BMW has revealed the most potent version of its entry-level M car, with M4 CS rivalling performance.
BMW has taken the covers off the flagship version of the second-generation M2 coupe, with a high-powered makeover boosting power and torque, reducing acceleration times, and pushing the starting price above the cheapest M4.
Following the lead of models like the M3 CS and M4 CS, the new M2 CS trims weight by 30 kilograms thanks to the use of carbon-fibre parts and adopts an engine with motorsport origins.
The 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine has had outputs boosted by 37kW and 50Nm over the regular M2, bringing power to 390kW and torque to 650Nm.
Power is down slightly compared to the 405kW M4 CS, but torque remains unchanged.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing a claimed 3.8-second 0-100km/h time, 0.2 seconds quicker than a regular M2 but 0.4 seconds slower than the all-wheel-drive M4 CS.
A CS-specific exhaust system, comprising titanium mufflers with electronically controlled flaps and quad exhaust tips in the rear bumper, is said to give the M2 CS a distinct sound.
Weight reduction has been achieved via carbon-fibre mirror caps, a carbon-fibre roof panel, and a rear diffuser made from the composite material.
A new bootlid with a prominent integrated ducktail spoiler is another carbon component. The M2 CS also gets a unique grille insert integrated into the carry-over bumper design.
A bespoke engine mounting with a higher spring rate has been used under the bonnet, for a more rigid powertrain connection. The impact results in less movement under hard acceleration and a greater transfer of vibration under load for the driver.
Inside, the CS adopts carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic for the centre console, plus BMW’s lightweight M Carbon bucket seats with seat heating and leather and Alcantara upholstery.
The seats feature removable headrests to allow the fitment of multi-point restraints for track use.
The Alcantara-trimmed M steering wheel features a flat bottom, gearshift paddles, two M preset buttons to call up user-selected drive modes, and a red 12-o’clock marker at the top of the wheel.
CS logos are featured on the centre console and door sills, the rear badge features a red outline for the first time, and the door panels play host to a huge illuminated CS logo.
Chassis revisions include suspension lowered by eight millimetres and a specific tune for the springs, dampers, and electronic chassis control systems.
Settings for the dynamic stability control and M Dynamic Mode have also been fettled to better suit track conditions. The steering, differential and brake system have also been retuned for use in the M2 CS.
M Compound brakes are fitted as standard, with M Carbon Ceramic brakes available as an option, housed behind gold-finished 19-inch front and 20-inch rear lightweight alloy wheels.
Pricing for the M2 CS starts from $172,900 plus on-road costs, with the optional M Carbon Ceramic brake package costing $19,000.
A regular M2 is currently priced at $126,300 while the M4 Coupe range starts from $172,100 (with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission) up to $254,900 for the M4 CS.
Orders are currently open for the M2 Cs with customer deliveries expected to begin before the end of 2025.
2026 BMW M2 price in Australia
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2026 BMW M2 CS standard features
CS-specific features marked in bold.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
