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 achieve related vogue: be the final word track-oriented software for its technology. Years after our M4 CSL assessment and the automotive broke Nurburgring lap time data (not on the identical time, thoughts you), YouTubers Savagegeese bought their palms on one. Because of some thorough and instrumented testing, which incorporates time on their house racetrack, there are some attention-grabbing takeaways about how the automotive pertains to the remainder of the BMW lineup and the larger sports activities automotive phase at massive.
M4 CSL vs. the Competitors
The highlights of the video are the moments the place the BMW M4 CSL is pitted most immediately in opposition to its competitors. The primary revelation comes earlier than the automotive 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 mild. Now, although the CSL is sort of a special beast than the common M2, the burden 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 Collection automotive.
The following logical comparability for the automotive is lap occasions. The M4 CSL lapped Autobahn Nation Membership faster than another BMW featured on the channel, beating the 2025 M2 they examined by a full second. Different high-profile wins embody beating out the C8 Corvette Z51, latest technology NSX, and 2025 Aston Martin Vantage. In actual fact, 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 a degree of reference, the 11-turn observe has its fair proportion of straightaways, with no passages we’d determine as actually “technical.” Typically, meaning increased horsepower automobiles are given ample actual property to place down their energy — making it good for an all-out automotive just like the M4 CSL. The host mentions a high velocity 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 essentially 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 final word effectivity machine? Additionally lauded: the automotive’s suspension and its efficiency on the road. That is particularly attention-grabbing as many critics have vocalized a immediately opposing opinion.
In the end, apart from some notes about turn-in understeer — which can or might not have had loads 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 related as they’d’ve favored. Which, as many will echo, is extra of a larger downside throughout all BMWs somewhat than the CSL particularly. We expect the M4 CSL has held up nice. You’ll be able to watch the video and are available to your personal conclusions.
