BMWs have been known for comfort, technology, and sheer driving pleasure. However, with the more recent cars, BMW has completely lost the plot and has since become churners as far as proper M fanatics go. This is true to some extent; the F90 BMW M5 has lost most of its driving connection and is a 600-horsepower wafter than a proper M car.

However, amidst all this, BMW came up with the 2-series; a compact sedan that replaced the 1-series and undercuts the midsize 3-series. Folks at M decided to give it the proper treatment and thus came the M2. It was replaced with the M2 competition fairly recently and it didn’t take long for the Comp to become a favorite among enthusiasts.

The BMW M2 has been discontinued post-fall 2020, a lucky few were able to get their hands on the swansong to this agile Beemer— the M2 CS, which came with a $25,000 premium. Although the CS was sort of a limited-run model with around 2,200 examples made, many had the question, is the M2 CS worth the premium over the M2 Competition? Well, no.

In fact, many acclaimed reviewers have unanimously voted the M2 Competition to a better buy than the M2 CS and we don’t disagree.

BMW M2 Competition: Engine And Performance

BMW M2 Competition drifting
Via evo.co.uk

Introduced in 2016, the M2 saw a warm reception thanks to how it reminded of BMWs of the past, much like the E46 M3; a straight-six, rear-wheel-drive BMW. BMW offered the M2 with an N55 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produced 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque. A lot of the internals were shared among fellow M models like the F80 M3 and the F82 M4. The M2 was offered with the choice of either a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or a standard 6-speed manual.

BMW M2 CS parked outside
Via motor1.com

The M2 Competition was introduced in 2018 as a replacement to the M2. BMW decided to dump the N55 and shove the S55 twin-turbocharged inline-6 that is shared with the M3 and M4. There were a lot of tweaks done to the engine in the form of a redesigned oil supply system and modified cooling system from the BMW M4 with the Competition Package. Compared to the standard M2, the S55 produces an additional 40 horsepower and 63 lb-ft resulting in a net output of 405 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration saw a noticeable difference on paper with the M2 Comp reaching 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, a tenth of a second quicker than the standard M2.

The M2 CS (Club Sport) was introduced in 2019 as a track version of the M2 Comp. The M2 CS uses the same engine as the F82 M4 with Competition Package; a more powerful version of the S55 rated at 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options for both the M2 Comp and M2 CS remained the same with a standard 6-speed manual and an optional 7-speed DCT.

RELATED: ThatDudeInBlue Reviews The BMW M2 Competition

BMW M2 Competition: Driving Dynamics

Just as the M2 Competition rolled into the hands of experienced drivers, it quickly became a favorite in the community. Many acclaimed that the M2 Comp marked the return of a proper M car since the E92. Some even went as far as to call it the successor to the E46 M3. The poised chassis with usable power meant the M2 Comp was a weapon in the right hands.

bmw-m2-cs-2020
via motor1

The M2 CS on the other hand wasn’t a slouch either. It represented the best of the M2’s F87 generation and many went to the extent of trading in their M2 Comp for the CS. A rather famous bloke who goes by the name of Chris Harris is one notable example. What the M2 CS had over the regular M2 was more carbon-fiber. Though it should’ve reflected in better weight savings, folks at BMW might have cocked up the figures. Harry Metcalfe went on to weigh the M2 CS and if you plug in the numbers, the result is far less than what BMW claims.

RELATED: 15 Stunning Photos Of The 2020 BMW M2 Competition

BMW M2 Competition: Why Is It The Better Buy

Via BMW Group Press

Getting on to the meat of the matter, should you get an M2 Comp or the CS? Because the CS is a lot rarer demand should obviously be a bit high in the used market if you happen to find any. However, the 2020 BMW M2 CS retailed at $58,900 while the M2 CS came at $83,600. This is a significant premium considering that all you get is a bit more power and a lot of carbon-fiber, which technically is a lot of weight savings over the M2 Comp. Is it with the extra $25,000? Definitely not.

Though the M2 CS is a potent machine, if it was something like the E46 M3 CSL, then we would’ve said yes since you get a lot more for the premium it had over the M3. That said, whoever owns an M2 CS won’t be letting go of one anytime soon and so if you are looking to get a proper modern M car for a reasonable sum of money, the M2 Comp should fit the bill.

Sources: Harry's Garage, Carfection

NEXT: Alfa Romeo Takes On BMW M2 Competition & Lotus Exige In Drag Race Action