{"id":2706,"date":"2025-09-08T13:50:51","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T13:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/?p=2706"},"modified":"2025-09-08T13:50:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T13:50:58","slug":"bmw-just-made-one-of-its-wildest-cars-ever-and-its-about-to-dominate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/2025\/09\/08\/bmw-just-made-one-of-its-wildest-cars-ever-and-its-about-to-dominate\/","title":{"rendered":"BMW just made one of its wildest cars ever \u2014 and it&#8217;s about to dominate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;vehicle-name&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|700||on|||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#f8d648&#8243; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span style=\"color: #111111\">BMW\u2019s wildest estate car<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;article-title-allcaps&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;44px&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h1>ALTER <span style=\"color: #ff0000\"><span>EGO<\/span><\/span><\/h1>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;fp-introv2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p class=\"p1\">The BMW M3 CS Touring is a new, wilder version of the brilliant M3 Competition. Can it possibly be better?<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;fp-byline&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Words<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s2\"> James Dennsion<br \/><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b>Photography<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s2\"> Barry Hayden<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/BMW_M3CS__014-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BMW_M3CS__014&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;text-with-dropcap&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p class=\"p1 has-dropcap\">I\u2019m charging down the closest thing Thruxton has to a straight, with the final chicane \u2013 a third-gear right-left-right \u2013 hoving into view. I should be fully focused on the reference point \u2013 a tall, grey speaker pole just to the left of the grandstand \u2013 but I\u2019m desperately trying to stop myself glancing at the instruments. I wouldn\u2019t usually, but this time I\u2019ve got a number in mind: 155mph. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"BMW M3 CS Touring | The world\u2019s best fast estate car?\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1_FgtrwxljI?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>That\u2019s the speed at which a British Touring Car Championship-spec BMW 3-series is topping out along here during a qualifying session. I really shouldn\u2019t get anywhere near that. At all. Obviously. I\u2019m in a five-door family estate car on road tyres, not slicks. It weighs over half a tonne extra, and although it has more grunt than a car adhering to race regulations, there\u2019s still a significant power-to-weight deficit.<\/p>\n<p>But what\u2019s this? One last glance at the speedo before I throw the anchors on: 151mph.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/BAZ_0600-copy-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BAZ_0600 copy&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;car-img-caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>Not your average school run<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>Whichever way you cut it that\u2019s an impressive showing from the BMW M3 CS Touring. It\u2019s a slightly lighter, slightly more powerful, track-focused take on the M3 Competition Touring \u2013 a car we know to be astonishingly good and easily one of the best all-round performance cars on sale. How does BMW top that? <\/p>\n\n<p>It starts with a chunky price hike. The M3 Competition Touring can currently be bought for just under \u00a392k, whereas the M3 CS Touring comes in at just over \u00a3126k. Ouch. The CS (Competition Sport) badge no doubt has good pedigree \u2013 the F90 M5 CS is arguably the greatest M car of all time \u2013 but a quick look through the spec sheet of the CS Touring shows only modest-sounding changes.<\/p> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;car-pullquote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||5px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>WHILE THE CS TOURING STILL REQUIRES CAUTION, ITS ABILITY TO TURN IN, SETTLE AND HOOK UP IS OUTSTANDING<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_class=&#8221;img-col-v1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610751_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610751_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610754_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610754_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610777_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610777_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>At 1850kg, it\u2019s 15kg lighter than the Competition Touring thanks to the use of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic. The curing ovens have clearly been busy, as the bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, mirror caps and rear diffuser have all been replaced with lightweight parts. <\/p>\n\n\n<p>Along with red contouring on the grille, badges and spoiler, and new forged star-spoke alloys finished in gold, these are the key visual changes. Pair them with the exclusive British Racing Green paint and you\u2019re onto an alltime great combo. <\/p>\n\n<p>Under the skin, BMW\u2019s unlocked more oomph from the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six. There\u2019s an increase in turbo boost and a remap to raise power output from 523bhp to 543bhp. Torque stays the same (479lb ft from 2750 to 5950rpm), but the 0-62mph sprint time is cut by a tenth to 3.5sec. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610789_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610789_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;car-img-caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>Carbon makeover can&#8217;t get weight below 1850kg<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>On the wide open and brutally fast Thruxton curves the straight-line speed doesn\u2019t feel that different from a Competition Touring\u2019s, but the corresponding level of excitement has taken a step forward. For a twin-turbo engine, response from the accelerator is about as crisp and predictable as it gets, while the frantic, brawny aural accompaniment has been dialled up.<\/p> \n\n<p>Part of this is down to the upgraded M-specific exhaust system that utilises electronically controlled flaps and a titanium silencer. It\u2019s most noticeable on start-up, whereas on the move the change in cabin volume feels like it\u2019s largely down to piped-in sound. An E46 M3 CSL at full chat it ain\u2019t, but it sounds good enough that you\u2019ll want to push it to its 7200rpm redline, which is a lot of fun but largely unnecessary given the levels of torque on tap; short-shifting feels key to a good lap time. <\/p>\n\n<p>The ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox is a revelation. A controversial replacement to the DCT on this generation of M3, the torqueconverter system was \u2013 on early G80 models \u2013 a little laggy. In this CS, it has all the politeness of a sophisticated auto when you want it and aggressive, snappy upshifts when you don\u2019t. Arguably a dual-clutch would be better suited, but for a car with this road and track dual mission the balance feels just about right. <\/p>\n\n<p>It\u2019s very unlikely we\u2019ll ever seen an M3 CSL Touring model, so this will be as extreme as BMW\u2019s 3-series wagon will ever get. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610746_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610746_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>On the wide open and brutally fast Thruxton curves the straight-line speed doesn\u2019t feel that different from a Competition Touring\u2019s, but the corresponding level of excitement has taken a step forward. For a twin-turbo engine, response from the accelerator is about as crisp and predictable as it gets, while the frantic, brawny aural accompaniment has been dialled up.<\/p> \n\n<p>Part of this is down to the upgraded M-specific exhaust system that utilises electronically controlled flaps and a titanium silencer. It\u2019s most noticeable on start-up, whereas on the move the change in cabin volume feels like it\u2019s largely down to piped-in sound. An E46 M3 CSL at full chat it ain\u2019t, but it sounds good enough that you\u2019ll want to push it to its 7200rpm redline, which is a lot of fun but largely unnecessary given the levels of torque on tap; short-shifting feels key to a good lap time. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610771_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610771_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>The ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox is a revelation. A controversial replacement to the DCT on this generation of M3, the torqueconverter system was \u2013 on early G80 models \u2013 a little laggy. In this CS, it has all the politeness of a sophisticated auto when you want it and aggressive, snappy upshifts when you don\u2019t. Arguably a dual-clutch would be better suited, but for a car with this road and track dual mission the balance feels just about right. <\/p>\n\n<p>It\u2019s very unlikely we\u2019ll ever seen an M3 CSL Touring model, so this will be as extreme as BMW\u2019s 3-series wagon will ever get. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610778_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610778_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>There are also chassis upgrades, and like the engine mods they\u2019re quite subtle, if more wideranging. Spring rates are up by seven per cent at the front and 11 per cent at the rear, with a revised damper tune and new auxiliary springs \u2013 partly to take advantage of the track tyres, no-cost option Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s on this car. <\/p>\n\n\n<p>The steering, active M differential, allwheel- drive system and brake control have all been modified to work with the updated chassis and tyre set-up, and to improve driveability. Cast aluminium M strut braces under the bonnet further increase rigidity, while the spring rates of the engine mounts have been stiffened. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;car-pullquote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||5px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>IT\u2019S AN AGGRESSIVE, POINTY SET-UP THAT FEELS LIKE IT\u2019S BEEN PROPERLY DIALLED IN<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610743_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;default&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;car-img-caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>Imagine the peace&#8230; until the M3 CS turns up<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>You could argue it\u2019s not \u00a334k worth of improvements, but it takes only half a lap of Thruxton to make it clear the CS Touring is far more than the sum of its parts. This is a long, heavy car in the context of a racetrack but it does an almost flawless job convincing the driver otherwise. Thruxton may be fast, but it also requires precision and clean exits to carry speed. Cars this size are prone to roll over their outside wheels and wash wide of the ideal line. But while the CS Touring still requires caution, its ability to turn in, settle and hook up is outstanding. <\/p>\n\n<p>It\u2019s an aggressive, pointy set-up but one that feels like it\u2019s been properly dialled in over thousands of hours on road and track for excellent driveability. It\u2019s faster than the Competition Touring around a circuit (by 5.5sec at the \u2019Ring), but it\u2019s the improved responses and nailed-on front end that make it so enjoyable. <\/p>\n\n<p>Turn in at speed and there\u2019s more conviction to the way the front end responds and deals with any mid-corner bumps. It\u2019s confidenceinspiring in a way very few cars \u2013 let alone estate cars \u2013 can achieve. That said, much of the actual feel of what the car is doing is through the seat. The steering on the CS Touring is lighter than ideal for track use and ultimately does rob a layer of feedback, regardless of what setting you\u2019re in. <\/p>\n\n\n<p>Just like in the Competition, the CS\u2019s steering response is one of many settings that can be customised, along with engine mode, gearbox aggression, damping and braking. BMW\u2019s drive-mode configurability is without doubt one of the best in the game, in terms of how much choice the driver has, and how much difference the settings make.<\/p> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;car-pullquote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||5px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>IT\u2019S AN AGGRESSIVE, POINTY SET-UP THAT FEELS LIKE IT\u2019S BEEN PROPERLY DIALLED IN<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]\n<p>For example, switching from an all-wheeldrive setting well suited to fast road use to a much wilder tyre-toasting rear-wheel-drive configuration with adjustable traction control is done in the blink of an eye, giving the car a significantly different personality. The M3 CS Touring on track offers the potential for a degree of fun seldom \u2013 no, scratch that \u2013 never seen before with a roadgoing estate car. <\/p>\n\n<p>Full disclosure: our track driving was done on the Cup 2 tyres and optional (around \u00a39k) carbon brakes. Sure enough, after 20 laps or so, the front left tyre was blistering badly. It\u2019s a common issue for anyone lapping Thruxton hard, but it raises key questions about the CS Touring. How many customers will take their car on track, and how often? If that phenomenal on-track performance comes at the expense of on-road ability, doesn\u2019t that defeat the inherent point of a fast estate? <\/p>\n\n<p>Make no mistake, this can be driven and used like any 3-series estate. Interior tweaks are moderate \u2013 a lovely M alcantara steering wheel and heated M carbon bucket seats \u2013 and retain the decent legroom and boot space (500 litres with the seats in place) of the Competition Touring. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610756_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610756_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>And what of the on-road ride comfort? The M3 is a firm car and never quite has the flow over bumps of cars like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, so the prospect of even stiffer spring rates feels like a daunting one.<\/p> \n\n<p>Not so in reality. We\u2019d have to put them back-to-back to be sure, but the CS Touring\u2019s revised damper tune has greater flow and control at high speeds and, if anything, slightly less edginess at low speeds than the Competition. The CS Touring feels taut and composed rather than harsh and crashy.<\/p> \n\n<p>Clearly, there\u2019s plenty of range in the adaptive damper settings. While Sport+ still feels like overkill for the public road, Comfort delivers a well-rounded, usable setting at the expense of a little response and body control. It\u2019s small gains over the Competition Touring, but the extra polish is welcome even if road noise is still on the high side. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/P90610757_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;P90610757_highRes_bmw-m3-cs-touring-uk&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>What\u2019s more, the calibration of the power steering is more at home on road. Feedback remains average, but at lower speeds the delicate touch and immediacy of the rack gives a super-positive, lightweight feel to the front end. Coupled with the low, involving driving position it means the CS Touring is a highly enjoyable car at the energetic cruising pace of a good road drive.<\/p> \n\n<p>That\u2019s also where the ZF \u2019box confirms its value. A DCT transmission simply couldn\u2019t match the docile verve of the single-clutch slushmaster when driving around town, and the breadth of ability suits the estate\u2019s personality so well. A dedicated button \u2013 an actual physical button \u2013 to adjust the gearshift setting is also welcome. The most aggressive mode, while delivering fast shifts, gives an abrupt and exaggerated lurch during every upchange. Okay on track, not so much on road.<\/p> \n\n<p>In their sportiest settings the gearshifts, carbon brakes and dampers are the three areas of the car that are a little too much for the road. Braking power is truly awesome and the ABS shows valiant restraint, but the pedal could be more linear. It\u2019s easy to scrub off lots of speed at the top of the pedal\u2019s travel but modulation thereafter takes some adjusting to. At \u00a39k the brakes are pricey and \u2013 if you\u2019re not using the car on track \u2013 arguably unnecessary.<\/p> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=&#8221;car-pullquote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||5px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>YOU NEED TO VENTURE BEYOND THE PUBLIC ROAD TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE CS IS A FIVE-STAR CAR<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>This is one example of the questions a potential CS Touring buyer needs to address. It is, without doubt, the best track-ready estate car on sale today \u2013 possibly of all time \u2013 and a notable step on from the Competition Touring. It goes, stops, corners and thrills in a way that goes so far beyond its \u2018box on wheels\u2019 roots you cannot help but doff your cap to Munich\u2019s M division. <\/p>\n\n<p>And perhaps more impressive still is that it doesn\u2019t ask for any on-road compromise to achieve this. If anything, it\u2019s gained a touch of focus and finesse. <\/p>\n\n<p>Yet for those unlikely to take an estate car on track \u2013 who, let\u2019s face it, must be most of us \u2013 it\u2019s hard to make the case that the on-road improvement justifies the additional cash (nearly 40 per cent more) over the already exceptional Competition Touring.<\/p> \n\n<p>Look back at previous Competition Sport products and you\u2019ll find instances where M has taken the other path. While the F90 M5 CS, for example, gained ability on track, it is revered for the vast improvement in its roadgoing prowess. It transformed an already strong M5 and sent it into orbit with upgrades that could be enjoyed on every journey.<\/p> \n\n<p>In contrast, you really need to venture beyond the public road to understand why the CS Touring is a five-star car. Its value is best appreciated at Brands Hatch rather than on the B660, and for an estate car \u2013 even a quick one \u2013 that\u2019s unusual. <\/p>\n\n<p>Regardless, it\u2019s hard to deny that where Audi once ruled, BMW\u2019s domination of the fast estate market is now beyond question.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/09\/BMW_M3CS__005-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BMW_M3CS__005&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=&#8221;facts-figures&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>BMW M3 CS TOURING<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#4484c6&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h3>Data<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Price<\/b> \u00a3126,275 (\u00a3139,460 as tested)<br \/><b>Powertrain<\/b> 2993cc 24v twin-turbocharged six-cylinder, eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive<br \/><b>Performance<\/b> 543bhp @ 6250rpm, 479lb ft @ 2750rpm, 3.5sec 0-62mph, 186mph<br \/><b>Weight<\/b> 1850kg<br \/><b>Efficiency<\/b> 26.9mpg, 238g\/km CO2<br \/><b>On sale<\/b> Now<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<div class=\"star-rating-wrap\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"star-icon\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"star-icon\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"star-icon\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"star-icon\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"star-icon\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; divider_weight=&#8221;3px&#8221; module_class=&#8221;divider-thin&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||5px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s hard to deny that where Audi once ruled, BMW\u2019s domination of the fast estate market is now beyond question.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":2709,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2706","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"kschwarz","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2706"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2706\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2758,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2706\/revisions\/2758"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}