2021 BMW M3 CS Makes Spy Debut, Should Be The Pick Of The G80 Bunch

As with all its predecessors, the next generation of the BMW M3 will be a big deal – and not just because of its oversized kidney grilles.

As before, the G80 M3 will boast several model variants, with the one offering the best power-to-weight ratio likely to be the M3 CS (Club Sport). Up until now, we have brought you spy shots of the regular BMW M3 but today we give you the first photos of the G80 M3 CS.

How do we know it’s a CS and not a standard M3 or M3 Competition Package? Well, there are several details that give away its identity.

Watch: Is The BMW F80 M3 CS As Special As Its Predecessors?

The most prominent are the front lip spoiler, the CS-style trunk spoiler, and the staggered wheels. As with the outgoing model, the next-generation M3 CS will also feature many upgrades over the standard G80 M3 that the eyes can’t see.

Those are likely to include a power upgrade, unique exhaust system, carbon fiber hood and roof for less weight (not fitted to this particular prototype), unique wheels shod with ultra-high performance tires, and microfiber suede interior bits. We should also expect a revised DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, revised limited-slip differential and tweaked driving modes giving it an extra edge over lesser M3s.

These photos also provide the clearest look yet at the G80 M3’s optional carbon fiber bucket seats which will offer the tightest body-hugging experience. The rest of the cabin will look pretty much like your regular M340i but with more carbon fiber trim, a special steering wheel and BMW M badges galore.

In the engine compartment, we know that the G80 M3 will feature the new S58 engine from the X3 M and X4 M. The turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six is expected to deliver 473 HP (480 PS) in the base model and 503 HP (510 PS) in the M3 Competition. Logic would dictate that the M3 CS will feature even more power.

Factor in the manual transmission option and rear-wheel-drive setup (base M3s will feature standard rear-biased AWD and automatic transmission) and there’s not much more a BMW purist could ask from an M3.

Photo credits: CarPix for CarScoops