For those considering the 2023 BMW M4 CSL, 18 MPG combined isn’t the biggest concern. This limited-production Coupe isn’t about saving fuel on the way to the store; it’s about setting fast lap times and providing an unfiltered driving experience that puts performance first. This is a focused machine, a track weapon made for precision, and its fuel consumption reflects that single-minded dedication.

City and highway performance

The M4 CSL’s EPA ratings are 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are a result of the car’s potent 3.0-liter inline-six engine, tuned to deliver a staggering 543 horsepower. The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the engine is constantly accelerating and decelerating. The highway MPG is better, but even here, the CSL’s emphasis on performance means that maintaining a steady, fuel-efficient pace requires effort. Few owners will be interested in that anyway. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while incredibly quick and responsive, also contributes to the fuel consumption, as its primary goal is to keep the engine in its optimal power band, not to maximize efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

According to EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2023 BMW M4 CSL is $3,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. This is significantly higher than the average car, and even considerably more than other performance vehicles. This is a cost consideration many CSL buyers will readily accept in exchange for the car’s singular performance capabilities.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the M4 CSL can vary significantly based on driving style and conditions. Drivers who frequently engage in spirited acceleration, track days, or aggressive cornering will likely see even lower figures. Those who primarily use the car for highway cruising and adopt a more conservative driving style could potentially achieve numbers closer to or slightly above the EPA estimates. It is safe to assume that most M4 CSL owners will not prioritize fuel efficiency during their driving experiences. The thrill of the CSL is not in economy, but in performance and noise.

How it compares

Comparing the M4 CSL’s fuel economy to other high-performance coupes puts its consumption into perspective. The Porsche 911 GT3, another track-focused machine, manages a slightly better 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. The Audi RS5 Coupe clocks in at 18 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s numbers are 13 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. These comparisons highlight that while the M4 CSL isn’t the worst in its class, it also isn’t the most fuel efficient. However, buyers in this segment are typically more concerned with performance and driving dynamics than with saving money at the pump. They also care about exclusivity, and few vehicles share the M4 CSL’s rarity. For all Bmw fuel economy data, including base models, check our other resources. We also have M4 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While squeezing every last drop of fuel from the M4 CSL might not be a top priority, there are still ways to improve its efficiency, even if marginally. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, as these actions consume a significant amount of fuel. Instead, adopt a smoother, more progressive driving style, anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed whenever possible.

Use the car’s driving modes. “Sport” and “Sport+” modes enhance performance, but they also increase fuel consumption. When cruising on the highway or driving in less demanding conditions, select “Comfort” or “Efficiency” mode, which optimizes the engine and transmission settings for improved fuel economy.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds to the car’s overall weight, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Remove any non-essential items from the trunk and cabin.

Consider using the car’s automatic start/stop function, which shuts off the engine when the car comes to a complete stop. While some drivers find this feature intrusive, it can save a small amount of fuel in stop-and-go traffic, but on a vehicle this track-focused, it may need to be disabled on track days to ensure consistent performance and prevent turbo lag on corner exit.