Bucket Seat: BMW M2 CS

Meet BMW's all new M2 CS, the sledgehammer!  First shown this week at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza  at Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. A car show for those with a more refined taste in automobiles, one would hardly picture a CS owner in loafers, 3/4 chinos and bow tie sipping fine Champagne with carviar laced horderves but regardless, BMW always loves to challenge the norm and they did so with some fashion. The new BMW M2 CS further raises the bar for sheer driving pleasure at the premium end of the compact high-performance sports car segment. Outstanding agility, a significant increase in power output, supreme dynamics and particularly sporty design characteristics make driving the latest exclusive special-edition model from BMW M GmbH an enthralling experience. 

The new BMW M2 CS is based on the second generation of the BMW M2 and significantly improves what is already an extraordinary level of performance. For example, the high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology develops an impressive 390 kW in the BMW M2 CS. That is 37 kW more than in the current BMW M2. As such, the BMW M2 CS matches the performance of the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. The BMW M2 CS sends its power to the rear wheels via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which comes as standard.

For the BMW M2 CS, BMW M GmbH has opted for an upgraded version of the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line engine found in the standard M2. This intensifies the performance experience in the special edition, particularly in highly dynamic driving situations. It further sharpens the engine’s unmistakable power characteristics and perfectly accentuates the linear power delivery – sustained into the higher reaches of the rev range – familiar from M models. Compared to the BMW M2 with standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, maximum torque has been raised by 50 Nm to 650 Nm and is available across a broad rev range – between 2,650 and 5,730 rpm. The engine produces its maximum power output of 390 kW at 6,250 rpm, with the engine speed topping out at 7,200 rpm. In order to allow extremely rapid reactions to the driver’s requests for acceleration and to make the improved performance characteristics of the engine a particularly intense experience, the accelerator mapping and response have been optimised in all the drive modes, which are selectable via the M Setup menu.

A model-specific engine mounting with a higher spring rate makes for a particularly rigid connection of the drive unit to the structure of the BMW M2 CS. The extremely direct transmission of power to the drivetrain optimises response. Thanks to the lightning-fast power delivery, in combination with the increased engine power and the car’s lighter weight, the BMW M2 CS is able to break the four-second barrier for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. It’s time of 3.8 seconds is 0.2 seconds faster than for the standard M2. The figure calculated using the “1-foot rollout” method** is 3.5 seconds. The increase in power also enhances acceleration from rest to 200 km/h. The time required here is reduced by 1.2 seconds to 11.7 seconds – or 11.4 seconds according to the “1‑foot rollout” method**. The mid-range sprint from 80 to 120 km/h takes 3.4 seconds. The top speed of the special-edition model, which comes with the M Driver’s Package as standard, is electronically limited to 302 km/h. The dynamic power delivery is backed by an emotionally rich engine note conjured by the M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps and the four exhaust pipes typical of M, which come in matte black on the BMW M2 CS. For those wishing to retrofit their car, the M Performance silencer system with carbon and titanium tailpipe trims developed specifically for CS models is available for the first time in the range of M Performance Parts for the BMW M2 CS. The lightweight valve exhaust system with titanium mufflers generates a racing-car sound guaranteed to stir the emotions. The Active Sound Design helps to convey the engine’s soundtrack authentically inside the cabin, with the intensity raised another notch when SPORT or SPORT PLUS mode is selected using the Driving Experience Control switch.

The punchy exterior of the BMW M2 CS is shaped by many components made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and other exclusive details. As well as the M exterior mirror caps familiar from the BMW M2, the M Carbon roof – which comes as standard on the special-edition model – and CS-specific rear diffuser are also made from eye-catching exposed carbon fibre. A front splitter in matte black and an exclusive black BMW M kidney grille with optimised air inlets complete the sporty and dynamic look. The lightweight CFRP boot lid with integrated ducktail is a real head-turner. The “M2 CS” logo on the rear has a red outline. Four colours are available for the exterior finish of the new BMW M2 CS: Sapphire Black metallic, BMW Individual Velvet Blue metallic, M Brooklyn Grey metallic and M Portimao Blue metallic. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High Beam Assistant and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays are also standard.

The BMW M2 CS will be available locally in the second quarter of 2026, with pricing and number of models being announced closer to the time. 

Bucket Seat: BMW M240i xDrive

People often ask me what's the best car I've ever driven and it's a difficult one because I've driven a lot of great cars so it's hard to pinpoint one that has been "the best". Also there's so many factors that make certain cars great, each with their own "x factor" that make the drive with them memorable. While I can name some of the more expensive and exotic brands that I've gotten behind the wheel off, it wouldn't feel right as some of the more mainstream manufacturers get it right with some models too. Not too long ago I got to spend some time with a car just like that, a car where the manufacturer developed with a purpose, and that purpose was to bring joy to whomever drove it, that car was the new BMW M240i xDrive.

DESIGN

Looks are subjective and with most of BMW's designs of recent, this one too received a mixed bag from the greater motoring community. Whole the new 2 Series doesn't come with the big buck-tooth grille, the rear end was the issue if concern for many.  Personally, I don't see the problem, the car is designed beautifully with all the right curves and looks, it's a proper coupe design with its short-wheel base stocky stance and menacing figure. It is very different to the 2 Series Gran Coupe which came out a few years ago, that was based on the 1 Series, this is brand new design based on technology from the old 4 Series that see's it gain a wider wheel tract, stiffer chassis and 3cm lower than the previous model. This particular model I had on test is quite a special one, as its the only example so far in the country that features the full M Sport bits and pieces in exposed carbon fiber. Finished in "Thunder Night Metallic" which is a purple that funny enough seems to be the colour of choice for most manufacturers now with each finding creative names for it. The combination works quite well with the dark contrasts of the carbon fiber and the shadowline package which see a black finish to various elements. The car came with the optional extra 20" M Sport Star Spoke Alloy Wheels which really add to the menacing character of the car. The 2 Series features a more common kidney grille style from BMW unlike its bigger brother, the 4 Series, and the grille is active which see's it closed when required. Moving to the rear, which is the area that has caused the most controversy, the car is shaped to taper to the back with has a straight off hexagonal shape. and the lights take on a similar shape as well. Many feel that this isn't very BMW like but it doesn't take you a while to find similarities with previous gen BMW designs for example the E90 BMW 3 Series. The interior of the new 2 Series is pretty similar to the G20 3 Series, obviously customized to suit the slightly smaller cabin. 

PERFORMANCE

Now we get to the crux of the matter with the new BMW 2 Series, at the heart of the car it features BMW's award winning B58 engine which is a 3.0-litre, straight six motor that produces 285kW and 500Nm of torque. With the TwinScroll turbo, the engine is extremely reactive with minimal lag when power is required. Coupled with BMW's Sports 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, it is literally a marriage made in heaven where the two talk so perfectly with each other that there isn't a need for one to swap over into manual mode to make use of the paddle shifts. The M240i does feature BMW's four-wheel drive system, xDrive which powers all four wheel but the car is rear-axel biased where by more power is sent to the rear wheels of the car. This is very apparent when launching the car, BMW claim the 0-100km/h time is 4,2 seconds but on my few attempts it was much quicker than that, even hitting below the 4 second mark. We know it can go fast in the straight line but with my time with the car, I found it to be even better on the bends, the cars low center of gravity combined with BMW's perfect 50/50 weight distribution make it an absolute demon when hitting the winding roads. The downforce generated by the cars design keep you planted and with the four-wheel drive gives you more confidence to speed up when exiting corners knowing that car will do what you want it to do. M240i has upgraded brakes which increase the stopping power on a car of its size, couple this with the clever rear differential and adaptive multi-mode suspension makes this a track ready car which begs my next question, how much more better can the upcoming M2 actually be?

COMFORT

Which this cars suspension is much stiffer and features large 20" alloy wheels, the ride quality of the 2 Series is very comfortable for a sports coupe. Driving modes do play a big part in this where EcoPro and Comfort mode ease up on the sports suspension while Sports and Sports+ make it much more rigid and stiffer but with the nicely styled sports leather seats, its still maintains that level of luxury that won't give you lower back pains when exiting. The car comes with dual-climate control, heated seats for the driver and front passenger. Both seats are electronically adjustable with the driver getting memory seats with up-to 3 settings. While the BMW M240i does feature two rear bucket seats, it's worth noting that it isn't the most comfortable place to sit and can get quite claustrophobic for them, what is nice though is when getting into the back seats, there is a lever located at the back of each chair that when pulled forward it automatically moves forward to give the passenger a nice big entrance to get to the rear, and when the lever is released to put the seat back, it automatically adjusts to the position it was. This negates the previous issues faced in previous coupes that find the front passenger having to re-adjust their seat to their preference prior to the seat being pulled forward for the rear passengers to get in. This car was loaded with extras, stand out for me has to be the BMW Adaptive LED headlights, BMW Connected drive which has your integrated mobile apps which are enabled wireless and even has the option to download a virtual key to your phone, using NFC and other technologies, you can drive the car without having the actual key. Other options that were included were a glass sunroof, Harman/ Kardon sound system, and that M Performance parts. 

VERDICT

When you look at the M240i xDrive on the whole, its not much different to the Z4, which has the same engine, same sort of chassis being a coupe roadster but the drive is so much more different in the two, its actually more aggressive that the Z4 and has a certain level of practicality to it compared to the Z4. Everything about this car works well, from the comfort of the car, to the luggage compartment being large enough to get two golf bags (with the drivers out), yes I tested this myself. Also while this engine is widely used in the BMW model range, I genuinely feel its best suited to this car, as a drivers sports car it delivers the perfect amount of power and the notes from the trapezoid shape tailpipes produce a beautiful orchestra when in full thrust. Unlike the larger coupes, the 2 Series is the perfect length, meaning you won't find your self in awkward situations at shopping centers if someone parks to  closely to you as the doors aren't as long as that of the 4 or 8 Series. Overall, this car blew me away, yes there is a impractical part to it like any sports car with the fuel economy being the biggest red flag, but if you buying a car like this, the last thing in your mind is your average consumption. It really is a beautiful car and you will fall in love with driving again when getting behind the wheel of this, for me this is the perfect sports coupe and others should take note of what BMW have done, but coming back to my question previously, if this car is so great how are BMW going to better the M2? Having more power is one thing but could it be too powerful?

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L TwinScroll Turbo, 6-cylinder
Gear Box	8-Speed Steptronic Automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	285kW
0-100km/h	4.2 seconds
Price	R1,100,000*

*Base Price 

 

Bucket Seat: BMW M135i X Drive

After spending some time with the new BMW 118i, I was eager to see what the range topping M135i had to offer. This is the range topping variant currently available on the market for the 1 Series and their hot hatch competitor in a market that is becoming fiercely competitive. From what seems to be the norm on all new M models, the M135i comes with X Drive which is BMW's four-wheel drive system, which balances out the power delivery from the engine to all four wheels in Sport mode. Also it will have the purist happy knowing that it won't just be front-wheel drive like the rest of the 1 Series line up. Having put my demons to bed about the looks when I had the 118i, I was quite looking forward to checking this model out and see what modifications and additions in the design BMW will add to beef the look up of the M135i and I was not disappointing as you will soon find out. 

DESIGN

With the 1 Series design being a bit different from the outgoing model, this new one is pretty refreshing and on closer inspection you will appreciate with the guys in Bavaria have done. This particular car came in Misano Blue and being their performance model, it was evident they had to add some additions to the design to make sure it stands out from the line up. First thing you will notice is the blacked out fused kidney grilles, which feature the trident design instead of the parallel lines on the standard models, the same design which is featured on the M340i. The grille is also active, so opens and closes when airflow is required. The front difusser is changed, with a bigger air-intake in the bottom and more dominant air-scoops leading to the brake duct. 18" M Sport V style bi-colour rims make the car stand out even more, with the clean lines leading to the rear where the rear difussor is more pronounced with high-gloss black bottom and large twin-exhausts that amplify that this is not a car to be messed about with. On the inside, the layout is identical to a normal 1 Series with a lot more brushed aluminium and silver accents, what you will notice immediately is the sport seats which are stunning and mighty comfortable if I have to say so myself. 

PERFORMANCE

Big talking point about this new M135i is the engine, previous model used a 6  cylinder while this new one is a 4/4 layout. While this may be the case power delivery has been increased with the 2-litre TwinPower Turbo motor producing 225kW and a torque figure of 450Nm to propel from standstill, achieving a 0-100km/h time of just 4.8 seconds. It's quite blistering and with the four-wheel drive quite an experience to the driver. With the 4 cylinder motor, there is a considerable drop in the fuel consumption and while BMW brochure quotes the average being 7.5L per 100km, I did two long distance journeys with it and on the first one managed to get 7.7L per 100km but the second I got 7,2L per 100km! So I'm very impressed with how is cruises and sips fuel, not as thirsty as other hot hatches tend to be. Now with a hot hatch you don't want me ranting and raving about how good it is when driving slow, select Sport+ and unleash the demon in this bugger, the tone in the pipes get louder, X Drive is active and this thing plants itself on the tarmac like a clingy ex-girlfriend. The way the car hugs the corners at high speed with power distribution shifting to the wheels that need the most is something to be amazed at. Just when you think you've reached the peak in terms of cornering speeds, the car tells you to give it more because it can handle it. They say this is just something to whet the appetite since there is a M140i rumored to be in the works, but if this thing is anything to go by, that M140i will be mental. 

COMFORT

When it comes to a sporty hot hatch, the last thing you want to hear is how comfortable the car is but even with the sports racing seats the M135i is blody cosy. The car came spec'd with the cloth 'Trigon'/ Alcantara Black blend for the seats and upholstery trimming, so it looked the part with all the detailed stitching. The seats were fully electric with 3 memory settings, with adjustable lumbar support and seat heating. So yes, the full package for the front passenger and driver. The rear passengers also get this fine textures and trims along with their one zone aircon. While it is a sporty vehicle with stiff suspension the general drive is pretty good, not as bumpy as you would expect. The cabin like all BMW's is properly sealed so there is very little road noise. Like the 118i, the ambient lighting is worked into the panels and really look stunning at night. There's nothing I can really pinpoint and have fault with, what I love is that whether you're sitting in a 1 Series or a 5 Series, the quality of materials used inside the cabin are of similar quality, so you're not being shortchanged just because you're driving the "entry level" model. 

VERDICT

Overall, the new BMW M135i really has raised the bar in terms of hot hatches on the market, while the figures might not be blistering as some others, it has a decent offering that should not be easily overlooked. Couple that performance with the knowing that this car can perform equally well when driven properly so it will keep your visits to the fuel station less frequent, then you know you have a winner on your hands. Cabin space is generous for a hatchback as well as luggage capacity. The list of standard equipment is great on this top of the range model so you won't be ticking a lot of boxes on the options list. It's a great little pocket rocket if you want something small and exciting to drive. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2L, 4cyl Twin Power Turbo
Gear Box	Automatic Steptronic
Torque	450Nm
Power	225kW
Consumption	7.5L/100km
Price	R763,300*

*Base Price

 

Bucket Seat: BMW M2 CS coming to SA

Yesterday BMW South Africa held a live Q&A session between their Group Product Manager, Sibusiso Mkwanazi and BMW M South Africa head, Gennaro Bonafede, the purpose of the session was to give fans an insight into the Motorsport division at BMW and what they do locally in South Africa. The major news coming from this that South Africa will be getting 30 units of the new M2 CS coming to the country by year end. However the sales process will be a bit different to the norm. With the CS coming in limited numbers, only 28 units will be available to purchase with 2 remaining part of BMW SA as their fleet. 

Usually dealerships are allocated a select number of these cars to offer to sell to select clientele, this time round BMW SA is taking a different approach. They will, with the help of the various dealerships countrywide give us invitations to top and preferred BMW M owners to attend an auction to bid for one of these 28 units. These units will be specc'd by BMW South Africa so no car will be made to order and each car will be pretty different to one another with a host of options, colours and choices. The M2 CS is a special car and an out going tribute to the current 2 Series model as the new one is on the cards for 2021. The M2 CS is much lighter and powerful than the M2 and M2 Competition. The 3.0 litre turbocharged motor delivers 331kW and 550Nm of torque, quite more than what you get with the Competition. 

There will be a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox, at the moment we're not sure how many of each will be made for South African buyers but I'm sure it will be an even split as the purist prefer the manual gearbox. Bonafede touched on the various combinations you can spec the M2 CS, the car is available in just four colours, Hockenheim Silver, Sapphire Black, Alpine White and Misano Blue, however there are various ways in which BMW SA will spec the cars to be different. From various rim colour choices down to the brakes to maintain exclusivity with each car. 

Prospective buyers will be invited to the auction which will be a track day for them to experience the car around most probably Kyalami, get a feel for what they could be buying and obviously whet their appetite for the evenings bidding. We're guessing a list of the cars with their specifications will be made available for attendee's prior to the event so they will know which one to keep their eye on when it comes up for bidding. No clear process was given on how bidding will work, but expect some high bids coming in for this very exclusive model. 

Bucket Seat: BMW M340i xDrive

xDrive, it's the term that stringing the cords of many BMW enthusiasts of late, most in a good way but for some in a very bad way. You see BMW prided themselves on being a sporty, rear wheel drive specialist manufacturer but of recent things decided to change. The 2 Series Active tourer saw BMW for the first time make a car with front wheel drive, shock, horror, but truth be told it wasn't all that bad, apart from the looks. Then BMW introduced it's four wheel drive system. dubbed xDrive in its SUV range and later to the flagship 7 Series model. This was in response to Mercedes-Benz 4Matic range as well as the Audi's Quattro system. The tech was later introduced to the new M5, which was where some of the fanboys got a bit uptight preferring the rear wheel, lets go side ways drive trains which in all fairness is fun but BMW needed to close the gap on its rivals hence the M5 comes with rear wheel steering as well, so you can still go sideways with all four wheels driven. Now BMW have introduced its flagship 3 Series model to the market, the M340i and guess what? Yes it has xDrive, I had the opportunity to spend a few days with what currently is the most powerful 3 Series on offer (until the new M3 comes out) and this is what I thought of the car. 

DESIGN

In the F30 range, it was difficult to determine the 335i or later on the 340i from the rest, apart from the dual exhausts at the back, it looked pretty much the same as your 320i, it's a good thing that designers for the G20 didn't take this lackluster approach with the new 340i because my God it looks brilliant. While the additions might be minor they do make a dramatic difference to the overall look of the car. It is a proper M model so it boasts the M Sport kit, with the additions of brushed aluminium accents on the front diffuser as well as the edging around the grille. The grille also sports a new design with almost a trident looking emblem on it. The mirrors also come in the brushed aluminium finish which you can chose various colours of, the car I had almost had a gold finish to it, very attractive with the black. Moving to the back, which not having any of that brushed aluminium, the does boast two monstrous looking exhaust pipes on either side as well as air vents on the on the back bumper. The M340i comes standard with 18" times with the option for 19" which came kitted out on this car, it certainly helped with the looks along with exposing the blue coloured brake calipers. Overall, a big thumbs up on the looks department from me. 

PERFORMANCE

BMW say that the M340i xDrive aspiration is for maximum performance in perfection, that give you breathtaking driving dynamics that release adrenaline at every moment. Slapping the M badge on the name tag means it has to live up to the true meaning of BMW Motorsport and with this new engine, I have to say it does. While many will feel this isn't a true M car, it will have even the skeptics doubting their words once behind the wheel. The refined  3 litre, 6 cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine produces 285kW with 500Nm of torque, all that power is guided through a perfectly tuned 8-speed M Sport transmission which just delivers thrusts of power, gear change after gear change. It's addictive and the sound just adds to the dramatics, which goes to prove that those large pipes aren't there just for fun. The car setup is near perfection and the xDrive system works like a charm. Testing the car in Johannesburg meant me having to deal with a lot of traffic but what made matters worse was the torrential downpours which lasted my entire stay. At first I was annoyed because it never really gave me the chance to go full tilt with this beast but that xDrive badge just gave me a gentle reminder that I could have fun with it in the wet. The handling of the car with the four-wheel drive is rather special and while BMW might be new to the tech in their sedans, they do seem to know what they're doing which is a good thing. It's an intelligent system as well, it knows how much power to deliver to which wheel and when. 

COMFORT

While the M340i is practically a normal 3 Series with a bit more oomph, that oomph is also translated into the interior with a much more sportier looking accents than the normal. Lots of brushed aluminum, stronger blacks, and shiny metals. The spec which I had just scram flamboyant with the perfect contrast from the dark exterior with a bright red and black interior. Diamond stitched seats added some luxury aspect to it but other than that BMW really did a great job with the trims and materials offered for this model to make it look the part. Most of it is generally the same as your normal 3 but there are things  that remind you that you're in something special, like the M340i sign that displays prominently on the instrument cluster. Tech wise, it has all the same bells and whistles offered in the line up, my personal favourite being the laser lights and now the reverse assist. 

VERDICT

Apart from the xDrive, the next big talking point about the M340i is the price tag, which starts from just a few hundred thousands under a million, when spec'd up it can reach well over a million. Yes, a million rand for a BMW 3 Series which isn't an M3. It's unheard of, people will think you're crazy to even consider this but my thing is, the pricing of the new cars in SA has sky rocketed to this level where you can pay up to 900K for a well spec'd 330i so when you think of it, getting the M340i for a million isn't that big of an adjustment but it's just the mindset that can comprehend that a 3 Series is breaking that million rand barrier. Yes there are other options which are cheaper but I'll be frank with you, and if you're a true BMW enthusiast you will agree, there's something about a performance BMW that tugs chords in you which evoke emotion that no other car can bring to you. While others will offer you more speed, send you sideways around bends, this just does everything right and will have you flicking up and down the gears, giving you every ounce it can when needed. My time was too short with this car and I hope I get to sample it again in the new year, to see what it can do down at the coast. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L, 6 cylinder, M TwinPower Turbo
Gear Box	8 M Sport Automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	285kW
Consumption	7.5L/100km
Price	R974,500*

*Base Price