BMW’s dominance on the Nürburgring has reached a new milestone with the BMW M3 CS Touring clocking a blistering lap time of 7 minutes and 29.490 seconds. This feat establishes the model as the fastest Touring car to ever lap the iconic Nürburgring-Nordschleife, further cementing BMW M GmbH’s reputation for engineering excellence in the high-performance segment.
The achievement comes hot on the heels of the BMW M2 CS’s recent lap record in the compact class, underscoring the brand’s continued pursuit of performance benchmarks. Now, the M3 CS Touring joins the ranks of BMW’s most formidable production vehicles, proving that practicality and racing DNA can coexist in one uncompromising package.
The lap time was recorded on the 20.823-kilometre Nordschleife layout, often referred to as the “Green Hell” due to its punishing technical demands. Driven by BMW M’s test engineer and experienced record-setter Jörg Weidinger, the M3 CS Touring shattered the previous Touring benchmark set by the BMW M3 Touring in 2022, which stood at 7:35.060 minutes. Breaking the 7:30 barrier not only elevates the Touring model’s standing in the mid-size performance category but also places it just fractions of a second behind its saloon counterpart, the BMW M3 CS.
Within BMW’s current performance hierarchy, the M4 CSL leads with a time of 7:18.137, followed by the M4 CS at 7:21.989 and the M3 CS at 7:28.760. The M3 CS Touring’s remarkable time, only slightly behind the M3 CS, reinforces its status as the ideal “One Car Solution” for those seeking maximum performance without sacrificing everyday usability.
This latest record is rooted in BMW M’s deep connection with the Nürburgring, where the manufacturer has operated a dedicated test centre for more than 25 years. The facility has become essential for the development and refinement of new vehicles, offering a rigorous environment that helps translate motorsport capabilities into road-going performance.
The Nürburgring remains a central pillar of BMW M’s philosophy. As a globally recognised proving ground, the Nordschleife’s 73 corners and undulating terrain demand the highest levels of driver skill and vehicle engineering. All record attempts at the track are independently verified to confirm adherence to production vehicle specifications, ensuring credibility across the industry.
BMW M’s presence at the Nürburgring extends beyond testing. The brand has an illustrious motorsport history at the circuit, including 21 overall victories in the gruelling 24-hour endurance race. The most recent triumph came courtesy of ROWE Racing, whose drivers Kelvin van der Linde, Augusto Farfus, Jesse Krohn, and Raffaele Marciello delivered an exceptional performance, climbing from 17th place to secure victory.
Launched as the first-ever Touring variant of the high-performance CS line-up, the BMW M3 CS Touring blends exhilarating power with everyday practicality. Its 550hp six-cylinder in-line engine propels it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 300 km/h. The drivetrain pairs an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, ensuring seamless traction and dynamic precision across varied driving conditions.
Specially engineered engine mounts and an M-specific exhaust system provide both enhanced responsiveness and a distinctive performance soundtrack. The chassis has been fine-tuned for track use, with calibrated DSC stability control and M Dynamic Mode settings, alongside a standard M Compound braking system. An optional M Carbon-ceramic brake package further enhances braking performance for demanding circuits.
Inside, the M3 CS Touring offers a balance of sportiness and comfort. The cabin is equipped with a driver-focused layout, premium digital interfaces, and exclusive design details. The car’s practicality is equally impressive, with a high-opening tailgate and a luggage capacity ranging from 500 to 1,510 litres, making it as suitable for family getaways as it is for high-speed laps around the Nordschleife.
With this latest achievement, BMW M GmbH continues to redefine the boundaries of what a performance car can be—delivering track-ready speed without compromising the versatility expected of a Touring model. The M3 CS Touring is more than a record-setter; it’s a demonstration of engineering mastery, marrying passion and precision in a car built for every road.
