BMW unmasks new 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’

BMW has unveiled its ultra-exclusive modern-day 3.0 CSL, the million-dollar two-seat coupe built to commemorate 50 years of the M division.

Just 50 examples of the M4-based model will be produced globally, and all are left-hand drive – ruling the model out for Australian dealerships.

Hand-assembled by a team of 30 dedicated technicians, the three-month build run will see each donor vehicle adorned with bespoke carbon-fibre components – including the roof skin, bonnet, boot lid, aprons, sills and rear spoiler.

Power comes from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line six-cylinder unit paired with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The combination is the most powerful road-legal offering BMW has yet produced, developing 412kW and 550Nm.

The hardcore sports model rides on a double-joint spring strut front and five-link rear suspension arrangement with adaptive dampers. Steering comes courtesy of BMW’s variable-ratio electromechanical M Servotronic rack while the back end boasts an Active M Differential.

Stopping power arrives in the form of carbon-ceramic brakes that feature two pre-set ‘feel’ curves – with six-pot clamps grabbing 400mm rotors up front and single-piston calipers over 380mm discs at the rear.

The model rides on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear centre-lock forged alloy wheels finished in gold and shod with model-specific Michelin rubber.

Otherwise, the 3.0 CSL tries hard to replicate the look to the 1970s original. The beefy arches and large spoiler recall the original ‘Batmobile’ to a tee, which the stripes and colour combination are properly reminiscent of that wonderful bygone era.

A custom kidney grille with diamond-patterned insert and satin aluminium frame is flanked by Laser Light headlights, while a pair of functional recesses in the front apron recall those of the model’s namesake.

Up back, that massive wing sits above laser taillights and quad exhaust outlets. The look is menacing to say the least.

The body is painted in Alpine White with contrasting blue, purple and red stripes, model-specific lettering of the roof and rear spoiler, and BMW roundels set on the C-pillars that add a retro touch. BMW says it takes six days to prepare and paint each vehicle.

Inside, the 3.0 CSL features carbon-fibre trim on the door cards, M Carbon bucket seats upholstered in Alcantara, an Alcantara-clad steering wheel, an anthracite roof liner, matte carbon-fibre surfaces with build designation, and an exclusive white gear knob.

BMW Australia says the left-hand-drive-only 3.0 CSL is not coming Down Under, and while pricing has not been revealed, sources close to the project indicated a guide of between €600,000 to €700,000 – or near enough to A$1,000,000.

But don’t be too disappointed. BMW Oz has offered almost every other 50th Anniversary model produced by its M division this year, including the M3 and M4 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M, all-electric XM SUV, M3 Touring, iX M60, and a comprehensively updated M2 Coupe.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, a ‘regular’ M4 retails locally for $158,500 plus on-road costs.