Following the now well-established M hierarchy of base model, Competition and Competition Sport, the G81 M3 Touring has been given the CS treatment.

As per the M4 CS coupé and M3 CS saloon, power is up from 523bhp to a CSL-matching 542bhp, along with a series of chassis and suspension upgrades to enhance agility. Sticky Michelin Cup 2 tyres are standard (with Cup 2Rs an option), and the kerb weight has been reduced by 15kg. In exchange, BMW will relieve buyers of £120,600 – a rise of £35,655 over the regular M3 Competition Touring.

So, what does the extra outlay get you? The additional power is the result of an increase in boost pressure from 1.7bar to 2.1bar for the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six. Torque, meanwhile, remains the same at 479lb ft (650Nm). The 0–62mph sprint is now covered in 3.5 seconds, shaving 0.1 seconds off the Competition’s time; however, that gap increases to a more meaningful 0.6 seconds by 124mph, which takes 11.7 seconds from standstill. The top speed limiter is also raised to 186mph.

Elsewhere under the bonnet, changes to the oil cooling system and radiators improve track endurance, while a new cast aluminium strut brace enhances rigidity, as do specially designed engine mounts featuring increased spring rates. In terms of handling, the geometry and spring rates are more aggressive to maximise grip from the track-focused tyres, while the entire suite of software programs – EPAS, electronic dampers, stability control parameters, brake-by-wire and gearbox modes – has been recalibrated to suit. Dirk Häcker, Head of Development for the M division, promises, “As soon as you start driving the car, the car feels tighter, more responsive” with “a very good feel for the road.” Despite the hike in price, carbon-ceramic brakes remain an £8,800 option.

Contributing to the mild weight loss regime are a CSL-derived carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic front splitter, bonnet, brake ducts, mirror caps and rear diffuser. Visually, the CS makeover includes a satin gold finish to the forged alloys (staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear), although matt black rims are available at no extra cost. Red pinstriping features on the kidney grille and badges – which are illuminated. The roof spoiler is also finished in gloss black and lined with red. Yellow LED daytime running lights are another feature to differentiate the CS. A titanium back box, framed by matte black exhaust tips, also contributes to the weight savings and enhances the straight six’s voice.

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BMW has finally relented to demands and given us an M3 Touring. Craig Toone gets behind the wheel and puts the car to the test. Will the car live up to the hopes and dreams of M enthusiasts?

The M3 CS Touring will offer three BMW Individual colour finishes: British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue or Frozen Solid White, in addition to the standard Black Sapphire metallic. Inside, the M Carbon bucket seats are standard, trimmed in Merino leather with an exclusive red-on-black design, which is carried over to the rear seats. Other highlights include illuminated M3 CS badging, an Alcantara steering wheel and carbon fibre paddles.

BMW states the M3 CS Touring will be built in limited numbers but has not specified what that number is or how many will make their way to the UK. We do, however, know first customer deliveries will commence in March 2025. For those looking for something a little smaller, an M2 CS is also expected to follow, offering a rumoured 518bhp.