The BMW M3 CS Touring has become the fastest station wagon around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, with a time of 7:29.5 minutes.
Behind the wheel was BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger who broke the previous record by nearly six seconds. The previous fastest time, set by the BMW M3 Touring in 2022, was 7:35.060 minutes, which ousted the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate that previously held the record with a time of 7:45.19.
Commenting on the new record, BMW M CEO Franciscus van Meel said: “From the very beginning, it was clear that the BMW M3 CS Touring would set new standards in dynamics. With a time under 7:30 minutes, this model impressively demonstrates that this vehicle concept perfectly combines racing DNA with everyday usability.”
The luggage-hauling BMW was just more than a second slower than its sedan cousin, the BMW M3 CS, which set a time of 7:28.760 minutes.
The Nordschleife (North loop) is a 20.8km track that undulates through Germany’s Eifel mountains. For decades the iconic German track, nicknamed “The Green Hell”, has been used by motoring media and vehicle manufacturers for testing, and laptimes are accepted as true measures of a car’s performance.
The BMW M3 CS Touring had its global unveiling in January. It is powered by a 405kW/650Nm six-cylinder 3.0l in-line petrol twin-turbo engine, which propels the vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 300km/h.
The car has a specially designed engine mounting and an M-specific exhaust system with a more emotional sound. Power is fed to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The DSC stability control and M Dynamic Mode are optimised for high-performance track use.
The standard M Compound braking system allows powerful deceleration, while an optional M Carbon-ceramic brake system is available.
The interior merges a performance-orientated design with digital technology and exclusive design features. The high-performance family car has a generous 500l boot, which expands to an enormous 1,510l with the rear seats folded down.
The BMW M3 CS Touring can be ordered with a paint finish in British racing green, Laguna Seca blue, Frozen solid white or Sapphire black metallic.
BMW SA says it will bring in a limited number of M3 CS Touring units in 2026.
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