The 3.0 CSL is based on the M4 but brings numerous improvements across the table, including BMW’s most potent inline-6 ever.
BMW is at a strong pace this year, blessing customers with the M3 Touring, M4 CSL, and the new M2. However, the Bavarian automaker has saved the best for the last. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BMW M series, the German brand released the stunning 3.0 CSL homage.
There’s a lot to unpack with the 3.0 CSL. First, there will be only 50 units of this extremely-limited model for the 50th-year celebration. Next, the 3.0 CSL boasts BMW’s strongest roadgoing straight-six engine at 553 hp and 406 lb-ft torque. And to the satisfaction of its fans, BMW opted for a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive.
However, while the 3.0 CSL’s drivetrain makes it alluring, the design attracts even more attention. BMW wasn’t very successful with the styling of its vehicles lately, with online forums and social media creating memes with the oversized kidney grilles and generally sloppy design.
But the 3.0 CSL changes that entirely and seems like a breath of fresh air in the company’s lineup. The widebody styling with swollen fenders, sharp front fascia, and a dynamic rear end with two spoilers give it a DTM-like racing look while staying true to the original 3.0 CSL design.
The details are also stunning; the lattice insert and the grille have a diamond structure, and the kidney frame is finished in satin aluminum. Moreover, the taillights have futuristic graphics with thin LED strips, while the yellow DRLs in the headlights are a nod to the M4 GT3 race car.
Furthermore, BMW matched the headlights with arched gold center-lock wheels, measuring 20 inches front and 21 inches rear. Meanwhile, the 3.0 CSL comes exclusively with flashy M-Sport stripes across the body, inspired by the 1970s E9 model and Alpine White uni paint. Both the stripes and paint are applied by hand, with 134 paint processes and 6,700 work hours going into all 50 vehicles.
Since the 3.0 CSL is a limited and expensive machine, BMW could use carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for all bodywork components to reduce weight. But the engineers didn’t stop there and shed weight from other components, including a titanium rear silencer (-4.3 kg) and cast aluminum precision struts in the engine compartment.
Inside, the 3.0 CSL has the same cabin layout as the M4 Competition, though BMW tried to make things more interesting by using carbon fiber on the door panels, center console, and dash trims. Moreover, black Alcantara upholstery comes with white contrast stitching and is accentuated by a red start/stop button, a style similar to what the stripes outside offer. But the most exciting detail inside is the white gear shift knob with 50 imprinted on it, as it adds to the retro vibe this sports car is about.
BMW will build all 50 units in its Dingolfing plant in Germany in the next three months. Each will cost a staggering €750,000 ($787,000 at the time of writing), which seems excessive for what is a 4 Series underneath. Sure, the 3.0 CSL is a hand-built car that looks quite stunning, but $625,000 can buy you a Ferrari SF90 Stradale, a true hybrid supercar with 986 HP under the bonnet!
But I guess BMW enthusiasts won’t mind the exorbitant price, especially since it might increase in the future. So, if you think of it as a collector’s item, the 3.0 CSL might be worth the money.
Gallery: BMW 3.0 CSL
