BMW M2 CS Gets 50 Extra Horses, Big Ducktail Spoiler

BMW is turning the dial up to 11 on the 2 Series with the even higher-performance M2 CS. With a healthy dose of extra power, new aero elements, and improved driving dynamics, the new trim will be drifting into dealerships later this summer.

The automaker turned to its racing division to make improvements to the M2’s 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. An extremely rigid crank case, a lightweight forged crankshaft, and a wire-arc sprayed iron coating in the cylinder bores — among other go-fast upgrades — all result in an engine that can pump out 523 hp, a 50 hp bump over the standard M2. The car also makes 479 lb-ft of torque between 2,700 and 5,620 rpm — that’s 36 lb-ft more than the non CS model, and it’s available over a wider portion of the rev range. That should make the M2 CS feel lightning quick and will make its power more readily available to the driver. The ultra high-performance coupe is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the regular M2 (when equipped with the same transmission).

It's not just about power, though. The M2 CS is also 44 kg (97 lbs) lighter than the standard car thanks to its special alloy wheels (which are 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the back) as well as the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic parts throughout (including the mirror caps, rear diffuser, and the ducktail spoiler-equipped trunk lid).

Those improvements should help the car change directions more easily, and are joined by other handling improvements in that quest. The M2 CS’s chassis has been lowered by 8 mm and the suspension features special spring and damper tuning. The car is also equipped with an M Sport differential and M Servotronic steering. Buyers can opt for high-performance or ultra-high-performance tires. To help slow the car down, the M2 CS is equipped with M Compound brakes, but carbon ceramic brakes can be chosen for an extra charge.

As a result of these improvements, the M2 CS should be a track monster, and drivers will be able to back up their exploits with data, thanks to features like the M Lap Timer and the M Drift Analyzer, which shows the angle and durations of a driver’s powerslide. These functions run on BMW’s curved display, which combines a 14.9-inch instrument display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The car comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has a Harmon Kardon sound system as well as a BMW head-up display.

The 2026 BMW M2 CS will reach Canadian dealerships in the third quarter of this year. Prices will start at $125,000.