UK: Watch a 2023 BMW M2 take on prior M2 models in an epic two-part drag race

The BMW M2 earned a following thanks to its powerful six-cylinder engine and incredible handling. It's a special car and a topic of debate among BMW fans as to which version is the best. That's what primed Carwow's latest quarter-mile showdown, which features a face-off among every BMW M2 model ever made. 

It starts with the BMW 1M. While not technically an M2, it is the genesis of the 2 Series and shares the same architecture. It's powered by a 340 bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. Weighing in at 1,495 kilograms (3,295 pounds), it's the least powerful but lightest car in the race. 

58 Photos

Moving on to the original BMW M2, we have a heavier but more powerful car. Weighing in at 1,520 kg (3,351 pounds), it produces 370 bhp from its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six and uses a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Next up is the BMW M2 Competition, a harder-edged version of the M2. From the same 3.0 litres of displacement, it cranks out 410 horsepower and uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It's got the most power in the first race but is also the heaviest at 1,575 kg (3,472 pounds).

The second race is a matchup between the winner of the first series against the BMW M2 CS and the newest version of the M2. On paper, the M2 CS and new M2 are more closely matched. The M2 CS puts down 450 bhp to the M2's 460 horses, both using the 3.0-litre inline-six. But the M2 CS transfers power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, while the M2 uses a seven-speed automatic. Yet while the M2 CS weighs 1,550 kg (3,417 pounds), the new M2 tips the scales at 1,725 kg (3,802 lbs).

More BMW M2 Races:

2023 BMW M2 faces off against an Audi RS3 in an epic performance showdown

See BMW M2, Toyota GR Supra, Nissan Z with manual gearboxes drag race

The BMW 1M proved surprisingly quick in the first series, keeping up with the original BMW M2, but both cars are no match for the M2 Competition. The combination of the most power with the lightning-quick gear changes from the dual-clutch gearbox allowed the M2 Competition to make short work of its rivals. 

In the second series, the newest M2 comes out on top. Even though it weighs more than the M2 CS while making slightly more power, the automatic gearbox makes all the difference. The latest M2 pulls away quickly and never looks back.