BMW M3 CS leaked in full

What could be the angriest, most aggressive and expensive BMW M3 to date, the G80-series 2023 BMW M3 CS, has been leaked online more than a week ahead of its global reveal at the 24 Hours of Daytona (January 28-29).

Involving more than just a couple of set or stage snaps, the leak contains a batch of fully-fledged press images which have been posted across social media and BMW forums, including the Wilcoblok’s Instagram page and the Bimmerpost fan forum.

The images leave little to the imagination and showcase the hottest M3’s obviously tauter and more focused disposition via an enlarged front splitter, M4 CSL-spec front grille, yellow daytime running lights, striped bonnet, carbon sills and roof, and bucket front seats.

The steering wheel is wrapped in what looks to be Alcantara and features a red straight-ahead marker which corresponds with the rest of the red-accented theme both inside and out.

Other unique touches include staggered lightweight alloy wheels – most likely 19-inch front and 20-inch rear, as per the CSL – and carbon-fibre interior trim.

Given the official reveal is still nine days or so away, there aren’t too many specifics to be found as to the power, performance, weight or price, but international reports and leaked internal documents have nominated a 405kW peak power figure – identical to that of the M4 CSL.

Claimed fuel economy – if it matters with a car like this – is rated at between 10.1-10.4L/100km on the WLTP cycle, which is the only concrete detail released by BMW to date.

If the usual CS/CSL recipe and obvious upgrades are anything to go by, the M3 CS will be considerably lighter and more powerful than the rear-drive M3 Competition it’ll inevitably be based on – something that should drastically improve all facets of its performance.

A raised speed-limiter, carbon ceramic brakes and louder exhaust system would also be par for the course, along with a hugely inflated price tag to match all the extra carbon and performance.

Given the M4 CSL is priced at a huge $303,900 plus on-road costs, we expect its M3 cousin to at least start around the $250,000 mark, if not more.

For reference, the recently updated M3 Competition xDrive – presently the most expensive M3 variant – starts from $175,300.

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