BMW M2 CS 2021 review

When the BMW M2 first landed on Australian shores in 2016, one of its biggest criticisms was its lack of grumbling, which must have hurt his feelings.

With 272kW and 465Nm from a 3.0-litre "N55" single-turbo six-cylinder engine, it was hardly tame, but the question was, is it special enough to be called a full M car? And the answer from the enthusiasts was "or maybe not."

Fast forward to 2018 and BMW rectified those criticisms with the release of the M2 Competition, powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre S55 engine from the M3 and M4 to deliver a more exciting and befitting 302kW/550Nm.

For those crazy enough to think that still isn't enough, the M2 CS is now available on showrooms and makes up to 331kW and 550Nm thanks to some engine tweaks. It is now available with a six-speed manual as well. This sound you hear is the joy of purists.

So, does that now make the 2021 M2 CS the best BMW for enthusiast drivers?

BMW M 2021 models: M2 CS
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	9.9l / 100km
Landing	4 Places
Price from	$120,300

Is there anything interesting about its design? 10/10

We're already big fans of how the M2 looks, it's the right size and the perfect proportions for a sports coupe, and the CS just takes things to the next level.

On the outside, the M2 CS features a noticeably larger hood bulge as well as a vented hood to improve airflow.

The M2 is the right size and ideal proportions for a sports coupe.

The front splitter, side mirrors, skirts, trunk lid spoiler and rear diffuser are also finished in carbon fiber, giving the car an aggressive look.

Filling the wheel arches are 19-inch wheels painted in black, but behind them are massive perforated brake discs and large red-painted calipers.

Calling the M2 CS sporty would be an understatement, but we have to point out that our test car's Alpine White color looked a bit dull despite the extra bling.

• The front splitter, side mirrors, skirts, trunk lid spoiler and rear diffuser are also finished in carbon fiber, giving the car an aggressive look.
• The front splitter, side mirrors, skirts, trunk lid spoiler and rear diffuser are also finished in carbon fiber, giving the car an aggressive look.
• The front splitter, side mirrors, skirts, trunk lid spoiler and rear diffuser are also finished in carbon fiber, giving the car an aggressive look.
• The front splitter, side mirrors, skirts, trunk lid spoiler and rear diffuser are also finished in carbon fiber, giving the car an aggressive look.

If we bought one? We'd go for the stunning Misano Blue hero color with gold wheels to really grab attention in the city and on the race track, though they'll add another $1700 and $1000 respectively to an already dizzying price tag.

Inside, the M2 CS is a little disappointing with a spartan interior that looks like it was taken from the cheapest 2 Series coupe due to the lack of a climate control screen.

However, BMW does its best to spice things up with very tight-fitting bucket seats, an Alcantara steering wheel, a CS-badged instrument panel and a carbon fiber transmission tunnel.

It's definitely a case of function over form, but the lack of internal flash means you're more focused on the road ahead than anything else, which isn't bad when you have 331kW and 550Nm sent to the rear wheels.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

With a length of 4461 x 1871 mm, a width of 1414 x 2698 mm, a height of 2 x XNUMX mm, a wheelbase of XNUMX x XNUMX mm and only two doors, the CS is not the last word in practicality.

The M2 is 4461mm long, 1871mm wide and 1414mm high.

There's plenty of room for front passengers, of course, and the electronically adjustable bucket seats put them in the right position to shift gears and absorb the road.

However, storage space is limited to medium-sized door shelves, two cup holders, a small wallet/phone tray and that's it.

There is plenty of room for front passengers.

BMW is generous enough to include a single USB port to charge your device, but its placement where the armrest should be means you'll have to get creative with cable management to make it really work if you want to keep your phone in the car. tray under climate control.

Storage space is limited: medium-sized door shelves, two cup holders, a small wallet/phone tray and that's it.

As expected, the two rear seats are far from ideal for tall stature, but there is plenty of legroom and shoulder room.

The two rear seats are far from ideal for anyone tall.

There's a small center storage tray in the back, as well as Isofix points for the seats, but not much to keep rear passengers entertained. They will probably be too scared to care.

Opening the trunk reveals a small opening that holds 390 liters and is shaped to easily fit a set of golf clubs or a few overnight bags.

Opening the trunk, you can see a small hole that holds 390 liters.

There are multiple luggage and net attachment points to keep your stuff from rolling around, and the rear seats fold down to accommodate longer items.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 6/10

Pricing for the 2021 BMW M2 CS starts at $139,900 before road costs for a six-speed manual, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic going up to $147,400.

Let's not skimp on words, the BMW M2 CS is not cheap.

Compared to the M2 Competition, the CS adds about $37,000 to the bottom line – the equivalent of a performance small SUV – and comes dangerously close to the next-gen M3 and M4 ($144,900 and $149,900 respectively).

The M2 CS has a new exhaust.

For the price, buyers get exclusivity, with just 86 units available in Australia out of a total worldwide production run of 2220 units.

The engine is also tuned for higher power output, but more on that below.

The M2 CS also forgoes luxury for sportiness as standard, with carbon fiber exterior trims, a new exhaust system, lightweight 19-inch wheels and an Alcantara steering wheel.

Lightweight 19-inch wheels come standard on the M2 CS.

The front seats are borrowed from the M4 CS and trimmed in Alcantara and leather, but that's about all you get in terms of equipment.

The infotainment system is the same size as the rest of the M2 range at 8.8 inches and includes sat-nav, digital radio and Apple CarPlay (sorry, Android owners don't like it).

The climate control is a little different, with a thin screen replaced with basic buttons and knobs.

The multimedia system has a size of 8.8 inches.

Seat heating? Nope. Rear air vents? I'm sorry. How about keyless entry? Not here.

Also noticeable is the absence of a wireless smartphone charger and center armrest, as the conventional transmission tunnel has been replaced with a piece of carbon fiber.

To be fair, you get a premium Harman Kardon sound system, a start button, and a single USB port, so at least BMW offers a way to charge your phone on the go.

Perhaps most egregious of all, at least for me, were the rubber pedals fitted to our manually operated test machine.

For $140,00, you expect a little more in terms of convenience, and before you argue that "it's all about keeping the weight down", don't worry because the M2 CS and M2 Competition tip the scales in one direction. identical 1550kg.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The BMW M2 CS is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder S55 engine with 331 kW/550 Nm.

With rear-wheel drive via a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the M2 CS can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 or 4.0 seconds, respectively.

Peak power is available at a dizzying 6250rpm and peak torque is reached at 2350-5500rpm.

The M2 CS actually produced as much grumbling as the outgoing M3/M4 Competition because it uses the same engine, and to say the amount of performance on tap is explosive would be talking about explosions. This is serious bang for your buck.

The BMW M2 CS is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder S55 engine with 331 kW/550 Nm.

The M2 CS easily outperforms the Jaguar F-Type V280 with 460kW/6Nm, the Lotus Evora GT306 with 410kW/410Nm and the Porsche Cayman GTS 294 with 420kW/4.0Nm.

I have to look at our test car's manual transmission, which was great, but not great.

With such exciting shifters found on the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota 86, and Mazda MX-5, I expected shifting to be nirvana, but it was just fine.

The moves are too long in my opinion and it takes too much effort to put them in the right ratio. However, we should all be happy to see manual here, and I bet it's still a better option for purists than automatic.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Official fuel consumption figures for the M2 CS are 10.3 liters per 100 km, while our week with the car gave a more realistic figure of 11.8 l/100 km.

Engine start/stop technology is included to reduce fuel consumption, but our week with the car was spent mostly on the city streets of Melbourne with three trips out of town looking for winding back roads.

Sure, if we were more restrained in our throttle use, we could lower this fuel consumption figure, but a result of less than 12 l/100 km is still good for a performance car.

What is it like to drive? 10/10

Let me be clear; driving the M2 CS is an incredible experience.

The M2 has always been close to the top of the best modern M cars, and the CS is just solidifying its position as king.

Step inside and the Alcantara bucket seats and steering wheel will confirm you're in something special.

Press the red starter button and the engine comes to life and the new exhaust system roars to make you smile right away.

On the open road, the adaptive dampers found on the M2 CS soak up bumps and road bumps well, but don't expect it to suddenly become a comfortable and cuddly cruiser.

Let me be clear; driving the M2 CS is an incredible experience.

The ride is firm in all settings, but dial in "Sport Plus" and comfort really hits, especially on Melbourne's rough city roads with its intersecting tram tracks.

However, escape the unkempt city roads onto the smooth tarmac of the country and the M2 CS really shows off its handling prowess.

The standard-fit Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires also help in that regard, and while the rear end will put out 331kW of power if you want to stick to a racing line and lock in that pinnacle, the M2 CS is a better option. than a willing participant.

The suspension isn't the only thing that can be changed though, steering and engine adjustments are also available.

We found the best setting to be the maximum attack mode for the engine and suspension while keeping the lightest steering setting, and even with the weight of the steering reduced, there is enough feedback and road feel to convey exactly what is going on. M2 CS wants to do.

BMW has definitely captured the feel of the M2 CS that almost pushes you to go faster and faster.

When it comes to frenzy, it's also good to know that massive 400mm front and 380mm rear discs with six- and four-piston calipers, respectively, more than do the job of cleaning up the speed.

I would only like to explore the possibilities of the M2 CS in a more controlled race track environment, because on the open road the M2 CS definitely still feels like it has a lot more to offer. And everything about this car just screams Race Track Time. Loud.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 5/10

The BMW M2 CS has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP and therefore does not have a crash rating.

The car it's based on, the 2 Series, is also unranked, though the M2 CS is quite different from the rest of the small coupe range.

Security systems include front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, a reversing camera and cruise control.

Security systems include automatic headlights.

Don't expect autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist here, not to mention rear cross traffic alert or traffic sign recognition.

Sure, the M2 CS is track-focused specifically, but it also lacks some of the important safety features you'd expect from any new car, especially at this price point.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10

Like all new BMWs, the M2 CS comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, falling short of Mercedes' benchmark offering of a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Scheduled service intervals are every 12 months or 16,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

The M2 CS comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Buyers can choose the Basic or Plus plan, which covers the first five years of the vehicle at $2995 and $8805, respectively.

The Basic fare includes oil, air filters, brake fluid and spark plugs, while the Plus fare includes brake pads and discs, wiper blades and clutch replacements.

The annual maintenance cost is $599 or $1761, which makes the M2 CS fairly affordable to maintain.

Verdict

As the definitive form of the current M2, the CS brings together the best aspects of what everyone loves about a BMW in one neat little package.

The driving experience is nothing short of divine, even if the manual transmission could have shifted better and the fireworks engine takes things to a whole new level.

If only BMW had offered more equipment and safety to round out the $140,000 price tag, or maybe they should have leaned more towards the lightweight aspect and ditched the rear seats to make the 2 CS even more special.

In the end, the M2 CS is still an incredibly compelling driver's car and I can't wait to see what BMW has in store for the next car.