2023 BMW M4 CSL spotted: price, specs and release date
September 15, 2021 by
Is the CSL nameplate making a return? It could be for a limited-edition, 550hp version of the BMW M4…
- 2023 BMW M4 CSL spotted
- Lightened, track-honed Porsche 911 GT3 alternative
- Aggressive aerodynamic additions
- Power could be boosted to 550hp
- Significant drop in 1,800kg weight
- Chassis tweaks for better handling
- Pared-back interior
- Limited production run likely
- Arrives late 2022
- Could be priced around £110,000
Is this an upcoming BMW M4 CSL? It seems likely that a track-honed version of the M4 to square up with the Porsche 911 GT3 is on the way.
Despite only ever appearing on two cars — the 3.0 CSL and M3 CSL — those three letters have long been some of the most famous amongst performance cars, leaving this M4 with big boots to fill.
2023 BMW M4 CSL design and aerodynamics
Despite the heavy camouflage, you’ll notice pretty quickly this is no normal BMW M4.
Most obvious is the huge splitter fixed to the front bumper, with aggressive flicks at either side in aid of extra downforce at high speed.
The slats within the grille have gone too, replaced with a couple of bars on this BMW M4 CSL prototype. It’s possible this is more for testing purposes than a production-spec design, though.
It’s likely that this prototype is hiding new headlights too, with its appearance a likely spearhead to an upcoming BMW 4 Series and M4 facelift.
It looks to have more aggressive side skirts as well to improve airflow, while the rear of the BMW M4 CSL prototype has a larger ducktail-style spoiler.
2023 BMW M4 CSL engine
The BMW M4 CSL should get a decent power bump over the existing M4 Competiton’s 510hp from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine, possibly up to 550hp. Torque might see a rise from 650Nm too, perhaps closer to 700Nm.
Though you can have a BMW M4 with all-wheel-drive, it’s likely the CSL will be based on the rear-wheel-drive car to keep weight down and appease the purists. It’ll continue to use an eight-speed automatic gearbox though.
2023 BMW M4 CSL chassis and weight reduction
Though a power boost is a key element to the BMW M4 CSL, a focus on chassis improvements and cutting weight should be even more crucial to it challenging the Porsche 911 GT3.
Expect some additional chassis bracing, stickier types and more aggressive suspension to come along. The current BMW M4 Competition weighs 1,800kg, but this could drop below 1,700kg for the CSL.
2023 BMW M4 CSL interior and infotainment
Expect the interior of the BMW M4 CSL to be pretty stripped back compared with the standard M4.
You’ll likely get Alcantara and carbon fibre everywhere, along with less soundproofing and perhaps even a roll cage in place of the rear seats — similar to the old M4 GTS.
An infotainment system should still feature though, perhaps even an expected upgrade as part of the range-wide facelift to a larger screen.
2023 BMW M4 CSL price and release date
Expect to see the BMW M4 CSL on sale late in 2022, alongside a refreshed 4 Series and M4 range.
Pricing will likely skyrocket compared with the regular M4, as it’ll almost certainly be a limited edition car. Expect somewhere around the £110,000 mark.
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