The CS badge is reserved for BMW’s most hardcore M cars, and now it’s been applied to an M3 Touring for the first time. Unfortunately, American enthusiasts are out of luck.
BMW has just unveiled its most hardcore performance wagon yet, the M3 CS Touring, but there’s a catch—it won’t be coming to the U.S. While American enthusiasts get to enjoy the upcoming M5 Touring, the smaller and more aggressive M3 CS Touring is staying overseas, making it one of the most desirable forbidden fruits for performance car lovers.
The CS (Competition Sport) badge has a long history in BMW’s lineup, signifying lightweight, track-focused versions of its M cars. First appearing on models like the E46 M3 CS and more recently on the M2 CS and M5 CS, these special editions take BMW’s already high-performance vehicles and push them even further. This is the first time an M3 Touring (wagon) has received the CS treatment, and BMW has gone all out to make it one of the fastest wagons ever built.
Under the hood, the M3 CS Touring features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, producing 543 horsepower—20 hp more than the standard M3 Competition Touring. Torque remains at 479 lb-ft, but BMW has widened the powerband for better response and more accessible performance. Paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, the CS Touring rockets from 0-62 mph in just 3.5 seconds. For those who like to let the rear end slide, a rear-wheel-drive mode is still available. BMW also fitted a titanium muffler, enhancing the exhaust sound and reducing weight.
To improve handling, BMW has given the M3 CS Touring an upgraded chassis with retuned adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic steering, and a more aggressive Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system for improved track performance. The Active M Differential helps optimize power delivery, and the car comes standard with high-performance tires wrapped around forged aluminum wheels. BMW’s M Carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option, but the car comes standard with M Compound brakes in either red or black.
Speaking of weight savings, the M3 CS Touring is 33 pounds lighter than the standard M3 Touring, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The hood, front splitter, air intakes, mirror caps, and rear diffuser are all made from lightweight carbon fiber. Inside, M Carbon bucket seats, carbon fiber shift paddles, and a carbon center console add to the weight reduction while maintaining a premium feel.
Visually, the M3 CS Touring looks even more aggressive than the standard M3 wagon. BMW offers it in four exclusive colors: British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Frozen Solid White, and Sapphire Black Metallic. A glossy black roof and rear spoiler add to the sporty appearance, with red accents around the grille and badging for extra flair.
Despite all these upgrades, BMW enthusiasts in the U.S. won’t be able to get their hands on this special wagon. The M5 Touring is set to arrive stateside, but for those who love smaller, more nimble performance wagons, the M3 CS Touring remains just out of reach. Pricing starts at €152,900 (about $159,000), making it more expensive than the standard M3 Touring and even pricier than a base M5 Touring.
For those lucky enough to live in Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, deliveries for the M3 CS Touring will begin in March 2025. BMW is keeping production numbers low, much like its other CS models, so expect it to be a rare sight even in markets where it’s available.
It’s yet another high-performance wagon that Americans will have to admire from afar, proving once again that the best wagons rarely make it across the Atlantic.
Gallery: 2025 BMW M3 CS Touring
