The All-New BMW M2 CS Just Shattered A Nurburgring Record

BMW has done it again. The brand’s //M division continues to raise the bar, this time with the all-new 2026 BMW M2 CS, which just turned heads by setting a record-breaking lap time of 7 minutes and 25.5 seconds on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

That makes it the fastest compact car to ever lap the Green Hell, and a serious contender in the world of high-performance machines.

A Historic Lap at the Nordschleife

On April 11, 2025, BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger piloted the M2 CS around the demanding 12.9-mile Nürburgring-Nordschleife, beating the previous record for compact cars by an impressive eight seconds.

“The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time of 7:25.5 on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance, technology, and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle,” said Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of BMW M GmbH.

“We are proud that the M2 CS has once again set a new benchmark in the compact car class with this lap time.”

Shaving Seconds and Breaking Records

This isn’t Weidinger’s first record-setting run. Back in 2023, he clocked a 7:38.7 lap time in a previous M2 model. Fast forward two years, and the new BMW M2 CS improves on that by an astonishing 13 seconds, which is a huge leap in the world of track performance.

For perspective, the new M2 CS now runs alongside some of BMW’s more powerful siblings. The BMW M4 CS, M3 CS, and M4 CSL have all lapped the ‘Ring in under 7:30, with the M4 CSL still holding the production BMW record at 7:18.137.

What Powers This Record-Setter?

The 2026 BMW M2 CS brings together everything we love about the M lineup: sharp dynamics, smart engineering, and thrilling power.

• 523 horsepower from a high-revving inline 6-cylinder with M TwinPower Turbo
• 479 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels
• 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic
• Adaptive M suspension, engine-specific mounts, and M compound brakes
• Weight savings of around 100 lbs thanks to carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components

The result? A car that feels incredibly agile, focused, and responsive, both on the street and at the track.

The Nürburgring: A True Testing Ground

Often called the “Green Hell,” the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is one of the most challenging circuits in the world. With over 70 corners spread across nearly 13 miles, it pushes both cars and drivers to their limits. That’s why it has become the gold standard for measuring true performance.

Each lap is closely monitored by neutral observers, and all vehicles must be in factory-stock condition, so the blistering time set by the new BMW M2 CS is a true reflection of what this production model can deliver.

A Longstanding Partnership with the ‘Ring

BMW’s connection to the Nürburgring goes well beyond lap times. For more than 25 years, the brand has maintained a deep relationship with the circuit. The BMW M Test Center, M Power Grandstand, and M Driving Experience are just a few examples of this commitment.

M models are tested extensively on the Nordschleife before they ever reach customers, and the results speak for themselves. This track is where all of the BMW M cars are honed, refined, and perfected, and it’s why BMW M cars are the Ultimate Driving Machines.

A Limited Edition Built for Enthusiasts

The 2026 BMW M2 CS isn’t just fast, it’s exclusive. Built at BMW’s facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, it will be produced in limited numbers, with pricing starting at $98,600 plus $1,175 for destination and handling. The official market launch is expected in late summer 2025.

This is more than just a special edition M, it’s a collector’s car in the making. With its refined powertrain, performance-focused chassis, and lightweight design, the M2 CS is built to deliver pure driving pleasure, every time you get behind the wheel.

Final Thoughts

The BMW M2 CS isn’t just a new chapter in the M2 story, it’s a monster leap forward for the entire compact performance segment. Backed by Nürburgring credentials and packed with cutting-edge engineering, it proves that you don’t need a big car to have big performance.

For enthusiasts looking for something compact, capable, and truly thrilling, the new BMW M2 CS is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of the year!