BMW M3 CS Touring Sets Record at Nürburgring – How Close to the Sedan?

The BMW M3 CS Touring has proven that practicality and performance can go hand in hand, making history on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, the M3 CS Touring clocked a blistering lap time of 7:29.49, claiming the title of the fastest production estate ever to lap the legendary track. This run shaved nearly 5.6 seconds off the previous Touring record and showed that BMW’s engineering expertise extends far beyond traditional sedans and coupes.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is how close it came to the performance of the M3 CS Sedan. Recorded in August 2023, the sedan completed the lap in 7:28.76, making it just about one second quicker than the Touring. This minimal difference highlights how BMW has tuned the Touring to deliver nearly identical handling and agility while offering the added benefit of expanded cargo space.

In the context of BMW’s performance hierarchy, the M3 CS Touring sits alongside some of the brand’s most accomplished track machines. The M4 CSL still holds the crown with a 7:18.14 lap, followed by the M4 CS at 7:21.99. Yet the Touring proves that you can have the everyday usability of a family car without sacrificing the thrill of high-performance driving.

BMW M CEO Franciscus van Meel described the M3 CS Touring as a perfect blend of “racing DNA and everyday usability,” and the Nürburgring lap time proves his point. Whether you prefer the sedan’s slightly sharper edge or the Touring’s unmatched versatility, both models showcase the pinnacle of modern M engineering.