BMW is set to break new ground with the launch of its' first-ever hyper-performance estate car.
The new M3 CS Touring is a special-edition model and the first of its kind produced by BMW's M high-performance division. This exclusive new derivative builds on the success of the M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive and offers a unique combination of exhilarating performance and exceptional practicality.
Power output of the BMW in-line, six-cylinder engine has been increased to 550hp and with 850Nm of torque it offers near-supercar performance with a top speed of 186mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds.
As well as the more powerful twin-turbo engine, the seemingly innocent load-lugger comes with bespoke chassis tuning and minimised weight - helped by numerous components made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic - an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive.
In spite of its' high-performance credentials, the new M3 CS Touring has been officially credited with a combined fuel consumption of 26.9 mpg, although its' combined CO emissions of 240 g/km in the WLTP cycle certainly won't impress the green lobby.
Although it's clearly been developed for fun on the track, BMW is stressing the car's on-road practicality with generous interior space and boot storage capacity which can be expanded from 500 litres to a maximum of 1,510 litres.
Priced from £120,600, this latest special-edition model will be produced in a limited run alongside all other variants of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M3 Touring at BMW Group Plant Munich, with first deliveries arriving in the UK from March.