Last year saw the introduction of the hardcore and lightweight BMW M4 CSL. For those looking for a more practical and livable equivalent, the M division recently unveiled the new M3 CS which features the same thrills, but with rear seats.

Like its two-door, two-seater sibling, the new M3 CS bears the same upgraded 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six, outputting 550hp and 650Nm with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

The biggest difference compared to the M4 CSL is the presence of xDrive, which is the company’s all-wheel-drive system, giving drivers the option to power the rear or all wheels.

Carbon fiber is practically everywhere in the bucket seats (which are upholstered in Merino leather), the splitter, the grille, and the roof bringing the whole weight down to 1,765kg, which is 103kg less than the M3 Competition.

Drivers can opt for either compound or carbon ceramic brakes, tucked inside staggered M light alloy wheels (19 inches for the front, 20 for the rear).

Unlike the CSL, the infotainment system implements BMW Operating System 8 seen in current BMW models, complete with the Curved Display that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, complete with M-exclusive features.

Creature comforts include dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Harman Kardon system now comes as standard. Safety features such as Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning are still present.

No price has been mentioned yet, but the M3 CS will be assembled at the BMW Group Munich plant and launched worldwide in limited numbers by March 2023.