When BMW unveiled the M4, it was an instant sensation. Its aggressive yet refined design was a head-turner, striking a perfect balance between the sportier M2 and the more executive M3. It was a stunner, and its performance matched the aesthetic. However, the G82 M4 lost some of that visual charm, and many found it less attractive, mainly due to the oversized Kidney grille. It has grown on some, but it still takes getting used to. The 2023 M4 CSL attempts to rectify this with subtle design tweaks, mostly with body stripes that signify its capabilities, but its focus is undeniably on raw performance over boulevard beauty. As its name suggests, it's built for pure driving engagement and thrills, and we can confidently say it excels in that area, perhaps even going a bit overboard.
Acceleration in the 2023 MW M4 CSL is nothing short of savage, and should you decide to sit passenger in one on the track, you'll be glued on the seat for a while after a hot lap. 0-60 mph takes around 3.5 seconds, and the top speed is delimited to 191 mph, unlike the M4, which does 174 mph flat out. The 2023 M4 CSL gets its power from the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six as the regular M4 but with 541 horsepower and 479 lb.ft, which is not a lot compared to the standard M4, but that's not where BMW focused on. Thanks to a hardened chassis and a stiffer and lower suspension that also features ball joints instead of bushings, the handling starkly contrasts what you'd experience even in an M4 Comp. The excellent handling can also be traced to the weight savings as the car weighs an impressive 3,590 pounds, reflecting on its name, which, if you were unaware, stands for Competition, Sport, Lightweight or Coupé Sport Leichtbau in German.
One of the reasons why the BMW M4 is a favorite is because of its functionality. The cabin can accommodate four, and even though the rear seats are not as comfortable as the M3, they're still more spacious than the M2, and that's something. However, in the 2023 BMW M4 CSL, BMW deleted the rear seats, and in place of them, some examples come with a factory-installed roll cage. Those that don't just have an empty space can be used as extra storage space. The full-carbon bucket seats are not just for show; they shave off precious pounds while providing exceptional lateral support during spirited driving. The carbon fiber dashboard trim also contributes to weight reduction. BMW opted for Alcantara over leather on the steering wheel, seats, center console, and door panels to cut weight further.
The 2023 BMW M4 CSL is a brutalist interpretation of the already aggressive M4. Its exaggerated grille, while still divisive, somehow fits the car's uncompromising character. Thanks to the lowered suspension, carbon fiber accents, and a lowered stance underscore the single-minded focus on performance. Unlike the 2023 M4, which you can get in various finishes, the 2023 M4 CSL is only available in Frozen Brooklyn Grey, Alpine White, or Sapphire Black, each complemented by striking exposed carbon fiber accents and red highlights. These design elements create a visually dynamic and performance-oriented aesthetic. Carbon fiber is also prominently featured throughout the exterior, including the hood, where red outlines accentuate it. Similar red accents are found on the roof fins, side sills, and front air curtains, further emphasizing the car's sporty character.
Despite its performance-oriented nature, the 2023 M4 CSL's cabin is surprisingly well-equipped. BMW didn't skimp on amenities designed to provide a race-car feeling and everyday usability. Behind the steering wheel, you'll find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster complemented by a 10.25-inch infotainment display on the dash that incorporates the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and more. The only cabin downside is that the carbon bucket seats aren't heated. Comfort and convenience aside, advanced performance technologies are the heart of the 2023 M4 CSL. The standard M Traction Control System, unique to the M4 CSL, offers extensive drive customization. You can fine-tune wheel slip with ten adjustable settings, from subtle stability aids to aggressive, race-inspired traction control. On dry surfaces, the M Traction can be dialed back for controlled drifts, while the higher settings provide precision-tuned intervention for maximum grip and stability in challenging conditions, drawing on touring car racing technology. We could go on about the tech, but let's talk money.
The 2023 BMW M4 CSL's limited production and recent release means steep prices. The good news is that prices have softened from the original $140,000 MSRP. The average listing is now around $125,000, and there's potential for further price drops if you're in no rush to buy one. Excited to get behind the wheel? We keep our BMW listings up to date, so even though we might not have a 2023 M4 CSL for sale at the moment of your search, we should have one soon. In the meantime, you can browse our other BMW M4 listings.
BMW redefined the M4 with the 2023 CSL, creating a car that's undeniably impressive in almost every way. Whether you're into cars or not, its perfected track-focused nature is hard to ignore. While the bold grille design remains divisive, it's clear that BMW had a specific purpose when designing it. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today. Should you get the chance to drive an M4 or M3 CSL, you'll understand why the CSL name is a hallmark of BMW's excellence in performance.
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