For the 50th anniversary of the M division, BMW has gifted auto enthusiasts with the M4 CSL. While the top-of-the-line models in BMW’s lineup were previously given the GTS suffix, 2022 marks the return of the CSL badge to the top of the food chain. Production for this limited-edition M4 will begin in July and only 1,000 units will be made.
A big highlight of the exterior is the exclusive Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic colour that comes as standard. Generous use of carbon fibre has helped in weight savings and also enhanced the look of the M4 CSL. One can witness carbon fibre finishes on the front splitter, bonnet scoops, wing mirrors and roof. Customers can also get the car in Alpine White solid or Sapphire Black metallic colours. Red accents further add a layer of dynamism to this sports sedan. The outline of the large kidney grille, the badge on it, scoops in the bonnet, two stripes on the roof and the side skirts, all get red highlights. This contrasts rather well with the optional Laserlight headlights that glow yellow.
Making their debut in the M4 CSL are the unique tail lights. These have not been seen in a series-produced car before. The unique pattern observed in the glass is thanks to the intricate light threads woven into them and then illuminated using laser technology. Also, there is a twin-tailpipe exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps and weight-minimised titanium rear silencer to produce a roaring soundtrack and save weight as well.
As part of the standard equipment, the BMW M4 CSL comes with busy-looking, black forged M light-alloy wheels. This cross-spoke design is exclusive to this model of the M4 and is completely black in colour. The front of the vehicle gets a 19-inch alloy while the rear gets a bigger 20-inch unit. To further enhance the capability of the M4 CSL, the wheels are fitted with high-performance tyres 275/35 ZR19 tyres at the front and 285/30 ZR20 tyres at the rear. These have been specially developed for the M4 CSL.
A big part of a car with the CSL badge is its weight reduction. With the M4 CSL weighing in at 1,625kg, it is about 100kg lighter than the standard M4. All the changes have culminated in a 0-100kmph sprint time of 3.7 seconds. The M4 CSL also managed to do a lap of the entire Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7 minutes 20.207 seconds. This makes it the fastest ever series-produced BMW around the legendary circuit.
At the heart of the M4 CLS is a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers. This engine develops a peak power of 542bhp @ 6,250 rpm and peak torque of 650Nm @ 2,750 and 5,950 rpm. The change in performance has been achieved by increasing the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 1.7 bar to 2.1 bar. An 8-speed automatic gearbox sends all power to the rear wheels.
The M4 CSL gets three driving modes – Road, Sport and Track. Apart from this, it gets M Drive Professional system including M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer as standard.
BMW has not just slapped on some carbon bits and juiced up the engine, they have also accounted for these changes and made adjustments to the chassis of the M4 CSL. There are specially designed front-end strut braces in the engine bay to aid the body rigidity quotient. On top of this, the M4 CSL also comes with adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers along with electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio. Also, the ride height has been dropped by eight millimetres compared with the BMW M4 Competition Coupé.
Just like the outside, one can observe CSL badges in the interior. To reinforce the idea of speed, the interior has many red accents and carbon fibre panels. The steering wheel gets the M Alcantara treatment. There are no seats at the back but the area can be used to store two helmets. By removing the bench at the back, BMW managed to shave off 21kg.
The M4 CSL gets sporty M Carbon full bucket seats for the driver and co-driver. This change alone has resulted in a reduction of 24kg. The backrest angle is fixed and the seats can only be moved forward or back, manually. To adjust the height of the seats, one will have to take it to a workshop. While it might not sound awfully convenient, the focus is on performance and not comfort. These bucket seats also have detachable head restraints and allow the integration of a six-point belt system.
