The Apex Wagon: A Review of the 2025 BMW M3 CS Touring [UK]

The automotive landscape often presents a fascinating dichotomy: the insatiable desire for outright performance clashing with the pragmatic need for everyday usability. Few cars navigate this tightrope with the audacious flair of the BMW M3 Touring, and fewer still conquer it with the unadulterated ferocity of the new-for-2025 M3 CS Touring. This highly anticipated, limited-production performance wagon, available in the UK with a starting price of around £126,275, represents a pinnacle of BMW M engineering, blending track-honed dynamics with a surprising degree of family-friendly practicality.

A Legacy Forged in Carbon Fibre

The "CS" (Competition Sport) designation in BMW's M hierarchy signifies a commitment to pushing boundaries. From the agile M2 CS to the versatile M3 CS Touring, these models are meticulously engineered for maximum precision, boasting increased power, reduced weight, and sharper driving dynamics. The M3 CS Touring, specifically, takes the already formidable M3 Competition Touring and elevates it to another level entirely.

At its heart lies a re-tuned version of BMW's S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine. While the standard M3 Competition Touring is no slouch, the CS benefits from a bump in maximum charge pressure to 2.1 bar and model-specific tweaks to the engine management. This results in an impressive 405 kW (550 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, a significant 20 hp increase over its Competition sibling. This power is channelled through an optimised 8-speed M Steptronic Sport Transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which famously includes a pure rear-wheel-drive mode for those seeking ultimate driving thrills.

The performance figures speak for themselves: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in a blistering 3.5 seconds, and 0-124 mph (200 km/h) in just 11.7 seconds. With the M Driver's Package included as standard, the top speed is electronically limited to a formidable 186 mph (300 km/h). These numbers firmly place the M3 CS Touring in the upper echelons of performance wagons, directly challenging rivals like the Audi RS4 Avant and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Estate.

Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Precision and Power

What truly sets the M3 CS Touring apart is not just its raw power, but how that power is delivered and managed. BMW's engineers have meticulously fine-tuned the chassis technology to complement the increased output and the vehicle's specific weight distribution. The settings for the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system and M Dynamic Mode have been purposefully optimised for committed circuit driving, offering a heightened sense of connection and control.

The electronically controlled Adaptive M Suspension, M Servotronic steering, and integrated braking system all feature model-specific setups. Standard M Compound brakes with red or black calipers provide outstanding stopping power, with the option for M Carbon ceramic brakes (with red or matte gold calipers) for even greater thermal load capacity and reduced unsprung mass.

The M3 CS Touring also benefits from significant weight reduction measures. While a carbon fibre roof is notably absent (reportedly due to production line complexities for a low-volume model), the car sheds 15 kg (33 lbs) compared to the regular G81 through extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). This includes a CFRP bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, wing mirror caps, and rear diffuser. These weight savings, coupled with the bespoke suspension tuning and a specially designed engine mounting with increased spring rates, contribute to an even sharper engine response and incredibly direct power transmission to the drivetrain.

From a driver's perspective, the M3 CS Touring promises an intoxicating experience. Reviews of the standard M3 Touring already praise its brilliant driving dynamics, and the CS variant elevates this further. While the ride can be firm at lower speeds, a characteristic shared with many high-performance M cars, it smooths out considerably on the motorway. On twisty roads, the car's well-sorted chassis and the switchable M xDrive system deliver precise and sharp handling, inspiring confidence in all conditions. The emotionally stirring engine note, courtesy of an M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps and a titanium rear silencer, provides an aural backdrop that perfectly matches the car's aggressive performance.

Practicality Meets Performance: The Ultimate Daily Driver?

Despite its undeniable track-focused credentials, the M3 CS Touring remains a highly practical estate car. With a boot capacity of 500-1,510 litres, it offers ample space for luggage, groceries, or even a trip to the local DIY store. The ease of loading is enhanced by practical compartments, hooks, and eyelets. This blend of performance and practicality is a key selling point, making it a genuine contender for those who need a family car but refuse to compromise on exhilaration.

The interior, too, reflects this duality. The exclusive cabin combines weight-reduction measures with a surprising degree of comfort. Electrically adjustable M Carbon bucket seats in Bicolour Black/Red, complete with heating, are designed for both intense driving and longer journeys. The rear seats, also in Bicolour Black/Red, maintain the sporty aesthetic. Full leather door trim panels and exclusive "M3 CS" illuminated door sill strips add to the premium feel.

Technologically, the M3 CS Touring inherits the latest BMW innovations. A large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrates with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, running across the dashboard. BMW's iDrive system, widely regarded as one of the best infotainment systems on the market, provides intuitive control, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The tactile physical dial alongside the driver remains a welcome feature, allowing for control without diverting attention from the road. Carbon fibre accents, M badges, and carbon fibre paddle shifters further enhance the performance-focused ambiance.

A Limited Edition with Lasting Appeal

The 2025 BMW M3 CS Touring is more than just a fast estate; it's a statement. It's a testament to BMW M's ability to create a vehicle that is both an uncompromised performance machine and a remarkably versatile daily driver. With its limited production numbers (rumored to be around 1,800 to 2,000 units globally, with production ending in February 2026), it also possesses an inherent exclusivity that adds to its allure.

While its price tag of over £126,000 places it firmly in the premium performance segment, for those seeking the ultimate combination of blistering speed, engaging dynamics, and genuine practicality in a wagon body style, the M3 CS Touring presents a compelling and almost unrivaled proposition in the UK market. It's a car that inspires confidence on the track and makes the school run an event, truly embodying the spirit of "Sheer Driving Pleasure."