2023 BMW M3 CS

The BMW M3 sedan is an already brilliant package in its own right. But with the M4 coupe getting a CSL model in celebration of M's 50th anniversary, fans are eagerly awaiting the M3's own pinnacle version in the forthcoming 'Competition Sport' variant. Last seen in 2018, the BMW M3 CS will be the crown jewel in the current M3 lineup. With only bits of information available to whet our appetite, the spiciest M3 sedan is gaining momentum as an enigma; it slots in above the M3 Competition but below the M4 CSL. The M3 CS promises to be lighter on its feet and quicker than other M3 cars while sharing the powertrain found in the M4 CSL. True to the history of the CS nameplate and its use in recent years on the M2 and M5, the new BMW M3 CS sedan will be the best-handling iteration of the M3 and could well be the version we've yearned for from the beginning of the current generation. What remains to be seen is whether rivals can deliver something competent as a competitor, with the Audi RS5 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG C63 Sedan being chief rivals of the regular M3.

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While no exact release date for the BMW M3 CS has been provided yet, we expect to see the M3 CS arrive in the USA around the spring of 2023. Production is expected to start in March 2023.

According to most sources, the price of the 2023 M3 CS is expected to be in the region of $85-95k. Based on the MSRP of the M3 and M4 Competition models starting in the mid-$70k range, the premium seems fair given the likely limited availability of the M3 CS. Only 1,200 units were produced of the previous-generation M3 CS, so we expect a similar number this time, too.

We've been promised a CS that's lighter than the M3 Competition, and to this end, the exterior of the BMW M3 CS will feature loads of carbon fiber. In addition to carbon roof, the trunk will be carbon and feature a lip spoiler, and up front there's a new spoiler at the bottom of the new front bumper design inspired by the M4 CSL. The dominant kidney grilles will have a new design inspired by the CSL, too, while the updated headlights, based on the facelifted 3 Series, will have yellow DRL signatures in line with the M5 CS. We expect staggered wheel sizes of 18/19 inches, front and back, with optional 19-/20-inch items available. We wouldn't rule out a unique wheel design or color scheme either.

As far as paint schemes go, expect a few model-exclusive paint colors to feature here. These haven't been confirmed, but the exterior colors for the BMW M3 CS will likely be limited to two or three including black, white, and a unique hue in the same vein as the Misano Blue that was on the M2 CS or the Frozen Deep Green Metallic found on the M5 CS.

As no official figures have been released yet, the G80 M3 Sedan's measurements are a good frame of reference for what's to be expected for the dimensions of the 2023 BMW M3 CS - with a few tweaks. The M3 Sedan has a length of 189.1 inches, a width of 74.3 inches, and stands at 56.4 inches tall. The whole package is set over a wheelbase of 112.5 inches. While the latter figure should remain unchanged, the other figures may increase slightly with the M3 CS's bespoke bodywork.

In terms of curb weight, considering the 2023 BMW M4 CSL weighs only 3,650 lbs - around 340 lbs less than the 2022 M3 Competition - it's a safe bet that the M3 CS will tip the scales somewhere in the 3,800 lbs region, too, as an extra set of seats in the rear and AWD components will add to the overall figure.

With the same 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six S58 motor used in other M models, including the M4 CSL, the BMW M3 CS's engine is tipped to make around 540 horsepower. The upcoming M4 CSL will have 543 hp and 479 lb-ft on tap, figures which will reportedly carry over to the CS sedan.

Available information indicates that the M3 CS will be all-wheel-drive only using an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RWD-only M4 CSL has a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, the AWD M3 CS could be quicker off the line by a few tenths of a second.

Not much has been said about gas mileage for the M3 CS, but the M3 Competition and Sedan with the same power plant have EPA estimates of 16/23/19 mpg city/highway/combined in RWD guise, dropping to 16/22/18 mpg with AWD. With the motor tweaked for CS-levels of power and standard all-wheel drive, these fuel economy figures are not likely to improve in the 2023 BMW M3 CS.

The M3 CS's interior is likely to be sportier, more modern, and more tech-rich than ever. Track-ready M Carbon bucket seats in Extended Merino leather are a safe bet up front, with whispers of bucket seats in the rear doing the rounds, too. The practicality of its sedan configuration isn't neglected, meaning the M3 CS will carry two more passengers than its coupe cousin. Expect CS badges and Alcantara to adorn the doors, dash, and center console in abundance. Traditional door handles could be eschewed in favor of pull straps if history is anything to go by.

What we do know about the interior is the manufacturer's commitment that all BMW cars from 2023 onward will feature the BMW Curved Display and 8th-gen iDrive as standard. In the CS, this will include a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen with navigation and smartphone integration.

The BMW M3 CS's cargo space should be on par with regular M3 sedan measurements; 13 cubic feet of trunk space is the standard on the regular M3, so you should have no problems doing the grocery run or school commute.