BMW apparently readying M3 CS Touring
Thought the M3 was as good as a fast wagon could get? Might be time to think again
All the recent CS M cars have been great. Though some (M5) have improved more substantially on the base product than others (M2), all have been fantastic driver’s cars. Expensive, yes - but proof that BMW M knows what they’re doing when it comes to proper thrills - a nice distraction from everything else going on.
So there’s cause for some considerable optimism with the latest M3 CS, based as it is on the formidable standard G80 xDrive and with the same power as the Nurburgring crushing CSL. Just a shame it looks so OTT, really. And, of course, costs so much. But there might be a solution coming, at least from a styling perspective: you might be looking at an M3 CS Touring.
There’s nothing official for the moment, though it’s easy to see where all the excitable anticipation comes from, the just-in spy pictures showing a Touring pounding the Nordschleife with what seems like a lower ride height, the CS front splitter and ceramic brakes. It’s not a lot, sure, but it looks like another M3 Touring variant. And that’s got to be good news.
A CS would make some sense, too, given that model is xDrive only, as is the Touring. And it’s hardly like the model is a lightweight, stripped-out track special, taking just 20kg from the saloon. The modifications applied to the heavier estate are going to have broadly the same effect; a standard Touring feels an awful lot like an M3 to drive, so there’s no reason why a CS wouldn’t do the same.
BMW freely admitted the Touring is slightly less structurally rigid at the rear than the saloon, but this hardly registers in road driving - and while the wagon is already colossally fast, that doesn't mean that reworked dampers and recalibrated assists wouldn't promise a good deal more.
With CS saloon deliveries not due until later in 2023, we’re probably a little way off seeing a Touring equivalent (if, in fact, that's what this is) or even having it confirmed as a production reality. That being said, BMW had highlighted the UK as a key market for the car, and there’s enormous interest in the Touring over here (and elsewhere, going on its sales performance). Imagine, say, an M3 CS Touring debut at Festival of Speed, following last year’s reveal of the standard car? If there’s one thing guaranteed with a new BMW M model, it’s going to draw a crowd.
Images | S.Baldauf/S.B. Medien
Given that the standard touring is c. £1,350 per month with a £10k deposit, the CS is going to be about £1,500!!!
Given that the standard touring is c. £1,350 per month with a £10k deposit, the CS is going to be about £1,500!!!
I know the standard practice is to say they can afford it - but in reality with a child or two at a local private school the existence can be more hand to mouth than people realize as I've seen at first hand.
Given that the standard touring is c. £1,350 per month with a £10k deposit, the CS is going to be about £1,500!!!
Given that the standard touring is c. £1,350 per month with a £10k deposit, the CS is going to be about £1,500!!!
I know the standard practice is to say they can afford it - but in reality with a child or two at a local private school the existence can be more hand to mouth than people realize as I've seen at first hand.
Just hope interest rates come down by the time your renewal is up!
Given that the standard touring is c. £1,350 per month with a £10k deposit, the CS is going to be about £1,500!!!
I know the standard practice is to say they can afford it - but in reality with a child or two at a local private school the existence can be more hand to mouth than people realize as I've seen at first hand.
I expect it will be in very high demand regardless because of a shared expectation that residuals will be better and also by the "stick it in a garage and barely drive it" crowd, but as an actual thing to drive about in, it sort of sounds like it would (as far as M3s go) be the worst of both worlds.
Regular version, please!
some things are not so likeable, like say those door handles, look how big and to much in your face they are, corrupting the lines a lot me thinks.
why not more as one with the body, yes this way its easy to enter, but boy are those ugly.
even most old car done that better, like say e30/z3 alike, specially in car color or a nice contrast color way better then those monster handles.
and ow, the rear light side the part that goes up... look...
or that black thing in the front wings, it just does not fit like that, its out of shape, does not fit the style.
Other than that, the market has got to be very limited, unless somebody needs a touring/estate and can't or won't run two cars. But, hell you'd really want to have the need for a bigger car than the coupe or saloon.
Of course there'll always be the exception.
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