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BMW has finally answered the prayers of enthusiasts worldwide, blessing us with a car that was once considered forbidden fruit: the M3 CS Touring. This high-performance wagon combines the practicality of a family hauler with the heart-pounding thrills of a sports car, creating a truly unique offering in the automotive world. Unveiled just this week, the M3 CS Touring is limited to just 1,000 units globally, making it an instant collector’s item. But what exactly makes this wagon so special? Let’s dive into the details.
For years, BMW purists have lamented the lack of a proper M3 Touring model. While rivals like Audi and Mercedes offered their high-performance wagons, BMW seemed content to keep the M3 confined to the coupe and sedan body styles. The reasons were always a bit murky, with rumors of high development costs and limited market appeal swirling around. But the undeniable demand, fueled by a passionate community of wagon lovers, finally pushed BMW to take the plunge. And boy, are we glad they did. The M3 CS Touring takes the already potent M3 Competition xDrive Touring as its base and cranks things up to eleven.
Under the hood sits a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, tuned to deliver a staggering 550 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. That’s a 40 horsepower bump over the standard M3 Competition. This power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The result? A 0-60 mph sprint in a blistering 3.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 188 mph. To put that into perspective, this family-friendly wagon is quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera S.
But the M3 CS Touring is more than just a straight-line missile. BMW engineers have meticulously honed the chassis and suspension to deliver razor-sharp handling and exceptional agility. The car features a bespoke suspension setup with revised springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars. The standard M Compound brakes provide impressive stopping power, while optional carbon-ceramic brakes are available for even more fade-resistant performance.
Visually, the M3 CS Touring sets itself apart with aggressive styling cues and lightweight components. The front end is dominated by a frameless kidney grille finished in black, while carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used extensively for the hood, roof, front splitter, mirror caps, rear diffuser, and spoiler. These lightweight materials not only enhance the car’s performance but also give it a menacing presence on the road.
Inside, the M3 CS Touring boasts a sporty and luxurious cabin. The standard M Carbon bucket seats provide exceptional support during spirited driving, while the Merino leather upholstery adds a touch of class. The latest iDrive infotainment system with a curved display keeps you connected, and a Harman Kardon sound system provides the soundtrack for your adventures.
The BMW M3 CS Touring truly represents the best of both worlds. It’s a car that can tackle the school run with ease and then tear up a racetrack on the weekends. With its limited production run and impressive performance credentials, it’s sure to become a highly sought-after machine. If you’re lucky enough to snag one, you’ll be the envy of every enthusiast on the block.