2023 BMW M4 CSL price and specs: Double the price of an M3 for 'Competition, Sport, Lightweight' upgrades, but slower than M4 Competition xDrive

BMW’s M4 CSL flagship will land in Australian showrooms before years’ end, wearing a pricetag of $303,900 before on-road costs.

That makes it by far and away the top-dog of the M4 line-up, eclipsing the range-opening M4 ($155,500), the M4 Competition ($165,500) and the M4 Competition M xDrive ($171,500).

In fact, the M4 CSL is more than double the price of a manual M3 sedan, which kicks off at $150,500.

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But buyers will be compensated with more potent performance befitting the ‘Competition, Sport, Lightweight’ name thanks to a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol inline six-cylinder.

While the recipe might seem familiar to M3/M4 fans, BMW has turned up the boost, resulting in an output of 405kW at 6250rpm and 650Nm from 2650-5950rpm for the CSL.

This easily outguns the standard M3 and M4 range, which delivers 353kW/550Nm when paired with a manual and 375kW/650Nm with an automatic transmission.

Sending drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M4 CSL will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds – besting the base M3/M4’s time of 4.1s, and Competition’s 3.9s figure, but not a match for the all-wheel-drive xDrive model’s 3.5s claim.

Also key to the CSL’s improved performance though, is its lighter 1625kg weight thanks to the use of lightweight carbon-fibre for the front bucket seats, roof, bonnet and boot lid.

BMW has also removed of the rear seats and used lighter carbon-ceramic brakes, double staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels, a titanium rear silencer, and less sound deadening to keep shave a total of 100kg from the donor car.

Finished in an exclusive Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic exterior colour as standard, which contrasts with the exposed carbon accents found on the bonnet, front grille and bodykit.

Also differentiating the CSL is the use of yellow headlights to pay homage to BMW’s GT racing heritage, while the rear makes use of LED lighting.

Inside, buyers will find an Alcantara steering wheel, CSL badging, M Mode selector, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display and 10.25-inch multimedia screen.

Other equipment includes dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.

Only 1000 units of the M4 CSL will be produced globally, but it is unclear how many have been allocated for Australia.