The M4 CSL debuted in 2022 because the third-ever BMW to put on the vaunted “CSL” badge. Preceded by the E46 M3 CSL and legendary 3.0 CSL (“Batmobile”), it was designed to reach comparable trend: be the last word track-oriented device for its era. Years after our M4 CSL assessment and the automobile broke Nurburgring lap time data (not on the similar time, thoughts you), YouTubers Savagegeese received their arms on one. Because of some thorough and instrumented testing, which incorporates time on their house racetrack, there are some fascinating takeaways about how the automobile pertains to the remainder of the BMW lineup and the larger sports activities automobile section at giant.
M4 CSL vs. the Competitors
The highlights of the video are the moments the place the BMW M4 CSL is pitted most straight in opposition to its competitors. The primary revelation comes earlier than the automobile even will get its tires heat. Weighing the M4 CSL reveals its curb weight to be 3635 kilos. In a vacuum, that’s not exceptionally gentle. Now, despite the fact that the CSL is sort of a distinct beast than the common M2, the load distinction would possibly shock you. Regardless of its smaller footprint, the final M2 they examined weighed in at 3807 kilos. The final M3 weighed much more, at 3928 kilos. Almost a full 300 kilos separates the 2! For readability’s sake: we’re not roasting the M2 and M3 for being heavy comparatively. It illustrates simply how a lot lighter the particular CSL is in comparison with…nicely, each different G8X M Sequence automobile.
The following logical comparability for the automobile is lap instances. The M4 CSL lapped Autobahn Nation Membership faster than some other BMW featured on the channel, beating the 2025 M2 they examined by a full second. Different high-profile wins embrace beating out the C8 Corvette Z51, latest era NSX, and 2025 Aston Martin Vantage. In reality, the M4 CSL simply barely trailed the vaunted GT4 RS, posting a 1:31:69 in comparison with the Porsche’s 1:31:140. As a little bit of some extent of reference, the 11-turn observe has its fair proportion of straightaways, with no passages we’d determine as actually “technical.” Usually, which means greater horsepower automobiles are given ample actual property to place down their energy — making it good for an all-out automobile just like the M4 CSL. The host mentions a high pace of 129.8 mph achieved within the again straight of the racetrack. As a reminder, the M4 CSL’s tuned S55 engine develops an unimaginable 550 horsepower.
Reward in Surprising Locations
Because the video attracts to an in depth, the M4 CSL receives presumably probably the most shocking reward it has ever garnered. The host claims to common 26 mpg whereas driving on the freeway between 80 and 85 mph. Who knew the M4 CSL was additionally the last word effectivity machine? Additionally lauded: the automobile’s suspension and its efficiency on the road. That is particularly fascinating as many critics have vocalized a straight opposing opinion.
In the end, aside from some notes about turn-in understeer — which can or might not have had lots to do with an owner-modified suspension setup — there was actually simply the grievance of the M4 CSL’s steering really feel not being as linked as they’d’ve favored. Which, as many will echo, is extra of a larger drawback throughout all BMWs slightly than the CSL particularly. We predict the M4 CSL has held up nice. You possibly can watch the video and are available to your personal conclusions.
