BMW’s M2 CS Makes 523 Horsepower But Drops the One Thing Enthusiasts Actually Want

The BMW M2 has always been the scrappy underdog of the M lineup. It’s smaller, lighter, and more honest than its bigger siblings. It’s the car that proved you don’t need all-wheel drive and a massive engine to have serious fun. So when BMW announces a new M2 CS with 523 horsepower and a nearly 100-pound weight reduction, enthusiasts should have every reason to celebrate. But instead, BMW did the unthinkable – no manual transmission option. In BMW’s pursuit of lap times and acceleration figures, they’ve eliminated the very thing that made the M2 special in the first place.

More Power, Less Soul

The new M2 CS cranks out 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter S58 inline-six – that’s 50 more horses and 36 more lb-ft than the standard M2. To put that in perspective, this makes the M2 CS the most powerful rear-wheel-drive BMW you can buy, packing the same engine output as the M3 Competition xDrive but sending all that power exclusively to the rear wheels.

The performance gains are significant. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard automatic M2 and likely conservative given that the previous-generation M2 with less power has already hit 3.6 seconds in testing. Top speed sits at an electronically limited 188 mph with the standard M Driver’s Package.

Weight Loss Through Carbon

BMW didn’t just add power, they also put the M2 CS on a serious diet. Through extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), they’ve shaved 97 pounds off the curb weight compared to the automatic-equipped standard M2. The carbon treatment includes the roof, trunk lid with integrated ducktail spoiler, mirror caps, and rear diffuser. Even the interior gets carbon bucket seats with illuminated CS logos and removable headrests for helmet clearance.

The forged M alloy wheels in a distinctive bronze finish (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) also contribute to the weight savings while providing the staggered setup that the M2 wears so well. The result is a final curb weight of 3,770 pounds, which is not exactly featherweight territory, but respectable for a modern performance car packed with safety equipment and luxury features.

Chassis Tuning for the Track

BMW has lowered the car by 0.2 inches and fitted unique springs, dampers, and chassis control systems specifically tuned for the CS. The Adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic steering, and integrated braking system have all received CS-specific calibration, while the stability control and M Dynamic Mode have been tweaked to allow more driver freedom before intervening.

Standard M Compound brakes with red calipers handle stopping duties, though carbon-ceramic brakes are available for an eye-watering $8,500 option. For serious track work, BMW offers track tires and ultra-track tires at no additional cost.

The Manual Transmission Tragedy

Here’s where things get complicated. The previous M2 CS offered a manual transmission, and about half of all M2 buyers in the US choose the six-speed stick. But BMW has decided that the CS, being the ultimate track-focused M2, should only come with the eight-speed automatic to optimize lap times and acceleration figures.

While the logic is sound from a pure performance standpoint, it feels like BMW is missing the point. The M2’s appeal has never been about being the absolute fastest – it’s always been about providing an engaging, connected driving experience. Manual transmissions are a huge part of that equation, especially for enthusiasts who value driver involvement over outright speed.

Pricing Reality Check

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the new M2 CS is its price tag: $99,775 including destination. That’s nearly $33,000 more than a standard M2 and pushes this compact coupe into legitimate six-figure territory. For context, you could buy an M3 Competition xDrive for $86,000 and get all-wheel drive, more space, and arguably more capability.

Some of the price increase is likely due to production location as the M2 CS will be built at BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico. This means it’s subject to current tariff situations. But even accounting for that, the CS premium feels steep for what amounts to engine tuning, weight reduction, and suspension upgrades.

Limited Production Exclusivity

Like all CS models, the M2 CS will be produced in limited numbers, though BMW hasn’t specified exactly how limited. Production begins in August 2025 with deliveries expected in Q3, and four exterior colors will be available: Black Sapphire Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, and Portimao Blue Metallic at no cost, plus BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic for an additional $3,000.

The interior receives the full CS treatment with carbon fiber trim, M Carbon bucket seats with red CS logos, and an M Anthracite headliner. Modern convenience features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and BMW’s latest iDrive system ensure the CS doesn’t sacrifice usability for performance.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

The 2026 BMW M2 CS starts at $99,775 including destination and handling. Production begins in August 2025 at BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, with deliveries expected to commence in Q3 2025.

Recap

2026 BMW M2 CS

BMW’s ultimate M2 delivers 523 horsepower, 97-pound weight reduction, and track-focused suspension tuning for $99,775, but eliminates the manual transmission option that many enthusiasts consider essential to the M2 experience.

Learn More: BMW