BMW confirms 2027 M3 CS with manual

BMW has now moved this from rumor to product. On May 18, BMW M published a U.S. press release for the 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter, confirming a limited-run M3 CS with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The company said the car is being positioned as a sendoff for the sixth-generation M3 and will be built exclusively for North America. That matters because BMW’s recent CS models have typically leaned toward more power, lower weight and track-focused tuning, not toward the kind of manual, rear-drive setup that enthusiasts have been asking for. BMW’s own description of its CS line says the badge is reserved for special models defined by lightweight construction, sharper suspension and maximum performance. (press.bmwgroup.com) ### So is this really an M3 CS with a manual, or just social-media chatter? BMW answered that directly in its May 18 release. The company named the car the “2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter” and called it “the only M3 CS ever offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.” The release also said the model combines the lighter-weight CS formula with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. (bmw-m.com) The social posts that circulated on May 18 appear to have been pointing to a real launch, not an unverified leak. BMW’s U.S. press site published full model details, photos and timing for production and deliveries the same day. (press.bmwgroup.com) ### What exactly is BMW changing from the existing M3 CS? BMW said the new car uses a 473-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. That output is lower than the all-wheel-drive M3 CS sold previously, but BMW said the car gets model-specific tuning for the chassis, steering, engine and gearbox. (press.bmwgroup.com) The company also said targeted lightweight measures trim nearly 75 pounds compared with a standard M3 when the optional carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted. Those measures include carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic parts, forged alloy wheels, a titanium muffler and standard M Carbon bucket seats. (press.bmwgroup.com) BMW added that ride height is reduced by 6 millimeters and said the car reaches 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph when equipped with the standard M Driver’s Package. ### Why is North America getting this version? (press.bmwgroup.com) BMW said the M3 CS Handschalter will be “built exclusively for North America,” covering the United States and Canada. The company did not give a longer explanation in the release, but outside reports tied the car to the end of the current-generation manual M3 lineup in this market. (press.bmwgroup.com) Autoblog noted that BMW M CEO Frank van Meel had said earlier in 2026 that manuals were becoming harder to justify because of torque and fuel-consumption constraints. Against that backdrop, the new car stands out as a late-cycle exception rather than a broader reversal in BMW’s transmission strategy. (press.bmwgroup.com) ### What will buyers actually get, and what will it cost? BMW said U.S. pricing starts at $107,100, plus $1,350 destination and handling. Two heritage BMW Individual paint finishes — Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic — will be offered, and the car will come standard with yellow daytime running lights and forged wheels. (autoblog.com) Motor1 and Autoblog both reported the same U.S.-market positioning: a lighter, manual, rear-drive M3 CS sold as a North America-only model. ### When will people be able to see one in public? BMW said production will start in July 2026 and deliveries are expected to begin in the fall. The company also said the car will make its public debut on Saturday, May 23, at the All-BMW Petersen Cruise-In 2026 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. (press.bmwgroup.com) (motor1.com)