Bottom Line Up Front
The brand‑new BMW M2 CS is a thrilling, lightweight performer, but when stacked against the legendary E46 M3 CSL and the powerful F90 M5 CS, it lands third in overall excitement, while still offering the best price‑to‑performance balance.
BMW M2 CS vs M3 CSL vs M5 CS – Which M Car Gives the Best Value?
Image: BMW M2 CS vs M3 CSL vs M5 CS – Which M Car Gives the Best Value? – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
All three models wear aggressive carbon‑fibre details. The M2 CS sports a carbon‑fibre roof and a playful duck‑tail boot, echoing the CSL’s round‑shaped rear spoiler. The M3 CSL’s front splitter, carbon‑fibre bumper and aluminium bonnet give it a raw, motorsport‑inspired silhouette. The M5 CS, meanwhile, flaunts gold‑bronze forged wheels and a carbon‑fibre vented bonnet that looks like a miniature supercar. Each car feels purposeful, but the CSL’s stripped‑down aesthetic still feels the most visceral.
Performance & Mileage
Power varies dramatically. The M2 CS pushes 362 bhp from a turbo‑charged inline‑six, delivering a lively 0‑60 mph in about 4.2 seconds. The M3 CSL’s naturally aspirated 3.2‑litre straight‑six revs past 6,000 rpm, offering a razor‑sharp 306 bhp and a raw, high‑rev feel that makes every gear shift exciting. The M5 CS is the heavyweight champion with a 4.4‑litre twin‑turbo V8 producing 626 bhp and a 0‑60 time under 3.5 seconds, thanks to all‑wheel‑drive and a sophisticated suspension. Fuel‑efficiency follows the same order: M2 CS ~28 mpg, M3 CSL ~25 mpg, M5 CS ~19 mpg.
Price & Rivals
Pricing puts the M2 CS in the most accessible spot. New‑price figures (UK) are roughly £55,000 for the M2 CS, £80,000‑£95,000 for a well‑preserved E46 M3 CSL, and around £150,000 for a brand‑new M5 CS. The CSL is the rarest, with fewer than 300 on the road, making it a collector’s dream. The M5 CS, despite its higher cost, offers unmatched daily usability and outright performance. The M2 CS, while lighter than a regular M2, still carries more weight than the CSL but gives a taste of that rawness at a fraction of the price.
| Model | Engine | Mileage (mpg) | Price (GBP) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2 CS | 3.0 L Twin‑Turbo I6 – 362 bhp | ~28 | ≈ £55,000 |
|
| M3 CSL | 3.2 L NA I6 – 306 bhp | ~25 | £80,000‑£95,000 (used) |
|
| M5 CS | 4.4 L Twin‑Turbo V8 – 626 bhp | ~19 | ≈ £150,000 |
|
FAQ
- What is the fuel economy of the M2 CS? About 28 mpg combined (UK testing).
- Is the M3 CSL worth buying today? For collectors, its rarity and raw driving feel make it a strong candidate, but expect a high price.
- Which model offers the most power? The M5 CS leads with 626 bhp, far outpacing the M2 CS and M3 CSL.
What do you think? Share your favourite M‑car in the comments below!
Source: Read Official News
