The key to lauching a 123d is to do it in 2nd gear...
My 123d is shitful taking off in 1st (auto) but if you slight transbrake in 2nd (M2) and give it WOT, it launches a lot differently to just WOT in D/DS or M1... no lag.. just BANG.. off you go.. and obviously, you don't have that awful 1st to 2nd hesitated gear change... just 0-100 in one gear....
Again same goes with the ingear acceleration - you just need to know where it's sweet spot is... 80 km/h 3rd gear 3/4 throttle...
I have the hatch MSport and it seems to handle better than the coupe (I've had the 123d coupe as a loaner before too)..