Not solely is the M2 one of many best-driving BMWs, it is one of many best-looking, too.
Steven Ewing/Roadshow
The M2 Competition is my favourite BMW, so clearly I’m fairly jazzed concerning the M2 CS. It’s quicker and sharper than the usual Competition, and just a little bit lighter, too. It’s a extra centered model of an already pleasant efficiency automobile. And you may even get it with gold wheels. Awesome.
LikeSuper-sharp dealing withGreat turbocharged energyOne of BMW’s higher designsGold wheels!
Don’t LikeSuper costly with optionsExhaust does not sound all that niceNo Android Auto
The CS makes use of the identical 3.0-liter twin-turbo I6 because the M2 Comp — BMW’s S55 engine for you internal-code nerds. Horsepower jumps from 405 within the Competition to 444 within the CS, however each vehicles make an equivalent 406 pound-feet of torque. The low-end thrust absolutely arrives at 2,350 rpm, that means there’s little in the way in which of lag when launching. The CS’ 0-to-60-mph time clocks in at 3.8 seconds, making it 0.2 seconds faster than the M2 Competition. Negligible stuff.The CS will get a dual-branch exhaust design with electronically managed valves. This makes it louder than the M2 Competition, but it surely additionally makes the CS sound lots just like the M3 and M4, which is not a praise. You can flip up the amount on the exhaust be aware if you would like, however that is one case the place it does not actually appear crucial. The M2 CS truly sounds higher when it is quiet. Weird, I do know.
A six-speed handbook transmission is normal and it is the right alternative. I say that having spent per week with a DCT-equipped M2 CS, which gives clean, fast shifts at velocity, however is sort of a ache within the ass to reside with everyday. There’s no torque converter to get the CS rolling at idle whenever you take your foot off the fuel, so pulling away from a stoplight generally is a little jerky. The automobile will even lurch backwards when you’re on an incline, which is to be anticipated with a handbook, however can typically catch you off guard with an computerized. Oh, and the DCT possibility provides $2,900 to the CS’ backside line. Yes, it makes the M2 CS 0.2 seconds faster to 60 mph than the handbook automobile, however critically, who cares? I’ll take driver engagement over bragging rights any day.BMW’s Adaptive M suspension tech comes normal on the CS, but it surely does not do a lot to actually distance this automobile from the M2 Competition. You can toggle between Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus settings, all of that are fairly stiff. But actually, there is not sufficient of a significant distinction between the three modes to actually warrant frequent fiddling. Maybe Sport Plus is barely higher than Sport on a race monitor. Maybe.
No-cost gold wheels? Definitely. $8,500 ceramic brakes? Ehh.
Steven Ewing/Roadshow
All the the reason why I take pleasure in driving the M2 Competition are nonetheless a lot alive within the CS. It’s a nimble little factor with fast reflexes and appropriately heavy steering, plus the thick strut brace beneath the hood retains the nostril good and stiff so it will change instructions lickity cut up. The CS has the Competition’s energetic locking rear differential, which might range energy supply between the rear wheels, supplying you with higher grip whereas cornering and improved stability on slippery surfaces. The CS additionally rides on Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires, that are a godsend so far as efficiency rubbers are involved they usually do lots to let the M2 actually grasp on throughout high-speed cornering.
Carbon ceramic brakes can be found, which give longer-lasting stopping energy with out fade. They aren’t as squealy and arduous to modulate as a few of BMW’s prior ceramic brake efforts, however in addition they price a whopping $8,500, so select properly. If the M2 CS is not going to be your monitor automobile, possibly skip this selection.The DCT and ceramic brakes are about it so far as non-compulsory tools is anxious, save for premium paint decisions like my take a look at automobile’s $550 Misano Blue. Even the gold wheels are a no-cost alternative, that means it is best to undoubtedly select them. I’m getting a complete Subaru rally vibe from the blue-and-gold combo, by the way in which. Hubba hubba.Aside from a couple of further carbon fiber bits, the CS’ inside is identical as the usual M2.
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The M2 CS will get an entire bunch of carbon fiber bits, all of which assist scale back weight. The vented hood, roof and further aero elements are all constituted of this super-light materials, as are a lot of inside items like the middle console and transmission tunnel. The CS ditches the M2’s middle armrest for the sake of one other pound or two and there is a beneficiant serving to of Alcantara suede on the dashboard, doorways and steering wheel. All instructed, the CS is 55 kilos lighter than an equal M2 Competition, which is a good quantity of heft-removal, although a DCT-equipped CS nonetheless weighs 3,600 kilos.Functionally talking, the CS has the identical tradeoffs as the usual M2 Competition. The trunk is small and there are solely a few small locations to retailer objects contained in the cabin. BMW did not go as far as to take away the rear seats, however they’re higher left for backpacks and grocery baggage than precise grownup people, anyway. The CS’ 8.8-inch central touchscreen runs the identical, last-generation iDrive tech as the bottom M2, that means embedded navigation and Apple CarPlay are on provide, however Android Auto is nowhere to be discovered. The CS cannot be had with among the M2 Comp’s extra luxurious niceties, both, like a wi-fi charging pad or heated steering wheel. Driver-assistance options are on the sparse facet, too, however given the CS’ performance-focused mission, I’m OK with that.Great automobile. Expensive automobile.
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The CS is an actual sweetie and it solely furthers my love for the M2 line as an entire. Problem is, it prices $84,595 together with $995 for vacation spot, making it $24,700 dearer than a base M2 Competition. Add within the premium paint, dual-clutch transmission and ceramic brakes — all of that are fitted to my take a look at automobile — and also you’re $96,545. That’s a bunch of cash for a 2 Series and places the M2 CS properly into the territory of rather more succesful sports activities vehicles. If I’m spending that a lot, I’m getting a Porsche 718 Cayman GTS with the brand new 4.0-liter engine.On the opposite hand, a 2021 BMW M2 Competition painted in Long Beach Blue with the handbook transmission and Executive Package slides in at $61,645 together with vacation spot. And because the CS’ tweaks do not actually elevate the M2’s efficiency to a brand new stage, it is arduous to argue in opposition to that sort of worth. Besides, the M2 CS is a one-year, limited-run deal and I’m positive the overwhelming majority of the US allotment is already spoken for. The CS is nice, however like I mentioned earlier, the M2 Comp is my favourite BMW. Guess I’ll simply must supply a set of gold wheels.