THE BMW M2 CS is the ultimate version of the M2 which, despite being the smallest of the pure BMW M, is also considered by many to be the best of them all — even by us…
With a chassis that reveals all its brilliance in corners, just as strong are its attributes in the straight, in a “classic” starting test, courtesy, once again, of Carwow.
The M2 CS has as occasion competitors, models from the arch-rivals Mercedes-AMG and Audi Sport. However, unlike the rear-wheel-drive coupe and six-cylinder engine (3.0 l) in-line from Munich, its rivals from Stuttgart and Ingoldstadt appear in a more familiar hot hatch format: respectively, the At 45s and RS 3.
They couldn't be more different. Both hot hatches are based on a front-wheel drive architecture, but both have four-wheel drive. The main difference between this pair lies in the powertrain: a 2.0 l in-line four-cylinder — the world's most powerful on a production model — in the A 45 S; and a 2.5 l in-line five-cylinder on the RS 3.
Subscribe to our newsletter
There is a caveat. The Audi RS 3 is being phased out — a promising new generation is already stirring — and its sale has already ended in the UK. That's why Carwow took the liberty of resorting to a unit of its spectator, which is not entirely original.
The RS 3 used in this test has a new intercooler, intake system, and the catalysts have been removed. The engine has also been remapped, as well as the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox — for even faster shifts. Result? 450 hp and 750 Nm , way more than the original 400 hp and 480 Nm — enough to give you an advantage in this race?
It is thus more in tune with the identical 450 hp and 550 Nm of the BMW M2 CS, with the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S being the least powerful, with 421 hp and 500 Nm , and also the heaviest, at 1635 kg.
Finally, all three models come equipped with dual-clutch automatic transmissions: seven-speed on the M2 CS and RS 3, and eight-speed on the A 45 S.
The BMW M2 CS is the only one with two drive wheels, which could mean a disadvantage in the initial start. Is it really so?