four-door sedan version of the recently launched M4 CS, with the special-edition model limited to be to around 1200 examples when it goes on sale globally next year.

Australian buyers hoping to own an M3 CS should be in luck, with BMW Australia saying that a small number are expected to be sold locally, but official confirmation, as well as pricing and specification details, will come closer to an anticipated launch in the third quarter of 2018.

For reference, the M4 CS is priced at $211,900 before on-road costs, a $55,190 premium over the M4 Competition, meaning the M3 CS should cost about $200,000.

Similar to its two-door coupe sibling, the five-seat M3 CS has undergone an extensive diet of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), with kerb weight (European standard) reduced to 1585kg, lower than that of the M3 Competition.

Body panels like the bonnet and roof have received this treatment, with weight down by 25 per cent and six kilograms respectively, helping to also lower the sports sedan's centre of gravity.

Additionally, the aerodynamically honed M3 CS' rear diffuser is made out of exposed carbon-fibre, as is its bootlid-mounted lip spoiler and front splitter, while darkened tail-lights further add to the sinister look.

'Orbit Grey' 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 19-inch 265/35 (front) and 20-inch 285/30 (rear) Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, and an 'M' compound braking system are standard. Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber and carbon ceramic brakes are available optionally.

The M3 Competition's 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine has been given a tickle, now producing 338kW of power at 6250rpm and 600Nm of torque from 4000rpm to 5380rpm in the M3 CS, up 7kW and 50Nm.

Sprinting from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds while on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 280km/h, the Bavarian bruiser exclusively sends drive to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The stainless-steel 'M' sports exhaust system has also been fettled to give the M3 CS a distinctive growl relative to its siblings.

For the environmentally conscious M3 CS drivers, claimed fuel consumption is 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, while carbon dioxide levels have been tested at 194 grams per km.

Changes to the electronic limited-slip differential and traction control system have allowed for a greater degree of wheel slip, making it possible to perform mild drifts.

Three different driving modes – 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Sport+' – allow the driver to adjust steering, suspension, engine, transmission and traction settings.

Inside, 'Silverstone/Black' leather and Alcantara upholstery, 'M' sports seats, a red start/stop button, 'M'-striped front seatbelts, an Alcantara-wrapped handbrake lever with grey contrast stitching, 'CS' dashboard branding and 'M3 CS'-branded side sill plates feature.

Inside there an Alcantara-wrapped 'M' sports steering wheel with a silver 12 o'clock marker is found on the options list.

An Alcantara-wrapped 'M' sports steering wheel with a silver 12 o'clock marker is found on the options list.

Despite its lightweight focus, the M3 CS retains creature comforts like climate control, a 'Navigation Professional' multimedia system and a harman/kardon sound system.

Five paint colours are on offer, including 'San Marino Blue', 'Lime Rock Grey, 'Frozen Dark Blue II' and 'Black Sapphire' metallics, as well as the no-cost 'Alpine White'.

Global orders for the M3 CS can be placed from January, with its production run at the BMW factory in Regensburg, Germany to commence in March.

Is the BMW M3 CS the ultimate blend of performance and practicality? Tell us what you think in the comments below.