BMW’s CS badge hasn’t all the time meant the identical factor. The M5 CS was a real excessive level: lighter, sharper, and tinged with the type of magic that makes nice M vehicles memorable. The previous-F87 technology M2 CS hit an analogous candy spot: extra targeted, splendidly exploitable, and crucially out there with a guide. The G8X-era M3 and M4 CS fashions improved on their normal counterparts, however by no means fairly reached that once-in-a-decade sparkle.
Towards that backdrop, the brand new M2 CS arrives with expectations set sky-high. Extra energy, much less weight and a chassis tune that feels engineered – not merely stiffened – promise substance past the carbon. It reads, at first contact, like a automobile constructed by drivers for drivers: the numbers are massive, the {hardware} severe, and the intent clear.
The headline numbers set the tone: 3.0-litre straight-six, 530bhp and 650Nm, with a claimed 0–100km/h in 3.8 seconds, severe numbers for the “child” M automobile. The supply is clear and linear to the purple line, and throttle mapping feels that bit crisper than the usual automobile. The eight-speed M Steptronic does the job. In its most aggressive setting the upshift thump can really feel a contact artificial, however choosing a gentler shift map restores a extra pure cadence with out dulling efficiency. The bundle feels terrifically beefy, the torque hits onerous and the feeling of pace on this (comparatively) small BMW is addictive and exiting.
In contrast with the usual M2, the M2 CS is a sharper, lighter and extra targeted bundle. Energy rises is up by 50bhp. The CS sheds 30kg utilizing CFRP components: roof, boot lid with that placing built-in ducktail, rear diffuser, entrance splitter and a carbon centre console with a giant gap the place an arm relaxation must be, plus solid 19/20-inch wheels. Surprisingly, BMW M didn’t quote the burden saving over the usual M2 with the non-compulsory ceramics brakes, which save roughly one other 14 kilos (as with the M4 CSL) and are solely out there on the M2 CS. Chassis {hardware} and software program are bespoke: the automobile sits 8mm decrease with model-specific springs, dampers and management tuning, stiffer engine mounts, recalibrated M Sport differential, and revised DSC/MDM. Braking upgrades embody normal M Compound stoppers with the choice of the aforementioned carbon-ceramic discs, whereas the 8-speed M Steptronic with Drivelogic is normal right here (no guide choice, in contrast to the common M2 in some markets).
Take a look at situations mattered. Working was on the Michelin Laurens Proving Floor on a moist floor, on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. I didn’t pattern Cup 2 or Cup 2 R. Even so, the CS’s stability shone by means of. Entrance-end chunk is stronger, weight switch is tidier, and the automobile stays adjustable on the throttle with out pushing into theatrics. That composure, on a less-than-ideal floor and road-biased tyre, says loads in regards to the underlying set-up on a platform shared with the broader 2 Collection vary.
An autocross structure let me discover the automobile with DSC totally deactivated and traction management dialled again utilizing the ten-stage M Traction Management. It was hilarious enjoyable. The engine’s swell of torque helps you to ease the rear large in second and third, then maintain a shallow slide with small inputs. The steering isn’t chatty simply off centre, however as soon as the entrance masses up the burden builds cleanly, making it straightforward to position the nostril and handle slip. With the security internet set to a lightweight contact, the CS stays playful but recoverable, encouraging you to work with the chassis slightly than combat it.
Steering deserves nuance. Like most trendy M merchandise, the wheel rim is just too thick and takes acclimatisation. Simply off centre the rack will not be bristling with texture; suggestions builds with load slightly than fizzing consistently. The upside is stability. As soon as loaded, the weighting is constant and confidence grows rapidly, serving to you lean on the entrance axle earlier and carry pace with fewer corrections.
Brakes: my automobile ran the non-compulsory carbon-ceramic system. It supplies severe stopping energy and a agency, constant pedal, with the bonus of lowered unsprung mass. I didn’t drive the usual M Compound setup, so can’t assess it right here.
Trip and physique management are nicely judged for the transient. The CS is taut however not brittle, rounding off sharp inputs after which settling cleanly. On the street that interprets to fewer secondary actions. On circuit it means you may place the automobile exactly and repeatably. It appears like there’s extra headroom to discover earlier than the electronics have to intervene.
The CS remedy is seen and tangible. Carbon panels, a neatly built-in CFRP ducktail, a pared-back grille remedy and Bronze solid wheels give it intent with out cartoonish extra. Inside, the carbon centre console and buckets look the half and the driving place is spot on. Construct high quality impresses too. This Mexican-built automobile feels stable the place it counts, from door shut to modify motion. May or not it’s additional differentiated from the usual M2 and extra CS? Maybe, all different present CS fashions characteristic placing yellow DRLs, and a carbon bonnet would have additionally been a pleasant contact which might have added to the listing of weight saving options.
The place does it land? In uncommon firm. With the 718 bowing out and the Alpine A110R close to the tip following lacklustre gross sales, compact, rear-drive, combustion sports activities vehicles are skinny on the bottom. The M2 CS appears like a keeper: compact footprint, massive bandwidth, and a deal with the connection between driver, chassis and street.
The M2 CS is a correct step on. It’s quicker, calmer in its responses and extra confidence-inspiring than the common M2, even on a moist monitor and PS4S rubber. The wheel rim is just too thick and the preliminary rack really feel won’t please each purist, however the way in which the automobile coheres as soon as loaded, and the authority of its carbon-ceramic stoppers, mark it out. Costly? Sure. But in 2025 this is among the most full, participating and authentically engineered driver’s vehicles you should purchase.
