2026 BMW M2 CS
For as long as I can remember, BMW built its reputation on offering pure, driver-focused cars for enthusiasts. If you wanted the BMW that embodied this philosophy, the M3 was always the icon. But as the M3 got bigger, heavier, and more expensive, BMW introduced something smaller and more playful: the BMW M2.
Two years ago, the second-generation M2 arrived. And for 2026, BMW has followed it up with the ultimate evolution: the M2 CS. Upgraded suspension, more aggressive looks, and more power from the twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six. The big question is:
Has BMW successfully crafted the ultimate driving machine in the form of the M2 CS?
Let’s find out.
Engine and Performance: More Power, Less Weight
Pop open the hood, carried over from the regular M2, and you’ll find the more potent version of BMW’s S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six, the same tune used in the M4 Competition.
Output:
523 hp
479 lb-ft torque
That’s +50 hp over the standard M2. When the M2 first debuted, it offered just 453 hp. BMW has progressively turned this small coupe into a powerhouse.
Key Specifications
| Specification | 2026 M2 CS |
|---|---|
| Engine | S58 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 523 hp |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed ZF automatic (only) |
| Drive Layout | RWD only |
| 0 to 60 mph | 3.7 seconds (claimed) |
| Top Speed | 188 mph (with driver’s package) |
| Curb Weight | ~3,770 lbs (about 100 lbs lighter than regular M2) |
BMW claims this is the most powerful rear-wheel-drive production BMW M car ever made.
Fuel economy is rated at 16/23 mpg with a 13.7-gallon tank, meaning you’ll be visiting gas stations often.
Exterior Design: Aggressive, Functional, Exclusive
The M2 CS gets a more aggressive look that finally makes the second-gen M2 design work. The model shown wears an exclusive paint finish:
Velvet Blue Metallic a 3,000 color
Purple tones depending on lighting.
Up front:
Redesigned grille insert (single horizontal slat, CS badging outlined in red)
Larger air openings
Shadowline LED headlights
More aggressive (but not full carbon) front splitter
BMW lowered the suspension about 0.2 inches compared to the standard M2. Low, but still usable on real roads.
From the side:
Exclusive forged wheels: 19-inch front / 20-inch rear
Bronze wheel accents (staggered tire setup: 275 front / 285 rear)
Multiple tire options (Pilot Sport 4S, Cup 2, or track-focused Cup 2R)
Carbon ceramic brakes 8,500 option
Carbon roof and mirror caps standard on CS
From the rear:
Massive carbon-fiber ducktail spoiler integrated into trunk
Carbon diffuser with black quad exhaust tips
M2 CS badging outlined in red
The exhaust sounds even angrier than the M2. It’s the same hardware but tuned to sound more aggressive in CS mode.
Interior: Race Car Intent, Street Car Practicality
Inside, the CS retains most of the regular M2’s cabin but adds motorsport-focused upgrades.
Highlights:
Full carbon bucket seats (standard, optional on M2)
Seats include cutouts for racing harnesses
Illuminated CS logo
Heated seats and heated Alcantara steering wheel
iDrive 8.5 14.9″ center screen + 12.3″ digital cluster
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Carbon fiber everywhere: dashboard, paddles, center tunnel
Unique CS touches:
No center console storage
No cupholders (because “race car”)
Exposed structural carbon tunnel visually dramatic
No sunroof (carbon roof only)
Despite its hardcore nature, the back seats are still usable:
Space for two passengers
About 32 inches of legroom
Cargo remains practical:
13.7 cu ft trunk
Rear seats fold 40/20/40
This means: yes, you could technically daily this car.
Track Impressions Wet Weather Thrills
Driving the M2 CS on a rain-soaked track revealed its character:
Sharpest steering of any recent BMW M car
Amazing chassis balance, tons of grip
Carbon ceramic brakes bite hard with impressive consistency
Rear-wheel drive + 523 hp = respect required
With stability systems off, the car transforms:
“This thing is a drift machine. It begs to be driven harder.”
During autocross sessions, the CS revealed playful understeer transitioning into controllable oversteer. The 8-speed ZF auto shifts fast enough that you don’t miss the manual (much).
Verdict: BMW’s Best Driver’s Car?
The 2026 BMW M2 CS is everything an M car should be:
Lighter
Sharper
Faster
Loud, raw, and emotional
It’s the purest ICE M car you can buy today, possibly the last of its kind.
BMW hasn’t revealed production numbers, but it will be limited for one year only.
If you want the ultimate BMW driving experience, this is the one.
A true modern classic, right out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 BMW M2 CS
Is the 2026 BMW M2 CS limited edition?
Yes, BMW will produce the M2 CS only for one year, making it a limited production model.
How much horsepower does the 2026 BMW M2 CS have?
The M2 CS produces 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from its S58 twin turbo inline six engine.
Does the 2026 BMW M2 CS come with a manual transmission?
No, the M2 CS is available only with an 8 speed ZF automatic transmission.
What is the 0 to 60 mph time of the 2026 BMW M2 CS?
The M2 CS can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
Can the 2026 BMW M2 CS be used as a daily driver?
Yes, the M2 CS still offers rear seats, a usable trunk, and comfort features while maintaining track focused performance.
