BMW M2 CS debuts in India at Rs 1.66 crore, here's what sets this model apart

BMW has taken the cover off its M2 CS, a limited-run performance coupe. The enthusiast vehicle sits at the top of the 2 Series range, and compared to the M2, it offers more track-focused hardware. The CS will be imported to India as a completely built-up model, and has been priced at Rs 1.66 crore ex-showroom.

The new BMW M2 CS is the performance-oriented version of the M2, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol unit with M Twin Power Turbo tech. Performance figures reflect a whopping 530 hp of power and 650 Nm of peak torque, transferred to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. BMW delineated that the coupe can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds, while the top speed rests at 302 kmph.

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What’s Special

With the new M2 CS, BMW has stepped to go back to its rally homologation rules, and hence they have added new race-inspired bits that are used on the M4 GT3 Evo race car to the CS. The engine now has a forged crankshaft and a rigid crankcase.

The M2 CS is also 30 kg lighter than the standard M2, the lighter weight is courtesy of carbon fibre parts, including the roof, boot lid, and other bits used throughout the car.

To further ensure that the new iteration is able to retain its added performance prowess on the road, the coupe has been tweaked to sit 8 mm lower than the ordinary M2. Increased aerodynamic efficiency, along with tweaked suspension bits, helps the car perform better.

Changes to the Exterior and Interior

On the outside, the M2 CS gets a new ducktail-style rear spoiler. The grille and the air intakes are different, and beyond that, the car has a variety of CS-specific design elements. Colour options include Brooklyn Grey, Portimao Blue, and Black Sapphire.

Since the M2 CS is a performance-oriented coupe, it misses out on the opulence synonymous with BMW. The rich upholstery has been replaced with carbon bucket seats and an Alcantara steering wheel. The car also gets BMW’s latest operating system with a heads-up display, Harman Kardon sound system, and an M Drive Professional suite that brings in features such as track mode, lap timer, and various other features.

Why BMW CS Models Are Special

BMW has had a tradition of bringing in exquisite, limited-edition high-performance versions for its existing models. These have used various acronyms that further highlight the special status of the cars. Within this chronology, the BMW CS and BMW CSL are the most popular.

CS stands for Club Sport

The CS moniker stands for Club Sport, while the CSL stands for a significantly enhanced CS model. It expands into the German term “Coupé Sport Leichtbau" translating to Coupe Sport Lightweight. The CSL badging started off with the 3.0 CSL and was for long considered to be the most successful touring car of its era. The 3.0 CSL was one of the first BMWs to have been powered by a four-valve six-cylinder inline engine.

BMW CSi

A further extension of the CS was the CSi, which denoted a 3.0 Club Sport model powered by a direct-injection petrol engine of the new generation instead of the carburetted unit on the CS. After the famous E9 generation that spawned the CS monikers, it was brought back to life with the E46 M3, with a special CSL edition model. The Club Sport models have been revived in modern times with three distinguished high-performance line-ups that include the M4 CS, the M3 CS, and the M2 CS. BMW has stated that the new M2 CS is the fastest compact car around the Nürburgring Nordschleife and did a lap in 7 minutes and 25.5 seconds.