What’s the hype?
BMW has just slapped a CS badge on an estate car. And everyone’s going gaga over it!
The BMW M3 CS Touring has been launched and it’s a limited-production model. The not-so-regular M3 Touring had already impressed as it is the first BMW estate car to get the full M-treatment. And the ‘CS’ just made it spicier!
It has a cult following of track-aficionados ripping it one second and taking their family on a leisurely trip the next.
It must be quicker than the M3 Touring, right? RIGHT?
Yes, of course. It has 20 hp more and has shred 15kg of its total weight. The turbocharger now allows for more boost to give you that extra grunt. The S58 is a beast of an engine! The 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-6 now produces 550 hp and 650 nm. It is a rocketship in a straight line and it will teleport you to 100 in 3.5 seconds.
Does this estate handle like a ‘CS’ car?
The suspension, dampers, anti-roll bars have been tinkered by the M-Department for stiffness resulting in better handling on the track. It has better aerodynamics thanks to the rear wing and front carbon splitter. You also get the option of ultra-performance tyres for more grip. The optional engine strut helps in more structural rigidity and also looks cool.
Looks stunning, though.
The first thing you notice are those headlights. They come with yellow LED lights like you see in GT Racing cars and when it is dark, they remind you of a Le Mans car. For the visual differences, remember one word: carbon.
The bonnet, front-air intakes, and the rear diffuser get the carbon-fiber treatment. The forged M light-alloy wheels in Gold Bronze look beautiful and the red-outlined M3 CS badging is (chef’s kiss).
You get the choice of 4 brilliant color options which help in making the world less boring.
Interior:
For the interior, remember the word, leather. The cabin is sporty and draped in leather. It has M carbon bucket seats. And for you forgetful lots, BMW has CS badging on the centre console, M seat belts and door sill plates to remind what car you are driving. The Black/Red design of the interior looks sporty.
Just imagining an estate car flying on the Nurburgring as fast as a sports car and then being driven for daily errands makes the mind boggle.
It is a contradiction and that’s why we love it!
