The Brits at carwow are back with another interesting drag racing video, in which one of the most controversial BMW models yet faces one of the most desirable Bimmers of all time. Modified by German tuner Manhart, both the XM Label and M4 CSL in the featured clip are more unsightly and powerful than stock.
The S68 engine of the XM Label is connected to a rather ubiquitous eight-speed automatic from ZF, which is also used by the inline-six M4 CSL. As you might have guessed by now, the XM Label further boasts M xDrive all-wheel drive versus rear drive for the sleeker coupe. Originally advertised with 550 ps and 650 Nm to its name, the M4 CSL has been improved to 702 ps and 880 Nm of twist.
That’s 692 horsepower and 649 pound-feet from a displacement of 3.0 liters and without any sort of hybrid assistance. Unfortunately, the BMW M2 through M4 lines have yet to receive a 48-volt starter generator or a plug-in hybrid system for the S58 engine. The elephant in the room, however, is curb weight.
If the limited-run M4 CSL tips the scales at 1,625 kilograms (3,583 pounds) in Euro specification, are you willing to bet the XM Label tips the scales at 2.2 or 2.3 tons? Actually, the punchier sibling of the XM is listed by the Munich-based automaker at a massive 2,720 kilograms (5,997 pounds).
Photo: carwow on YouTube
Given the 1,095-kilo difference, it’s easy to believe that the M4 CSL has the upper hand in the quarter mile. But alas, the rear-drive contender has a bit of trouble putting all that power down to the rear wheels. With Sam Maher-Loughnan behind the wheel, the cooler of the two Bimmers couldn’t do better than 11.6 seconds compared to 11.5 seconds for Mat Watson in the Manhart-tuned XM Label.
In addition to a remapped ECU, the M4 CSL also received a carbon air intake system, less restrictive downpipes, and high-flow cats for good measure. Although Sam does struggle to put the power down from a roll as well, the MH4 GTR II makes the all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle look slow from a rolling start.
Be it regular mode or their sportiest settings, the Bavarian coupe doesn’t break a sweat from a roll to the half-mile finish line. On the other hand, Sam did experience a drop in boost in either fifth or sixth gear. Finally, the emergency braking test from 160 kilometers per hour (almost 100 miles per hour) saw the M4 CSL stop slightly worse than the SUV.
Be it the brakes, tires, or Sam’s reaction time, it does not really matter because a puddle of windshield washer fluid had formed under the XM Label following the emergency braking test. Upon further investigation, the washer fluid reservoir cap does not secure as intended, allowing fluid to get out of the reservoir under hard braking.
