What makes BMW so popular? Everyone knows the answer to that question, Bimmers are pure driver’s cars, and most models seem tailor-made to ensure the greatest experience possible, whether you’re inside a BMW 5-series sedan or a coupe X6 SUV.
But what’s the most BMW-like BMW you can buy? That’s a tougher one, with a plethora of past and current M models presenting enticing spec sheets and performance numbers to make a good case for themselves, such as the world-famous E46 M3. However, we think we’ve found a promising candidate, and BMW does too - the 2020 M2 CS.
To send off the first generation of the compact coupe 2-series, the folks over in Germany created an M2 that's even crazier than the already insane M2 Competition, gracing it with more power, less weight, and greater driving dynamics than ever before. The limited edition BMW M2 CS is one of the best driver’s car bargains we’ve ever seen, here’s why.
The 2020 BMW M2 CS Has Perfect Performance Numbers For Its Price
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The first-gen 2-Series is one of BMW’s entry-level models in terms of pricing and onboard amenities, as well as overall size and performance. Even the regular 2020 M2 or M2 Competition aren’t as extreme or tech-loaded as their big brothers, but everything changed with BMW’s glorious release of the 2022 M2 CS.
With an original sticker price of around $84,500, the M2 CS was by no means cheap, and resale used prices of the ultra-rare model are even higher nowadays, but even so, the wondrous sports car begins to look more like a proper bargain when you consider its credentials. First, it comes with the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that’s found in the 2020 M4 Competition, which means that the M2 CS gets an engine that's built to power a full-sized sports sedan, inside a tighter and lighter body.
The mill is good for 444 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and it’s mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that sends power to the rear wheels. Those numbers don’t sound too impressive, especially by today’s standards, but with a curb weight of just 3500 pounds, they’re enough to blast the M2 CS from 0-60 in 3.8 when equipped with the manual transmission. That time gets even lower with the DCT 7-speed auto, coming at just 3.4 seconds. We’re talking about supercar-level performance in a coupe BMW that doesn’t even cost three figures.
The 2022 BMW M2 CS Is The Ultimate Track Weapon.
Despite its impressive acceleration, the BMW M2 CS offers way more than just speed in the performance department. Steering is immensely precise and responsive, to the point where you might think that the M2 CS is actually reading your mind, acting instantaneously to every single input. The car may struggle for traction when starting from a complete stop, but afterward, it holds its own even when thrown fiercely into corners, aided by ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, stiff multilink adaptive M suspension, and a limited-slip differential. All this helps provide a mind-boggling cornering grip of 1.04 gs.
The M2 CS' Braking power is also superb, especially when equipped with the optional carbon-ceramic discs, which allow it to stop from 70 mph in less than 140 feet. Best of all is the fact that you can do this repeatedly and observe minimal braking fade, making for the ultimate track weapon.
The BMW M2 CS Is A Very Special Bimmer
BMW didn’t call the 2020 M2 CS a limited edition simply because it would only undergo a single year of production; the German automaker did it because only 2200 were ever made, and about 564 of those made it to the United States.
However, even without knowing that, just looking at the M2 CS gives plenty of giveaways regarding its unique nature. It’s the first M2 to sport a full carbon fiber roof, which increases chassis rigidity while also lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. It also uses lightweight carbon fiber as the material of choice for the highly-aerodynamic front splitter, mirror caps, and rear diffuser, which houses a quad M exhaust outlet. The M2 CS’ interior continues with them, boasting a carbon-fiber center console, grab handles, Alcantara trimming, and lightweight seating upholstered with merino leather. If by chance you manage to forget, the M2 CS reminds you of its pedigree with plenty of CS badging and a special Misano Blue metallic paint job.
All in all, the 2020 BMW M2 CS is undoubtedly one of the purest driver’s cars to emerge in recent times, even when compared with other highly-competent M models. Its limited exclusivity is only further enhanced by wildly impressive driving dynamics and acceleration, and the fact that it comes standard with a manual transmission is the glorious icing on a mouth-watering cake. Believe us when we say it's hard to find a more thrilling machine than the M2 CS at such a tempting price point.