M2 CS Returns: Sharper, Lighter, Sooner… and Automated-Solely

BMW’s turned the wick all the way in which up with the brand new 2026 M2 CS—after which trimmed the fats. Output climbs to a searing 523 horsepower, curb weight drops by almost 100 kilos, and 0–60 will get shaved down to three.7 seconds, en path to a 188 mph prime velocity. It’s sharper, leaner, and sooner than ever. Beginning at $98,600 plus vacation spot, that is BMW’s compact M weapon turned full ship.

Earlier than we go additional, let’s tackle the elephant within the paddock: the guide is gone.

Sure, this new CS is automatic-only. The candy 6-speed that made the final M2 CS such a uncooked and fascinating drive? Left behind. As a replacement is the 8-speed M Steptronic with Drivelogic—fast, succesful, and environment friendly, however an important piece of driver involvement has been sacrificed on the altar of efficiency.

However right here’s what you get as an alternative.

523 horsepower, up from 473 in the usual M2 and matching the output of the M3 CS and M4 CS. Torque rises to 479 lb-ft, delivered over a large, flat plateau from 2,700 to five,620 rpm. It’s nonetheless the S58 inline-6, however this tune offers it an additional 50 horses over the bottom automobile and simply 1 lb-ft shy of its greater CS siblings. Zero to 60 mph drops to 3.7 seconds—faster than the usual auto M2 by two-tenths—and it prices all the way in which to an electronically restricted 188 mph with the usual M Driver’s Bundle.

The Weight Sport

This CS goes on a little bit of a weight loss program too, trimming 97 kilos versus the usual M2 Steptronic. A carbon roof, carbon rear diffuser, CFRP trunk with built-in spoiler, cast wheels, and a stripped-back cabin all contribute to the minimize. It’s not fairly featherweight, however on this age of tech-laden efficiency vehicles, it’s a significant discount. The curb weight now lands round 3,680 kilos—about 150–200 kilos lighter than an M4 CS, relying on spec.

Chassis Tweaks That Matter

The place the M2 CS actually begins to carve its personal line is in its chassis setup. BMW M has recalibrated the Adaptive M Suspension with distinctive spring and damper charges, stiffened the engine mounts for crisper response, and tweaked the soundness management logic for extra playful (however nonetheless predictable) dynamics. Journey top is 0.2 inches decrease than inventory, and it will get the standard CS extras: retuned steering, M Differential, and the built-in braking system for extra linear pedal really feel. Non-compulsory carbon ceramics are on provide for $8,500—however commonplace compound brakes are robust sufficient for many real-world abuse.

In comparison with M3 CS / M4 CS?

The most important distinction right here is scale and structure. The M3 CS and M4 CS each get xDrive all-wheel drive, permitting them to place down energy extra successfully in less-than-ideal circumstances. The M2 CS stays rear-wheel-drive solely, which purists could choose for stability and really feel, but it surely does restrict off-the-line traction. The larger CS fashions additionally carry extra luxurious, extra weight, and extra value: each begin north of $118,000. The M2 CS slots in at a comparatively “inexpensive” $98,600 (plus $1,175 vacation spot), making it the lightest, smallest, and most analog-feeling member of the CS household—even with no guide.

Efficiency-wise, it’s 0.1 to 0.2 seconds behind the M3 CS and M4 CS within the dash to 60, and it lacks the xDrive confidence. However in return, you get one thing with a extra tossable character, a smaller footprint, and arguably a extra targeted really feel—particularly in case you’re monitoring it.

Contained in the Cockpit

Step inside and the race-ready vibe continues. Carbon bucket seats (heated, with detachable headrests for helmet clearance), Alcantara trim, purple CS accents, and a minimalist carbon middle console all reinforce the concept this can be a driver’s automobile. You continue to get creature comforts: Harman Kardon audio, iDrive 8.5, head-up show, and all the most recent semi-autonomous security nannies. However the emphasis is on the drive, not the digits.

Our Early Take

The 2026 BMW M2 CS is a real-deal driver’s automobile, even when it’s taken a philosophical flip away from the row-your-own purity of its predecessor. It’s sooner, extra agile, and arguably extra succesful—however at the price of one of many final guide transmissions within the M catalog. In comparison with the M3 CS and M4 CS, it’s lighter, purer, and extra inexpensive, whereas providing 95% of the efficiency and (seemingly) 110% of the angle.

If the G87 M2 is the modern-day 2002 Turbo, the M2 CS is its homologation particular—simply don’t anticipate to shift your individual gears this time.

BMW M2 CS Picture Gallary

BMW M2 CS Specs