After a steady stream of spy photos, we’ve snagged another glimpse at the 2023 BMW M4 CSL.
Expected to be the most hardcore and lightweight version of the current G82-generation M4, this will be the first car to get the full CSL treatment since the E46 M3 CSL.
Compared to previous spied photos, there’s a different tail light design on this prototype compared to the regular M4 and 4 Series. BMW previously used the M4 GTS to debut OLED tail light technology, and the last M4 CS featured unique lights.
This tail light design features a straight line rather than the curved LED shape seen elsewhere. It’s most apparent in the photo where the camouflaged prototype along with a bright green M4.
Apart from the different tail lights, everything else has been seen before.
There’s an over-the-top aero package with a prominent chin spoiler that’s longer, lower and wider than the front bumper, as well as new air intakes.
Reminiscent of the E46 M3, there’s a ducktail spoiler that’s plonked on the rear of the prototype.
Up front there’s an interesting take on the BMW kidney grille with a unique insert that shows off a lot of the intercooler lurking behind.
Standard M4 and M4 Competition models have a grille with chunky horizontal bars.
The headlights are camouflaged in the exact same way as previously seen with three separate openings.
Also, the two rear windows are still camouflaged in this prototype hinting towards either a roll cage behind the front seats or a different type of weight-saving glass.
It’s speculated this M4 CSL will have carbon ceramic brakes, given the gold painted brake calipers seen hiding behind the black wheels.
This prototype seems to have reached production-ready status according to our spy photographer, and could expect a debut in the first quarter of 2022.
Similar to the upcoming CSL, the CS badge was introduced on the previous, F82-generation in 2017 and was a limited run of 3000 examples globally.
At the time it was seen as a model that fell in between the M4 Competition and the GTS model.
This CS was 35kg lighter than the Competition and had 7kW and 50Nm more from its inline-six engine. It also had a $50,000 higher asking price.
BMWBlog reports not only will the current-generation coupe get a lighter, faster M4 CS model, it’ll get the full-on CSL treatment for the first time since the E46.
As for the M4 CS we expect to sit below the CSL?
Like the previous-generation car, it’s likely to be more track-focused than the Competition, with a slightly more pared-back cabin that doesn’t go quite as far as the CSL.
MORE: Everything BMW M4
