The new BMW M3 CS Handschalter combines a 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction, and track-focused tuning in an exclusive edition for North America.
BMW M has unveiled the BMW M3 CS Handschalter 2027, a limited-edition model created to mark the end of the sixth generation of the M3. The car relies on an increasingly rare formula in the segment: an inline-six engine, 6-speed manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drive.
The name Handschalter, used by BMW to highlight the manual transmission, perfectly summarizes the car’s concept. This is the first time an M3 CS has been offered with a manual gearbox, reinforcing the focus on driver engagement.
Under the hood, the sports sedan features a 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine capable of producing 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. According to the brand, the model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and can reach 180 mph, around 290 km/h, with the M Driver’s Package.
BMW also focused heavily on weight reduction. The M3 CS Handschalter uses carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the roof, hood, front splitter, air intakes, mirrors, diffuser, and rear spoiler. The model also comes with M Carbon seats, forged wheels, and a titanium exhaust silencer.
With the optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes, weight savings reach nearly 75 pounds, about 34 kg, compared to a standard M3. BMW says the goal was to make responses sharper and improve the car’s behavior both on public roads and racetracks.
The chassis received a specific setup, including adjustments to the M Servotronic steering, suspension, engine, and transmission. Ride height was lowered by 6 mm, and the package includes components inspired by high-performance M division models, such as dampers previously used in the M4 CSL.
Visually, the M3 CS Handschalter follows the aggressive identity of CS models. The frameless grille, red accents, exposed carbon fiber elements, and yellow daytime running lights reinforce the connection with the brand’s racing cars.
The color palette includes Isle of Man Green metallic and Black Sapphire metallic at no extra cost. BMW Individual paints Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic, inspired by the M3’s 40-year history, will be offered as optional finishes.
The model also comes standard with the M Drive Professional package, which includes M Drift Analyzer, M Laptimer, and M Traction Control with ten intervention levels. The Road, Sport, and Track modes adjust the behavior of assistance systems and the information displayed to the driver.
Production of the BMW M3 CS Handschalter 2027 begins in July in very limited numbers, with deliveries expected in the fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Pricing in the United States starts at US$ 107,100, plus US$ 1,350 destination and handling charges.
The public debut is scheduled for the All-BMW Petersen Cruise-In 2026 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on May 23.
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Source and images: BMW. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
