‘MASTER THE M!’ AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW BMW M2 CS
The first thing we noticed wasn’t the sound, though it was impossible to ignore, but a feeling of anticipation, the kind that arises before stepping into something grand, like Zandvoort. Through GEN M, BMW opened a fresh chapter in its lineage. Forming a global community united by a shared reverence for performance and precision. “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.” is a philosophy that has shaped BMW M vehicles for over five decades and now finds a thrilling new expression in the latest BMW M2 CS. Set within the world of GEN M, we discovered a car that unlike any other M model before it, represents the brand’s DNA into its most concentrated form, delivering the ultimate BMW M driving experience.
images courtesy of BMW
Proof, as they say, is in the lap time. Earlier this year, the BMW M2 CS conquered the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a striking 7:25.5 minutes, officially becoming the fastest compact sports car in its class. Often referred to as the “Green Hell,” the Nordschleife is one of the most unforgiving racetracks in the world, over 20 kilometres long with more than 70 turns. Which comes as no surprise because at its core, the new BMW M2 CS builds upon the second-generation M2, an already formidable foundation. A noticeable reduction in weight was achieved through intelligent lightweight design making this the lightest M2 of the current generation. Every decision that the BMW team took feels deliberate from the optimised chassis tuning, enhanced braking systems, to the a tangible increase in power output.
And then there’s the safety of course. Because true performance, after all, is about confidence. The M2 CS doesn’t just move fast for the sake of moving fast, it makes you feel in control while doing so. Dynamics and razor-sharp responsiveness ensure that even at high speeds, the car remains balanced carving through corners or even everyday roads.
We experienced all of this firsthand at the BMW M Driving Experience grounds, where time went by almost as quickly as the M2 CS itself. As some of the first people in the Netherlands to drive this new model, we spent the day learning how to drift, testing the car across various courses (we can attest it is VERY fast), and eventually putting all that knowledge to the test in a friendly competition. We earned our stripes with a certificate in hand, but more importantly, with a deeper understanding of how to unlock BMW’s signature driving pleasure. This memory is one we’ll carry long after the engine cools…
