BMW adds hardcore 2024 M3 CS super sedan to PH lineup
M3 CS has a PHP 16.89M price tag
While inclement weather played a major factor for BMW to not push through with this weekend's Joyfest 2023, there's no stopping them from bringing the thunder.
After launching the Touring versions of the 3-series lineup last month, SMC Asia Cars Distributors Corp. has announced they are now offering the hardcore M3 CS – the four-door sedan that has performance written all over it.
The BMW M3 CS is the most powerful 3-series that's currently in production, as its 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine shared with the two-door M4 CSL puts out 550 PS and 650 Nm of torque. That's 40 PS more than the M3 Touring wagon that was revealed in the country last month.
BMW paired the inline-six with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic that sends power to all four wheels. Yes, the BMW M3 CS is all-wheel-drive. But should drivers prefer to kick the tail out for some sideways action, they can adjust how much power is routed to the rear wheels via the M Setup menu. Furthermore, potential owners also get the benefit of improved stopping power as the local M3 CS has M carbon ceramic brakes with high-gloss red calipers as standard equipment.
Other standard performance driving equipment includes the adaptive M suspension with the M front strut brace, M sport differential, the M Drive Professional that allows owners to analyze drift angles and lap times for track driving, plus the M Driver's Package that increases top speed to 302 km/h.
Serving as the Competition Sport version of the 3-series lineup, the M3 CS gets the M carbon exterior package to shed weight and improve aerodynamics. The hood, air intake, side mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler are all made from carbon fiber, while the exhaust system is made from titanium. As a result, the M3 CS is 34 kg lighter than the M3 Competition xDrive, tipping the scales at 1776 kg.
Finishing off the aggressive exterior look is a set of 19-inch front and 20-inch rear M light alloy wheels in star spoke 827 M style painted in Gold Bronze. The wheels are wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, similar to the M4 CSL.
Step inside the M3 CS and immediately you're greeted with a full leather Merino upholstery that comes with carbon fiber trim finishers and red contrast stitching. It comes with M carbon bucket seats that are shared with the M4 CSL, and the steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara.
Despite its performance-inclined nature, the M3 CS still has plenty of premium creature comfort amenities in its cabin. A pair of digital displays in the dashboard serves as the Live Cockpit Plus system, consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Smartphone integration is via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the surround sound system is provided by Harman Kardon.
There's tri-zone climate control, LED ambient lighting, electronically-adjustable front seats with memory function and seat heating, plus wireless charging for occupants to enjoy.
For safety, the M3 CS has front, side, curtain, and head airbags, plus side impact protection and tire pressure monitoring among its list of features.
BMW previously said the M3 CS will be made in limited numbers, so this is the chance for enthusiasts of the BMW brand in the country to grab the super sedan. The BMW M3 CS retails for PHP 16,890,000 and comes with a 5-year, 200,000-km warranty.
