2026 BMW M2 CS Raises The Bar With Next-Level Power and Performance

BMW is taking its smallest M car to new heights with the reveal of the 2026 BMW M2 CS. This special-edition model blends motorsport DNA, precision engineering, and a design rooted in performance. Built on the second generation of the M2, this CS variant pushes things further, with more power, less weight, and an even sharper focus on track-readiness.

Unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, this compact sports coupe signals BMW M’s commitment to evolving performance and design in a way that’s both aspirational and accessible. And for those keeping score, this is the next chapter in a performance lineage that started with the BMW 2002 turbo, carried through to the 1 Series M Coupe, and more recently, the 2019 BMW M2 CS.

A Serious Power Bump and Weight Loss

At the heart of the new M2 CS lies the familiar S58 inline 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, but tuned for even more aggression. It now delivers 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, up 50 horsepower and 36 lb-ft over the standard M2. That extra power, paired with revised engine management, results in a sharper and more linear delivery that pulls all the way to a 7,200 rpm redline. Peak power hits at 6,250 rpm, with maximum torque available from 2,700 to 5,620 rpm.

BMW claims a 0–60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard M2 with the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. It’ll also rocket from 50–75 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and thanks to the standard M Driver’s Package, top speed is electronically limited to 188 mph.

Weight savings play a big role in this performance bump. The M2 CS is 97 pounds lighter than its standard sibling, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic for body panels, roof, and interior components, along with the standard fitment of forged M alloy wheels.

As BMW M’s Jay Hanson notes, “The latest CS model offers the ultimate in driving pleasure – both as a track tool and in day-to-day use.”

Motorsport Engineering You Can Feel

The M2 CS isn’t just quick in a straight line. BMW M has pulled heavily from its motorsport division to enhance performance where it matters most: at speed, under stress, and on the track. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six has been beefed up with technology directly inspired by the BMW M4 GT3 EVO racing car. That includes dual mono-scroll turbos, high precision fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, and Double-VANOS camshaft control.

Internally, the motor has been reinforced with a sleeve-free, closed-deck crankcase, a forged crankshaft, and 3D-printed cores for optimal cooling and oiling. The cooling system itself is track-ready, with map-controlled oil pumps to keep temperatures stable under hard cornering and full-throttle pulls.

All that performance gets routed to the rear wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which offers three driving profiles. You can shift via the selector lever or steering-mounted paddles. The engine mounts have also been stiffened, giving the car a more connected feel and quicker response to throttle input.

Chassis and Brakes Built for Track Days

The chassis has been tuned specifically for the CS. It’s 0.2 inches lower, with unique spring and damper settings and revised parameters for the Adaptive M Suspension, M Servotronic steering, and M Sport differential. These adjustments improve cornering dynamics and enhance stability at speed, especially under load.

The Dynamic Stability Control system and M Dynamic Mode have been calibrated to support aggressive driving, and if you’re heading to a track, the M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer are ready to help you chase the perfect lap.

Braking power is equally serious. M Compound brakes with red calipers come standard, but you can opt for M Carbon Ceramic brakes ($8,500) if you need even more stopping force. Standard wheels are CS-exclusive Style 827M forged alloys, with 19-inch wheels up front and 20-inch wheels at the rear, finished in matte Gold Bronze and wrapped in 275/35 ZR19 and 285/30 ZR20 high-performance tires. BMW also offers track-focused and ultra-track tires at no extra cost.

Functional and Aggressive Exterior Design

You can spot the 2026 M2 CS by its purposeful design cues. There’s a carbon fiber roof, CS-specific rear diffuser, and a CFRP trunk lid with an integrated ducktail spoiler, all elements that help lower weight and improve downforce. Up front, a matte black splitter and blacked-out kidney grilles with enhanced airflow channels lend a serious look.

Other notable elements include M exterior mirror caps, a standard Shadowline headlight treatment, and a bold “M2 CS” badge outlined in red across the rear. Exterior color options include Black Sapphire metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, and Portimao Blue metallic, all at no extra cost. BMW Individual Velvet Blue metallic finish is available for an additional $3,000.

Race-Ready Cabin with Premium Touches

Inside, the M2 CS blends track function with premium materials. You get heated M Carbon bucket seats finished in Black Merino leather with M Color stitching, illuminated “CS” logos, and optional multi-point harness integration for track days. The seats also feature removable head restraints to accommodate helmets.

The Alcantara-trimmed M steering wheel includes shift paddles, two configurable M buttons, and a red center marker at 12 o’clock. Carbon fiber is used extensively throughout the cabin, including the dash, door panels, and center console, which also gets a red “CS” logo for emphasis.

Other touches include M seatbelts, carbon-look illuminated door trims, black door sills with red “M2 CS” logos, and an M Anthracite headliner.

Fully Digital Cockpit with OS 8.5 and Performance Tools

BMW’s tech package in the M2 CS is just as advanced as the mechanics. It comes standard with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system, which includes a 12.3-inch instrument display and 14.9-inch control display running Operating System 8.5. The digital interface also includes Augmented View, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an updated Head-Up Display with M-specific performance readouts.

Climate control, seat heating, and other comfort features can be accessed via touch or voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The CS also carries over the Setup button from the regular M2, letting drivers dial in custom profiles for engine response, steering, suspension, braking, and traction control.

Safety tech hasn’t been left behind, either. The car includes Forward Collision Mitigation, Active Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assistant, Speed Limit Info, and the Parking Assistant system as standard.

Price and Availability

The 2026 BMW M2 CS will begin production starting in August 2025, with deliveries expected to begin in Q3 of 2025. Pricing starts at $98,600, plus $1,175 for destination and handling. Like previous CS models, this one will be offered in limited numbers, making it a very sought-after machine for collectors and driving enthusiasts alike.

Final Thoughts

The new BMW M2 CS doesn’t just look the part. It delivers on the promise of performance, control, and everyday usability in one of the most exciting packages in BMW M’s lineup. If you’ve looking for a true driver’s car that you can commute in during the week and rip on at the track over the weekend, this might just be it.