The CSL moniker is one reserved for only the most special of BMW models – the 3.0 CSL and the E46 M3, each in their respective times and still to this day regarding as two of the ‘best’ BMW’s ever made.
No mean feat, then, for the upcoming M4 CSL, filling the rather large shoes of the CSL’s that preceded it. 2022 marks BMW M’s 50th anniversary, and the M4 CSL is yet to be one of the brand’s anniversary M models. The flagship of the M4 range has been spotted a number of times on public roads over the course of the past two years or so, and as it enters the final stages of testing, an Alpine white prototype has been spotted at the “Green Hell.”
New front air intakes and a lower front lip, as well as a unique sideways “Y” shape insert in the CSL-specific front grille can be seen. A CSL-exclusive ducktail rear spoiler and more aggressive side skirts feature, too.
Power will come from an upgraded version of the M4’s 3,0-litre twin-turbocharged S58 straight-six powerplant, rumoured to be tuned to around 410 kW. While it is hugely likely that the CSL will only be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, rumour has it that BMW hasn’t completely written off manual gearboxes just yet…
Reduced sound insulation and a smattering of carbon-fibre here and there will of course make an appearance, working hand in hand with the increased power on offer. On this point, former BMW M CEO, Markus Flasch, recently said that he is “aiming for a weight saving in the triple-digit range” for the M4 CSL. There is speculation that the CSL won’t feature as a permanent flagship M4 model, but rather as a limited run special model, limited to just 1 000 examples.
With production scheduled to commence in July 2022, we can expect for the M4 CSL to be revealed imminently. This will likely be followed by an M3 CS and M4 CS which will slot in nicely between the Competition and CSL models.
Photos: @wilcoblok on Instagram