What We Like
Sharp looks
Well-appointed cabin is comfortable on long drives
Improved steering precision
Sharper handling
Tons of power
What We Dislike
No plans for this model to be available in Singapore
Significant financial step up from the Competition Package
Within BMW M's model hierarchy, there are four distinct model designations - M Performance (the standard models sith M performance parts), M High Performance (your standard M models), M Competition, and M CS, sitting right at the top. This car - the M3 CS - is designed to be the sharpest, hardest and fastest M3 right now. Question is, is it the best M3 of its generation?
The M3 CS is still a striking, handsome and aggressive-looking sedan
What's the difference?
Well, think of it as a tuned M3 Competition Package. Power from the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine has been bumped up by 10bhp to 460bhp, while peak torque has been increased to 600Nm (compared to 550Nm in the M3 Competition package).
The chassis is carried over from the Competition Package, with the forged aluminium links and wheel carriers at both axles helping to keep the unsprung mass low. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified, along with the setup of the electromechanical steering.
The M3 CS' 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine produces 460bhp and 600Nm of torqueOne change you will notice (at least visually) is the extensive use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). The bonnet, roof, rear spoiler, front splitter and rear diffuser are all made with CFRP, helping to shed 10kg compared to the regular M3.
Has that altered the way the car drives?
Well, that depends on which car you compare this to. Compared to the regular M3, the CS is notably sharper. Trying to parse the difference between this and the Competition Package might be slightly harder (especially if you don't have access to a race track), as the changes are more subtle.
The steering has been fettled with, and is now noticeably more direct and responsiveHowever, this is definitely the sharpest and most dynamic M3 on offer. Turn-in is crisp and responsive, with no slackness at the wheel at all. There's ample grip too, no doubt helped by the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. All these add up to a car of improved ability, a joy to pilot on flowing country roads.
What's the difference?
Well, think of it as a tuned M3 Competition Package. Power from the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine has been bumped up by 10bhp to 460bhp, while peak torque has been increased to 600Nm (compared to 550Nm in the M3 Competition package).
The chassis is carried over from the Competition Package, with the forged aluminium links and wheel carriers at both axles helping to keep the unsprung mass low. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified, along with the setup of the electromechanical steering.
Has that altered the way the car drives?
Well, that depends on which car you compare this to. Compared to the regular M3, the CS is notably sharper. Trying to parse the difference between this and the Competition Package might be slightly harder (especially if you don't have access to a race track), as the changes are more subtle.
And of course, there's power for days (not that the standard M3 was tardy in any way). Deploy all 460bhp and 600Nm of torque by stamping your right foot down and just watch the tarmac evaporate before your eyes.
The M sports seats offer great lateral support for when you inevitably go rather quickly through bendsOn good roads, the M3 CS is fabulous to drive. It has power for days, an improved sharpness in the steering, and it sounds more aggressive as well.
However, you do have to be a little measured on bumpy B roads - the stiff suspension setup makes the car slightly twitchy, which means that you have to have your hands constantly on the wheel to keep things under control.
The comfortable and well-appointed cabin features generous use of Alcantara and leather
So, it's the best of its generation?
With the CS, BMW M has made the M3 faster, harder and stronger. It's a sharper M3 overall, and in that sense a better M3. The standard M3 was a powerful but slightly blunt instrument. The Competition Package improved things a notch. With the CS, the M division has refined the car further, making it the best M3 you can presently buy.
With its sharper handling and improved dynamism, the M3 CS is certainly the best version of the F80 generationConsidering this will likely be the last iteration of the M3 from this current generation, the M3 CS is a fitting swansong for the car - it's easily the best version of its current self.
However, you do have to be a little measured on bumpy B roads - the stiff suspension setup makes the car slightly twitchy, which means that you have to have your hands constantly on the wheel to keep things under control.
So, it's the best of its generation?
With the CS, BMW M has made the M3 faster, harder and stronger. It's a sharper M3 overall, and in that sense a better M3. The standard M3 was a powerful but slightly blunt instrument. The Competition Package improved things a notch. With the CS, the M division has refined the car further, making it the best M3 you can presently buy.
