New Delhi:BMW is close calling it a day on the present-day 3 Series. Earlier the brand had introduced the fully electric i3, and the brand will be launching
the ICE version in the later part of the year. For enthusiasts that does mean the M3 “G80” is fading into the sunset. However, before the sports saloon drives off, the M division is bringing in a limited-run finale.
For 2027, BMW is bringing the M3 CS with a six-speed twist. Unlike the previous Competition Sport special edition, which was sold exclusively with an automatic transmission, the new hardcore M3 will be available only with a three-pedal setup. It comes with a “Handschalter” suffix, which is German for “hand shift”. We had seen this name previously in the form of the three-pedal Z4 M40i Handschalter.
BMW M3 CS Handschalter powertrain and mechanics
BMW M3 CS Handschalter comes with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine and a six-speed gearbox
There is a major difference between the two M3 CS models, and the previous one, released in 2023, was based on the range-topping M3 Competition xDrive, and its successor is based on the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive trim. It comes with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine that makes 473 hp and 550 Nm of torque, instead of 543 hp and 649 Nm of torque, which was the output of the four-wheel drive M3 CS before it.
It just so happens that the M3 is about 34 kg less. BMW uses the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, mixing the CFRP approach with a titanium muffler, forged wheels and carbon bucket seats. Even though these items are standard and make for about 19 kg of weight saving. The carbon-ceramic brakes lessen the weight by about 14 kg.
It should read at something like 1707 kg, though that is still quite heavier than the previous-generation model that was launched in 2018, which came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The “F80” M3 CS was about 122 kg lighter, though it didn’t come with a manual gearbox.
The final iteration of the “G80” also comes with shock absorbers from the M4 CSL. Additional suspension tweaks, including the new springs and a revised back axle link, make the four-door saloon lower by about 6mm, compared to the base M3. For some extra money, the BMW also offers an M-specific front strut brace to sharpen handling.
BMW M3 CS Handschalter interior
BMW said the new M3 CS with a manual does 0-100 kph in 4.1 seconds, and flat out can do 289 kph, all thanks to the M Driver’s Package. In terms of options, you get things like two retro-flavored Individual colours, Techno Violet and Imola Red, both coming at the same price. As standard, the M3 CS also gets Black Sapphire or Isle of Man Green.
It will be sold in limited numbers, as said before and will be exclusive to the United States and Canada, with production set to start in July. While the sixth-gen M3 is close to being phased out, BMW has already committed to two future M3 models. There will be a fully electric variant next year, with an inline-six model coming later in the decade, probably sometime in 2028 or after.
