Lap Times, Weight, and Surprising MPG

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 comparable style: be the last word track-oriented instrument for its era. Years after our M4 CSL review and the automotive broke Nurburgring lap time records (not on the similar time, thoughts you), YouTubers Savagegeese acquired their palms on one. Due to some thorough and instrumented testing, which incorporates time on their dwelling racetrack, there are some fascinating takeaways about how the automotive pertains to the remainder of the BMW lineup and the higher sports activities automotive section at massive.

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 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 gentle. Now, despite the fact that the CSL is sort of a unique 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 automotive.

The subsequent 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 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 a degree of reference, the 11-turn monitor has its justifiable share of straightaways, with no passages we’d establish as actually “technical.” Usually, meaning larger 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 prime 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 a detailed, the M4 CSL receives probably 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 last word effectivity machine? Additionally lauded: the automotive’s suspension and its efficiency on the road. That is particularly fascinating as many critics have vocalized a straight opposing opinion.

Finally, aside from some notes about turn-in understeer — which can or could not have had loads to do with an owner-modified suspension setup — there was actually simply the criticism of the M4 CSL’s steering really feel not being as linked as they might’ve favored. Which, as many will echo, is extra of a higher downside throughout all BMWs relatively than the CSL particularly. We expect the M4 CSL has held up nice. You possibly can watch the video and are available to your individual conclusions.