BMW is changing its model hierarchy and re-introducing the CSL name as its top-tier M car.

BMW Australia confirmed to Drive that comments made by head of M Division Frank van Meel last month in regard to CSL replacing GTS models were true. Product communications manager for BMW Australia, Adam Davis, says the German brand is excited to see the famed badge return.

“CSL is the most important nameplate in BMW’s performance and motorsport history, and BMW Australia is excited to see its return. Both the original E9 CSL as well as the E46 CSL are cult heroes and vital parts of BMW’s sporting heritage,” Davis says.

Specifically, Drive has also been told the BMW M model hierarchy moving forwards will change to the following order:

   BMW M

   BMW M Competition

   BMW M CS

   BMW M CSL

The BMW M4 CS, which arrived in Australia in October, is the first CS model to join the current lineup. Confirmation of the CSL badge returning strengthens rumours that an M2 CSL is in the works. However, Davis would not comment on future products but could say that not all M cars would get the CSL badge.

“At this stage, there are no specific models to discuss, but we understand the hierarchy will not be used for each M series. For example, we won’t see X5 M CSL,” Davis said.

Indeed, the CSL badge, which stands for Coupe Sport Lightweight, has only ever adorned two BMW coupes in the Bavarian manufacturer’s history – the E9 CSL and E46 CSL, the last of which ceased production over a decade ago. The return of the CSL badge is significant and its use will no doubt be reserved for only the most track-focused versions of M coupes such as the M2, M4 and potentially the upcoming M8.

While BMW has trademarked the CSL name in Germany for all of its M cars, it has only trademarked the badge for the M2, M4 and M8 internationally, hinting at what might reach production.

The car closest to a CSL model in the current line-up is BMW's sold-out $295,000 M4 GTS which came to Australia in limited numbers last year. Compared to a normal M4 model, the track-focused GTS was equipped with a high-powered 368kW/600Nm water injected version of its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, along with ceramic disc brakes, adjustable coil-over suspension, a roll cage, racing harness and carbon fibre bonnet among other parts.

Built for the track, the M4 GTS offered performance over comfort, whereas the currently available $211,610 (plus on-road costs) M4 CS is lighter and more powerful but doesn’t sacrifice the liveable ride of a regular M4.

Although BMW remains tight-lipped on future product availability, it would be a surprise not to receive future CSL models locally given Australia is the strongest market in the world for percentage of M cars sold in the BMW lineup.

Australia will also receive the upcoming BMW M5 and M40i X3 before seeing any CSL badged cars arrive.

The latest year-to-date September sales figures supplied by BMW show sales up 4.7 per cent YTD and over 25 per cent for the year. Driving M’s growth in the relatively stable premium segment is an increased supply of its number one selling M2, despite a slight price hike this year.

The BMW M140i sits second on the sales chart and is expected to remain strong after receiving a price cut to $59,990 (plus on-road costs) with the introduction of the updated 1-Series LCI earlier this year. The M3 comes third in the ranks although BMW expects the introduction of M3 and M4 Pure models to bolster sales before a new model arrives.

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