The new BMW M2 CS sets a higher benchmark for driving excitement in the premium compact sports car segment. With enhanced agility, increased horsepower, dynamic handling, and bold design features, it delivers a thrilling driving experience. As the latest chapter in BMW M GmbH’s legacy, it continues the lineage of iconic models like the BMW 2002 turbo, the 1 Series M Coupé, and the first M2 CS launched in 2019. The car’s exterior was first revealed on May 23 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este by Lake Como.
This special edition is built for both track performance and everyday driving
Like the M2 Racing version, it’s based on the latest M2 platform and will be assembled at BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, with production limited in number.
Powered by an upgraded 3.0-liter inline-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, the M2 CS produces 530 hp — 50 hp more than the standard M2 — matching the output of the M3 and M4 Competition with M xDrive. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
Thanks to advanced lightweight engineering, including carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts and forged alloy wheels, the car is about 30 kg lighter than the standard M2 — making it the lightest M2 of the generation.
The engine not only delivers more power but also offers a broad torque band of 650 Nm between 2,650 and 5,730 rpm. With a maximum output at 6,250 rpm and a redline of 7,200 rpm, the throttle response has been optimized for immediate feedback across all driving modes.
BMW’s racing experience is evident in the car’s technical makeup. The engine shares key technologies with the M4 GT3 EVO race car, including twin mono-scroll turbochargers, high-pressure direct injection, VALVETRONIC, and Double-VANOS. Race-inspired features such as a forged crankshaft, closed-deck construction, and a 3D-printed cylinder head core contribute to its high-revving, track-capable performance.
BMW M2 CS is engineered for high performance, featuring an M-specific cooling system that keeps powertrain temperatures stable even during intense driving
It includes a map-controlled oil pump to ensure consistent lubrication under heavy acceleration. Power is delivered through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, offering three shift settings and manual control via the gear lever or paddles.
With enhanced engine mounts for better rigidity and improved throttle response, the M2 CS accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds — and 3.5 seconds using the “1-foot rollout” method. It reaches 200 km/h in 11.7 seconds (or 11.4 with rollout) and has a top speed of 302 km/h. The thrilling engine sound comes from an M-specific exhaust with quad matte-black tailpipes and optional M Performance carbon-titanium silencers for a racetrack tone. Active Sound Design amplifies the acoustic experience inside the cabin.
The chassis is finely tuned, lowered by 8 mm, and optimized with custom springs, dampers, and electronic controls. Dynamic Stability Control and M Dynamic Mode are adjusted for track use. Standard adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic steering, and M Sport differential enhance handling. Braking is handled by standard M Compound brakes, with optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes. Unique forged M alloy wheels (19” front, 20” rear) come with track-ready tires.
On the outside, the M2 CS stands out with its extensive use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP)
Including the roof, rear diffuser, boot lid, and mirror caps. Signature elements like a black kidney grille, carbon ducktail, and a red-edged “M2 CS” badge complete the look. It’s available in four colors: Sapphire Black, Velvet Blue, Brooklyn Grey, and Portimao Blue. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW’s Selective Beam and dark M Shadowline elements come standard.
Inside, the car merges motorsport aesthetics with luxury.
It features CFRP on the center console, heated M Carbon bucket seats in Merino leather with “CS” logos, and a flat-bottomed M Alcantara steering wheel with paddles, M buttons, and a red center marker. Additional details include red “CS” logos, M seatbelts, and illuminated door sills.
Technology is equally advanced, with the BMW Operating System 8.5 powering a 12.3-inch info display and a 14.9-inch control display. Features include voice and touch control for climate, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto), Harman Kardon audio, Head-Up Display, and Augmented View navigation.
“The M2 CS offers extensive customization via the center-console Setup button, which manages settings for the engine, suspension, steering, brakes, and traction. M Drive Professional adds features like TRACK mode, 10-stage traction control, Drift Analyzer, and Laptimer. Driver-assist systems include collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and a reversing assistant”.
