BMW M4 CSL G82

BMW M4 CSL G82

The BMW M4 CSL (Competition Sport Leichtbau) represents the most extreme expression of BMW's M4 platform and the revival of a nameplate that carries enormous weight in BMW's motorsport heritage. The original CSL — the 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' of the 1970s — was one of the most successful touring car racers ever built, and the 2023 M4 CSL was created to honor that legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a modern road-going M car can achieve.

The heart of the CSL is BMW's S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, here producing 543 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque — increases of 40 hp and 100 Nm over the M4 Competition. The additional power comes from higher boost pressure, revised intake and exhaust systems, and recalibrated engine management. The engine is mated exclusively to an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission driving the rear wheels only — there is no xDrive all-wheel-drive option, staying true to the CSL's lightweight philosophy.

Weight reduction was a primary focus. BMW M GmbH removed approximately 100 kilograms compared to the M4 Competition through a comprehensive program: carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, hood, trunk lid, and front splitter; carbon-ceramic brakes (M Carbon Ceramic Brake is standard, not optional); titanium exhaust system with reduced silencing; single-piece M Carbon bucket seats that save 24 kg over standard sport seats; deletion of the rear seats entirely; reduced sound insulation; and lightweight forged wheels. The result is a curb weight of 1,625 kilograms, making it the lightest current M4 variant.

The chassis received extensive revision beyond weight savings. Spring rates are stiffer, the adaptive dampers are retuned with a wider range between comfort and track settings, and the anti-roll bars are thicker. The steering ratio is quickened, and the DSC (stability control) allows more slip before intervention. Unique 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires — the first time a BMW M car has been fitted with Cup tires as standard equipment.

Aerodynamically, the CSL features a deeper front splitter, more aggressive side skirts, a rear lip spoiler, and a subtle gurney flap on the trunk lid. The kidney grille design remains controversial — the large vertical kidneys that define the G82 generation are present — but the CSL adds unique red accents around the grille and a body-colored lower bumper treatment that gives it a more cohesive appearance.

Inside, the CSL is purposeful and sparse. The M Carbon bucket seats are fixed-back with only fore/aft adjustment, covered in Alcantara with red contrast stitching and a large CSL logo embossed into the headrest. The rear seats are replaced by a carbon-fiber structure for stiffness and storage straps. The steering wheel is Alcantara-wrapped with a red 12 o'clock marker and CSL badging. An M Drive Professional mode with adjustable traction control allows ten-stage fine-tuning of the stability system.

Limited to just 1,000 units worldwide, the M4 CSL was immediately spoken for by collectors and M enthusiasts. It set a production car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife with a time of 7:20.2, making it the fastest BMW road car ever around the legendary circuit.