BMW M3 CS Touring Sets New Nürburgring Record for Station Wagons, Outpaces M5 CS
The BMW M3 CS Touring has claimed the title of fastest station wagon ever lapped on the Nürburgring’s North Loop, surpassing even the lauded BMW M5 CS. This achievement underscores a significant leap in performance and handling for the M3 platform, particularly with the introduction of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.The CS Touring completed the 20.832-kilometer circuit faster than its eight-cylinder sibling, despite similar weights and a slightly smaller engine.
The M3 CS Touring represents a focused, high-performance variant of BMW’s popular sports sedan, aimed at enthusiasts seeking track capability combined with practicality. Its success on the Nürburgring highlights BMW’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance in the station wagon segment, a category traditionally focused on utility rather than outright speed. The car’s advancement addresses previous concerns regarding the rear-wheel-drive dynamics of earlier M3 generations, offering improved traction and control.
The current M3/M4 M xDrive models represent a significant enhancement in handling compared to their predecessors. Even in wet conditions, like those experienced in the Scottish Highlands in October, the M3 CS Touring delivers confident traction with sensible throttle application. On twisty circuits, the car feels exceptionally capable, while also demonstrating record-breaking potential.
fuel consumption varies considerably depending on driving style. track driving results in approximately 30 liters per 100km, while city driving yields around 20 l/100 km. Commuting around Prague averages 16 liters per 100km, and a relaxed highway run from Prague to Jihlava achieved 10.3 liters per 100km. Average consumption is around 12 liters per 100km, a respectable figure given the vehicle’s performance.
BMW M3 CS Touring vs. mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance
| BMW M3 CS Touring | Mercedes-AMG C 63 | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | R6, benzin, biturbo | R4, gasoline + electric motor |
| displacement volume [cm3] | 2993 | 1991 |
| Performance [kW/min] | 405/6250 | 500 (350 + 150) |
| Torque [N.m/min] | 650/2750-5950 | 1020 (system) |
| Transmission | 8 AT | 9 AT |
| max. speed [km/h] | 300 | 270 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h [s] | 3,5 | 3,4 |
| Combined consumption according to WLTP [l/100 km] | 10,5 | 9,0 + 5,5 kWh |
| External dimensions [mm] | 4796 x 1918 x 1447 | 4842 x 1900 x 1474 |
| Wheelbase [mm] | 2857 | 2875 |
| Luggage compartment [l] | 500-1510 | 320 |
| basic price [Kč] | 3.987.100 | 2.911.260 |
(Source: auto.cz/David Rajdl)
