2023 BMW M4 CSL: 543 HP, 220 LBS More, Starting at $140,895

2023 BMW M4 CSL: 543 HP, 220 LBS

BMW will only build 1,000 examples.

The BMW M4 CSL has arrived. This lightweight, powerful coupe comes just as BMW celebrates 50 Years of its iconic performance brand.

BMW will only produce 1,000 copies of the CSL, a special model. This coupe is faster than the M4 Competition and can lap the Nordschleife circuit at Nurburgring in just 7:20.2 seconds. The M4 CSL took just 7:20.2 seconds to complete a lap.

The BMW’s visual enhancements focus on performance. At the front, BMW has optimized the design to maximize cooling potential and generate downforce. To ensure that the car’s components remain at their best operating temperatures, the new M4 has high- and low temperature cooling circuits.

BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-6 engine is used in the BMW M4 CSL. It generates 543 horsepower (404kilowatts), which is 40 more than the Competition. 479 pound-feet of torque are available at speeds between 2,750 and 5,950 rpm. BMW increased boost pressure from 24.7 PSI in the Competition to 30.5 PSI in the new CSL.

2023 BMW M4 CSL: 543 HP, 220 LBS

BMW sends the CSL’s power through its eight-speed MSteptronic transmission with Drivelogic to the rear wheels. The gearbox’s manual mode can be activated by tapping the paddle shifters made of carbon-fiber behind the steering wheel. This allows drivers to perform multiple downshifts to reach the lowest gear. When the car is in manual mode, the gearbox won’t force you to shift up.

BMW claims that the M4 CSL can travel 60 miles an hour (96 km per hour) in just 3.6 seconds. It takes just 10.5 seconds for the M4 CSL to reach 120 mph (193 km/h). BMW electronically limits its maximum speed to 191 miles per hour (307 km/h).

2023 BMW M4 CSL: 543 HP, 220 LBS
2023 BMW M4 CSL: 543 HP, 220 LBS

BMW took great measures to reduce the CLS’s overall weight. The coupe was now 3,640 lbs (1,605 kg) lighter. BMW’s weight loss program included cutting the rear seats (46 lbs), switching to lightweight sound insulation (33 lbs), using interior and exterior carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) components (24 lbs), and installing a titanium rear silencer (9 lbs).

CSL’s standard M Carbon ceramic brakes reduced weight by 31.5 pounds. BMW’s extensive use CFRP for the trunk and hood also helped reduce the coupe’s weight by 3 lbs and 15 respectively.

BMW also reduced 8 pounds in various parts such as the kidney grille and rear lights, floor mats and automatic climate control system. Carbon fiber was used to reduce the car’s center console by 9 lbs. However, BMW installed M Carbon full-bucket seats to drop 53 lbs.

The M4 CLS has two lightweight seats. But they are not your ordinary BMW seats. BMW designed the M Carbon full-bucket seats specifically for track driving. These seats lack power adjustability, heating, and lumbar support. BMW will offer M Carbon bucket seats heated with full power adjustability for those who find the standard seats a little too extreme.

M Carbon full-bucket seats are trimmed in black Merino and red Alcantara inserts. They also have pronounced side bolsters. A workshop is required to adjust the height. This can be done using a three-stage screw mechanism. Drivers can adjust the fore and aft positions with a manual lever located at the seat’s front edge. Two helmet storage areas can be created by the absence of rear seats.

BMW also used CFRP to make the double-bubble roof. This helped lower the car’s curb weight and the car’s center of gravity. This is a huge win for the car’s handling. The company installed a specially designed strut brace to connect the spring strut towers and the front end.

2023 BMW M4 CSL: 543 HP, 220 LBS

2023 BMW M4 CSL: 543 HP, 220 LBS

2023 BMW M4 CSL: 543 HP, 220 LBS

BMW has installed a model-specific suspension, which lowers the ride height by 0.3% compared to M4 Competition. BMW created many suspension parts for the CSL, including the anti-roll bars and wheel camber settings.

Six-piston fixed-caliper front brakes (15.7 inches) and one-piston floating-caliper rear brakes (15.0-inch) provide stopping power. BMW offers two settings for driving’s pedal-feel. These brakes are housed in staggered 21-inch and 22-inch matte black light-alloy M wheels, which BMW wraps with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.

The 2023 BMW M4 CSL will start at $140,895 and include the $995 destination fee. Production will begin in July.