BMW M4, Lexus RC-F and Porsche Cayenne as collector's models

Collector's versions of civilian series add the spice to the car manufacturers' brand soup. ntv.de took a look at the three models BMW M4 CSL, Lexus RC-F Track Edition and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid with GT package. What do the three have in common?

This is of course a slight exaggeration: Of course, the model lines discussed here do not necessarily belong to genuine civilian series. Well, apart from the BMW 3 Series. Although a basic RC-F (no longer available in Germany) seems more exotic than out of touch, and the Porsche Cayenne is a permanent fixture on the local streets. But to feed the car fan community, dream cars are needed. And for cost reasons, these cannot always be independent special models.

What could be more obvious than making derivatives of existing series a bit more stylish and powerful? And of course sportier too. And more exclusive. Take the BMW 3 Series, for example. Because while the basic model in this series seems quite affordable and even an M4 is within sight for some freelancers, things could get tight with the CSL. BMW treated itself to a very special M4 to mark the 50th anniversary of M GmbH. At 1.6 tons, it is around 100 kilograms lighter than the regular model – the CFRP roof helps with this, as does the fact that BMW has simply thrown out the back seat. In addition, the engineers have done a lot of detailed work and even given the special M4 specific lightweight rims.

However, another special feature is the result of omission: In the CSL (which contains “sport” and “light”), the 550 hp inline six-cylinder engine only drives the rear wheels, so there is no weight-increasing all-wheel drive. You should be sensitive with the right pedal. The 285 tires on the rear axle are not to be trifled with, especially in wet conditions: please do not provoke an unwanted swing of the rear.

The M4 CSL is a grip monster

In dry conditions, however, the Michelin Sport Pilot, which was specially developed for the CSL, is a real grip monster (3.7 seconds to 100 km/h). No wonder that the Upper Bavarian only burns into the asphalt of the famous Nordschleife for seven minutes and 18 seconds. This lap time is already top notch.

On the other hand, despite the modified chassis, the CSL is not unbearably hard, so it would not fail as a tourer for long journeys. The sports seats also look worse than they feel. And although BMW is known for preferring manual transmissions, the eight-speed automatic transmission here is actually quite smooth.

The Lexus RC-F, which is rather compact with an external length of 4.71 meters, also passes as a fine tourer. And of course as a drivable object for automotive gourmets – not only because there is a powerful five-liter V8 rumbling under the hood, but because hardly anyone in this country has this special Lexus on their radar. That naturally gives individuality points.

The Track Edition is even more individual. Just like BMW, Lexus is focusing on lightweight construction for this special model. That's why the CFRP roof is included again. And there is also striking visible carbon for the front hood plus a fat spoiler on the rear lid. There are also Brembo brakes and a particularly light titanium exhaust system. If the RC-F then comes around the corner in white, it looks wild and drifts into the sleazy.

Japanese car specialty Lexus RC-F

But no matter, this Lexus is definitely a Japanese automotive specialty with only a handful of examples on local roads. And the rear-wheel drive car, which can reach speeds of up to 270 km/h, has tourer qualities anyway; its chassis is firm but not extremely hard. This makes it suitable for everyday use. So the question arises whether you would even want to chase the 464 hp beast with the subtly rumbling eight-cylinder around the Nordschleife. No, there are other, much more suitable track tools than this 1.8-tonner. It would be better to enjoy the exotic car on fast motorway laps in the reasonably comfortable seats on sporty-looking Alcantara upholstery and just not be upset if the typical Lexus operating system is puzzling again. But at least the large rev counter and the speedometer with a tight scale of up to 340 km/h look cool.

As a new car, the extroverted coupe costs 117,850 euros. The eight-speed automatic transmission is of course standard and ensures a comfortable touch. The fact that the Asian car storms to 100 km/h within 4.5 seconds makes it a confident car. Hurry up, the Lexus is still in the configurator, but it is well known that the company is phasing out the V8.

You don't have to worry about that with the third offer discussed here. It is the Porsche Cayenne Coupé as the top model Turbo E-Hybrid with GT package. As a hybrid, the SUV with a four-liter eight-cylinder engine defies strict CO2 limits. And because the 739 hp Zuffenhausen-based car can store almost 26 kWh of electricity, the electric driving portion is correspondingly large. But driving purely electrically with the top turbo? Somehow not, because you want to hear the eight-cylinder engine. And you can hear it clearly inside under load. Outside, too, through the distinctive two exhaust tailpipes in a centrally arranged formation – like the Lexus, also made of titanium.

Lower chassis and carbon roof for the top Cayenne

And in terms of driving dynamics, the top Cayenne goes one step further than the civilian models and comes with a chassis that is ten millimeters lower. Steering rear wheels and active roll compensation, however, are only available for an additional charge. And what about the weight? The engineers have managed to save a whopping 100 kilograms compared to the version without the GT package. And again, the famous CFRP roof is in play. But 2.5 tons of unladen weight is still a lot of weight. And although the sportiest Cayenne feels like it goes really well around corners and you feel firm on the ceramic brakes, the most powerful Cayenne is more of a tourer than a racing pro. Why take a monster that's 4.93 meters long and 1.65 meters high onto the track? It doesn't have to be that way.

However, you can still enjoy the fact that this Cayenne is special. But a real collector's model? It's not really. But maybe it's the right everyday vehicle for those car enthusiasts whose garages are already filled with BMW M4 CSL and Lexus RC-F Track Editions waiting for their next outing? The Cayenne is certainly fun when you send the 950 Newton meters from the 599-hp eight-cylinder engine and 176-hp electric motor through the eight-speed automatic.

The Porsche actually moves forward better than the CSL, taking a tenth of a second off the BMW (3.6 seconds to 100 km/h) in the standard sprint. In terms of top speed, the Bavarian has the edge with two km/h more (307 km/h). The Cayenne can therefore do 305 km/h. It's a shame that there is no trailer hitch for the sporty SUV, the exhaust system is simply in the way. Then the athlete would still be a real workhorse. But it is definitely the candidate with the highest utility value in this trio, given its 1344 litres of luggage space.

In terms of price, it leads the trio at 215,600 euros. The M4 CSL is no longer available new, but given the strict limitations, it should be a solid investment if you are in the comfortable position of being able to park 140,000 euros in cash. Of course, the BMW Group is also thinking about its own financial situation and is offering new car enthusiasts an alternative with the same engine in the form of the M4 Clubsport for 160,000 euros. However, only in conjunction with all-wheel drive, which is not quite as fancy.

The cheapest is the Lexus. And if you can't find one at your dealer, you'll certainly find something on the used car market for five-figure prices. And between you and me: the RC-F is so exotic in this country that even as a conventional model without a carbon roof and spoiler it is a worthy collector's car.