New BMW M4 CSL: The dawn of a modern icon

New BMW M4 CSL: The dawn of a modern icon 

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This year, BMW’s M division is celebrating its 50th anniversary and as part of the celebration, it has revealed the new M4 CSL special-edition model.

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Following directly in the successful footsteps of the special-edition models such as the M3/M4, the iconic M3 CSL from 2003 and the M4 GTS that debuted in 2016, the new BMW M4 CSL will go into production in July 2022 at the brand’s Group Plant Dingolfing. 

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Motivation comes from a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M Twin-Power Turbo technology that is based on the same powerplant powering the M4 GT3 racing car. The unit jets out 404 kW and 650 Nm, thanks to two mono-scroll turbos which has seen a boost increase from 1.7 to 2.1 bar and model-specific alterations to the engine management. 

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Performance in numbers

And performance? The BMW M4 CSL accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds while shifting through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission before reaching a capped top speed of 307 km/h. 

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As a two-seater bruiser, the M4 CSL tips the scales at 1,625 kg and it’s credited with a power-to-weight ratio of 4.01 kg/kW which results in an ideal platform for a “dynamically sublime driving experience”. According to BMW that is. 

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A BMW M kind of diet plan

Opting for the M Carbon full bucket seats further reduces the weight by around 24 kg compared to those fitted in the M4 Competition Coupe. BMW engineers saved 21 kg by deleting the rear bench and seat belts. 

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Underneath, the M4 CLS houses extra-lightweight M Carbon ceramic brakes, unique light-alloy wheels, springs and struts which sheds another 21 kg. Paring back the amount of soundproofing plus switching to ultra-lightweight sound insulation saved around 15 kg while the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic resulted in the loss of another 7 kg. Like that’s not enough of a diet plan, opting for a titanium rear silencer cuts an additional 4 kg from the weight of the exhaust system.

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The M4 CSL’s roof, bonnet, boot lid and centre console are made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. 

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“modifications to areas such as the BMW kidney grille, rear lights, floor mats and automatic climate control shave off another 4 kg”

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On the outside, the new BMW M4 CSL wears an exclusive Frozen Grey metallic shade by default. It further features exposed carbon-fibre surfaces and red accents. Buyers who want other colours can choose between Alpine White or Sapphire Black metallic. 

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The bonnet features two chiselled indents, which aren’t painted in body colour, get red outlines while the two fins on the bonnet, contours of the side sills, black model badges, splitters and air curtain inserts in the front apron spawn the red accent lines. Detail modifications to areas such as the BMW kidney grille, rear lights, floor mats and automatic climate control shave off another 4 kg.

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BMW’s M4 CSL can be fitted with optionally-available BMW Laserlight headlights which illuminate in yellow rather than white just like the GT racing cars. The rear features standard LEDs and for the first time in a series-produced car, their glass covers have intricate light threads woven into them which are illuminated using laser technology.

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Carbon is like fibre. For cars… 

Inside, the M Carbon full bucket seats boast a fixed backrest angle, manually-operated forward/back adjustments while height can be adjusted in a workshop using a three-stage screw linkage. The seats have detachable head restraints and allow the integration of a six-point belt system.

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An M Alcantara steering wheel, anthracite-coloured headliner, carbon fibre interior trim strips, ‘CSL’ badges on the seats, centre console and rear panel, plus M-specific displays can be found inside the M4 CSL. As standard, the M4 CSL spawns Merino leather trim with extended features and M seat belts. For those racing days, there are two helmet storage units in the rear compartment.

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“For those racing days, there are two helmet storage units in the rear compartment”

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The M Drive Professional, including M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer, and the M Mode button are offered by default. Standard specification includes automatic climate control, park distance control, front-collision warning, lane-departure warning and speed limit info. Two-zone automatic climate control, an alarm, and the Driving and Park Assistant systems are available as options.

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The new M4 CSL also comes standard with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, a 12.3” screen diagonal behind the steering wheel and a 10.25” control display.

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BMW will only build 1,000 examples of the M4 CSL and the 15 units set aside for the local market are earmarked to go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.

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