All-New 2024 BMW M3 CS Debuts with Less Weight & More Power!

The Clubsport (CS) namebadge has donned the back of many BMW vehicles since the E9 era. Dubbed to be the ‘next best thing’ after the marque’s sportiest nameplate, the CSL (Competitive, Sport & Lightweight), the CS treatment grants BMW vehicles with performance-oriented parts and higher state-of-tune for its powertrains, while somehow still retains a tad bit of practicality, especially on the four-door models.

Next vehicle in line to get the CS makeover is the current-gen G80 M3, dubbed as the 2024 BMW M3 CS. Just like its predecessor, the previous-gen F80 M3 CS, the all-new M3 CS also being granted with a slew of performance parts and carbon fibre trims.

Based on the M3 Competition xDrive, the all-new M3 CS harnesses a 3.0-litre inline-six M TwinPower Turbo mill derived from its two-door sporty twin, the M4 CSL. Thanks to some refinement work done by the M Division, said powertrain now is capable of delivering up to 543 HP and 650 NM, making it the second most powerful BMW straight-six engine ever, only behind the ultra-rare BMW 3.0 CSL.

Unfortunately, the M3 CS only comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox to pair up with the straight-six mill – the exact formula used on its predecessor. What sets the new M3 CS apart from both its predecessor and M4 CSL twin is that it comes with BMW M’s xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, instead of normal rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup.

All-in-all, this powertrain setup enables the new M3 CS to propel from nought to 100 KM/H in only 3.4 seconds, while enroute to its electronically-governed V-max of 302 KM/H.

The CS treatment continues on the vehicle’s suspension system, where it has been re-tuned with bespoke camber, auxiliary spring and anti-roll bar settings, along with a special steering tune. In charge of stopping this 543 HP-rated monster is a set of big M brakes, with the bigger M carbon ceramic brakes being offered as an option.

Aside from a slew of performance tune-ups, the new M3 CS is also being put on a diet, where many of its body parts now being made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), resulting in a weight loss of about 34 KG, as well as giving the vehicle a much sportier look compared to the standard M3. Said CFRP parts are the front hood, front splitter, air intakes, side mirror caps, as well as the roof.

The diet plan also sees the rear part of the vehicle being donned with some lightweight parts, such as the carbon rear diffuser and ducktail spoiler, as well as its quad tailpipes, now made of lightweight titanium.

Other than the carbon parts, the new M3 CS retains the overall design of the standard M3, which includes its controversial massive kidney grille design – now with a redesigned grille pattern with red contour finish. Flanking them is a pair of yellow-tinged laser LED headlights, also derived from the M4 CSL.

Topping off the design elements is a pair of staggered lightweight alloy wheels measured 19-inch at front and 20-inch at the back, all wrapped by Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tyres.

The CS diet regime goes on the M3 CS’s cabin, as it now comes with a slew of carbon parts and trims, ranging from the paddle shifters snugged behind the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, front dash and central console, as well as the front bucket seats with CS badging mounted on the headrest. Unlike the M4 CSL, the rear bench of the new M3 CS survived the CS ordeal, but rear passengers might want to bring some fans along, as the rear climate vents and controls have been removed.

Upon entering the M3 CS’s cabin, front passengers will be greeted with metal-finished door sills with M3 CS badging engraving. Standard in any current-gen BMW vehicles is the inclusion of the new BMW iDrive curved display, which comprises both the 12.3-inch driver’s display and the massive 14.9-inch infotainment screen – all powered by BMW OS8 with M-specific graphics. Providing a surreal audio experience to the cabin is the Harman Kardon surround sound system, which might be enough to suppress the pops and crackles that come out of its exhaust.

In spite of being a performance-oriented model, the new M3 CS features some user-oriented functions, as well as a comprehensive safety suite. Courtesy of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the M3 CS comes with BMW Maps navigation system, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, as well as the head-up display (HUD) with M-specific readouts.

The all-new 2024 BMW M3 CS will be built at the marque’s Munich plant in “limited numbers,” with the exact number has yet to be disclosed, as for now. As the CS model traditionally sits just below the CSL, it is logical to think that the new M3 CS won’t be as rare as the 1,000-unit-only M4 CSL, let alone the super-rare BMW 3.0 CSL. Nevertheless, collectors and enthusiasts will surely be ready to burn a $118,700 (RM507,323) hole in their pockets in order to cop one (or few).