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BMW’s Ultimate Driving Machine The M4 CSL Has Been Unleashed
The BMW M4 CSL is finally here. The lightweight, high-powered coupe is the company’s latest M offering that arrives just as BMW celebrates 50 years of its iconic performance brand.
While the M4 Competition already packs a healthy 503 horsepower (3.0-litre twin-turbocharged), the CSL tacks on 40 more while dropping the Xdrive for an RWD setup. BMW says this makes the 2023 BMW M4 CSL the fastest production BMW ever to lap the Nordschleife in 7:20.2. Unfortunately for purists, there’s no manual option. You make do with the M-specific version of their eight-speed auto. This beast does 0 to 60 in just 3.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 191 mph.
Diet-wise, BMW shaved some 4 kg (9 lbs) by modifying the grille, taillights, floor mats, and automatic climate control. Another 21 kg (46 lbs) were dropped by adding the carbon-ceramic brakes, unique light-alloy wheels, and the new springs and struts. More diminutive and lighter insulation shaved some 15 kg (33 lbs), the introduction of the bucket seats contributed to 24 kg (53 lbs), and the removal of the rear seats and seatbelts got rid of 21 kg (46 lbs). Contributing to the weight loss, as well as lowering the centre of gravity, are the CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) hood, roof, and trunk lid.
Inside the M4 CSL, you’ll find just two lightweight seats, but they are no ordinary BMW seats. BMW exclusively designed the M Carbon full bucket seats with track driving in mind. They lack lumbar support, power adjustability, and heating. However, BMW will offer heated M Carbon bucket seats with complete power-adjustability as a no-cost option if the standard seats are a bit too extreme. The lack of rear seats makes space for two helmet storage compartments
The CSL will be available in a new Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic, or available standard Alpine White or Black Sapphire metallic paint finishes. Leave it to BMW to celebrate an anniversary with oh-so-thrilling paint colours in, uh, grey, white, and black. Luckily, there are plenty of other elements on the car to really make it pop, including the retro BMW M 50 year anniversary badging first used by BMW motorsports teams back in 1973.
When production begins in July, only 1,000 units will be built, each for a price of $140,895. BMW wouldn’t comment on whether the M4 CSL is already sold out.
