2023 BMW M3 CS limited-edition revealed, priced for Australia

The hotted-up 2023 BMW M3 CS has debuted ahead of its appearance at the 24 Hours of Daytona this weekend – and it's confirmed for Australia.

It will sit at the top of the M3 range, joining the track-focused M4 CSL with its more potent 405kW 'S58' twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six and carbon fibre components.

However, unlike the M4 CSL, it features back seats and BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, with a faster 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds.

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2023 BMW M3 CS pricing

BMW Australia has confirmed the M3 CS will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2023, priced from $249,900 before on-road costs, making it $75,000 more than an M3 Competition.

Under the bonnet, the M3 CS features a 30kW hike in peak output compared to the M3 Competition, courtesy of raising the turbo's maximum boost pressure from 1.7 to 2.1 bar.

There's also a tweaked engine management system and stiffer engine mounts for increased rigidity.

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This has raised power to 405kW (in line with the M4 CSL) while torque is unchanged at 650Nm. It is matched with an eight-speed ZF torque converter automatic transmission and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

BMW quotes a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds – three-tenths quicker than the M4 CSL – and a 0-200km/h time of 11.1 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 302km/h.

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As with the M4 CSL, the M3 CS sports a more power/less weight formula, with a carbon-fibre roof and lightweight parts, including the bonnet, front and rear bumper, mirror caps, air intakes and spoiler – but it retains the rear bench to allow for seating for five.

There's also a lightweight exhaust system with titanium rear silencers.

This equates to a 20-kilogram weight saving over the M3 Competition, while the middle-rear seat is retained – unlike the M5 CS, which features two rear bucket seats.

As expected, it includes BMW's Laserlight headlights with a delightfully-Euro yellow low beam, and red exterior highlights.

Under the skin, BMW has retuned the M3's suspension, with a unique camber, damper, anti-roll bar and auxiliary spring tune, and bespoke steering calibration.

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It features red or black M brakes as standard, with optional carbon-ceramic calipers in matte gold or red for $16,500 extra. There are also forged M light-alloy wheels in bronze, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, and track tyres (or high-performance road tyres as a no-cost option).

Inside, the M3 CS includes carbon-fibre bucket seats with illuminated model badging, black and red upholstery, an Alcantara steering wheel, and a lightweight centre console with a delete option.

The 2023 BMW M3 CS will commence limited-run production in March, with local deliveries set to commence in the second half of 2023.