All right, so the purists may complain that I’m referring to this vehicle as the “BMW M3 CS”, but seeing as this car is all about keeping things speedy and because BMW has a long history of using number and letter designations for its vehicles, that’s what I’m going to call it instead of “BMW M3 Competition Sedan”. This is one of three Competition models currently available in Australia (the other are the M4 Competition Coupé and the M4 Competition Convertible) – although I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishes that there were more.

The BMW M3 CS is based on the already popular M-Sport version of the very popular 3-series but takes things through to the next level.  The BMW M3 CS takes what is already an excellent vehicle and adds that extra bit of oh-my-goodness awesomeness to the mixture.

This extra level of awesomeness starts with the exterior.  Now, we already know that any modern BMW 3-series is going to be luxurious and classy, with the M badge meaning it’s going to be even more so.  However, in the BMW M3 CS, you get those little added extras that show that this is certainly a special vehicle – things like the exclusive glossy 20-inch Star Spoke alloy wheels and the re-jigged M-Sports exhaust.  The exhaust has been carefully tuned and shaped so that you get the very nicest sound possible from that engine – a nice sexy growl.  The general shape is lean and dynamic, as is the case for the “regular” M3, but when it comes to the trim, you can forget about your clichéd chrome: glossy black is the order of the day around the famous BMW front grille, the side grilles, the badge surrounds and the exterior mirror frames and bases.  This adds extra drama to the twin headlights with their LED daytime running light surrounds (the headlights themselves are also LEDs and you’ll find LEDs in the tail lights as well).  A range of glorious colours are available for the paintwork; my favourite’s the Metallic Black Sapphire.

The BMW M3 CS’s collection of extras continues on the interior of the vehicle. To what you’ll already find inside the M3, such as full leather seats and leather wrapping the multifunction steering wheel and gear lever, you get M Sports seats for the driver and passenger, which are lightweight bucket seats that make you really feel like you’re in command.  The seatbelts have quite a nice touch, too: they’ve got stripes in the M colours (why don’t more manufacturers play around with seatbelt colours?).

However, what makes the BMW M3 CS special goes beyond a bit of body styling and some nice sporty seats.  It’s what’s under the smartly styled bonnet that really counts, and this really is breathtakingly awesome: a 3-L 6-cylinder beast that’s been fine-tuned to up the power level to a peak at 331 kW; the torque peaks at 550 Nm.  In the hands of an expert, this engine is capable of gunning the BMW M3 CS from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 4.0 seconds of pure exhilaration.  For an engine of this size with this much power, the BMW M3 CS is surprisingly frugal, in line with modern emissions requirements, with a combined test figure of 8.8 L/100 k.  This comes partnered with a seven-speed M Double-Clutch transmission.  Once you get started and take the BMW M3 CS out onto a suitable bit of road, you will also get to experience the other thing that makes this sports sedan special: the Adaptive M suspension that features improved springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.  You’ve got three drive modes to play with (Comfort, Sport and Sport+) so you can customise the ride and the response to suit your style and situation best.

The BMW M3 CS also has all the other features for comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety that you’ll find in the M3.  In the driver assistance department, should you need them, this sedan has DSC; ABS brakes with brake assistance, cornering brake control and traction control; a lane change warning system, cruise control, front and rear parking distance control, and full surround view with a rear camera – just the right level of assistance for a driver who knows what he/she is doing.  The Heads-Up display makes a good complement to the proper dashboard system, and provides a nice wee reminder of the speed limit, just in case you’ve missed the signpost.  Naturally, smartphone connectivity comes as standard, as does a navigation package and a crystal-clear 16-speaker Harman/kardon surround sound system.  What you need to know for navigation is displayed on an 8.8-inch colour display. Keyless access, dual-zone air conditioning and automatic stop/start are other handy gadgets on board.

Whether you prefer to call this the BMW M3 CS or call it by its full name (BMW M3 Competition Sedan), it is certainly a very, very lovely machine that promises to be downright delicious to drive.

Current model series include:

• BMW M3 Competition Sedan

For any more information on the BMW M3 CS, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!