► BMW M3 CS saloon
► Hotter, lighter, sharper
► Priced from £86k
Family types with a speed addiction: your new car has arrived. This is the new BMW M3 CS – the new top of the range M-powered 3-series that’s lighter, punchier and carbonfibre-ier.
Just like the M4 CS, this more practical four-door saloon has had a thorough fettling and a price hike to match.
The 3.0-litre straight-six now makes 453bhp and 442lb ft (up from 444bhp and 406lb ft in the Competition Pack), which is good for a 0-62mph launch in 3.9 seconds and on to 174mph if you spec the optional M Drivers Package.
Shove is sent through to the rear wheels via an M Sport seven-speed auto, plus sports exhaust system ‘specifically tuned for the CS’ is coupled to four chunky rear tailpipes.
Copious amounts of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) are used in the exterior trimmings, including in the chunky front splitter, bonnet, engine bracing, lip spoiler and rear diffuser. It’s even in the roof to help lower the CS’s centre of gravity.
Inside, Alcantara can be found on the steering wheel, dashboard inserts and door inlays. It’s still pretty plush inside, kit-wise, too: there’s climate control, adaptive LED lights, adaptive dampers, navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Want one? You’ll have to order fast – only 100 are coming the UK. Orders start in January 2018 with deliveries in March 2018 – price starts at £86,380.
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