The Beloved M2 Despite being around for less than a decade, the BMW M2 is regarded by many to be “the best M car” since the E46 CSL. The first generation, the F87, was launched in 2016 as the base-spec or entry-level M car. Yet despite that, it immediately set all petrolheads and M car enthusiasts trousers on fire. Most of this was down to the M2’s back-to-basics drive. Being significantly less expensive than its bigger brothers, the M3 and M4, means it has a lot fewer computers and the electric steering rack used in that generation of M cars was a lot more toned down and simplified. So whilst on paper, it was the slowest and least effective M car, to drive, it was the most, raw and arguably exciting. It was to the M division what the Boxster/Cayman were to Porsche, entry-level sports cars that are the true spiritual follow-ups to the original icons (something their direct successors arguably aren't). And if the standard car didn’t set petrolheads' trousers on fire, the later Competition and CS variants certainly did. The second generation, the G87, despite reservations about its 150kg weight gain over the F87 and controversial styling has earned similar praise for its back-to-basics setup. The fact it’s the only current M available worldwide with a manual gearbox and being solely rear-wheel drive, with no optional xDrive system truly proves its uniqueness amongst the current crop of M cars. Using the same S58 3.0l twin-turbo straight six as its bigger brothers, the M3 and M4, the G87 M2 generates 473 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. That means 0-62mph in 2.9, seconds, a top speed of 177mph and in the corners, a tyre-shredding old-school nutcase. And now, BMW have improved upon that recipe with the new CS variant. Read More New Facts About the BMW M2 CS A Proper Little Riot to Behold: With Less Weight Overall Now there’s no denying that in its standard guise, the M2 is marmite at best with its styling. But BMW have put a lot of work into ensuring the CS truly stands out. For starters, it features new blacked-out kidney grilles, a matte black front splitter, a carbon-fibre rear diffuser, and most notably, a huge ducktail spoiler that was previously seen on the hardcore M4 CSL. Most of the CS’ body from its bulging bonnet to its lowered roof is made with a special blend of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). It also features lighter forged bronze wheels, (19-inch up-front and 20-inch on the rear). BMW also offer a range of unique colours for the CS like Sapphire Black, M Brooklyn Grey, Portimao Blue, and the ultra-rare BMW Individual Velvet Blue. Inside, the CS features M Carbon bucket seats finished in Merino leather and Alcantara, complete with a glowing “CS” logo, carbon fire everywhere and CS door sills. The steering wheel is made of Alcantara and features M-mode buttons for altering the setup. Red accents also adorn the cockpit to highlight this car’s hardcore setup. The result of all these modifications is that this car weighs in at just under 1700kg which makes it more than 30kg less than the regular M2. But despite this, it’s no cave on the inside. You still get BMW Live Cockpit Professional, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the BMW Operating System 8.5. More Brutish Power and Performance Of course, as well as changing the visuals of the M2, BMW have also beefed up the S58, 3.0l twin-turbo straight six. It features a larger intercooler, an improved thermal management oil cooling, (both of which are from the Hardcore M4 CSL), a free-flowing exhaust, a recalibrated ECU and higher boost pressure from the turbochargers. The result of all this is 530 horsepower (60 more than the standard M2) and 480lb-ft of torque (37 more). Not only is this more than the M2, but it’s the same as the heavier and more expensive M3 and M4 Competition models. However, like the standard car, the CS is solely rear-wheel drive. That means it will achieve 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and with the M Driver’s package available, the car will max out at 188mph. That makes it almost 0.5 of a second slower than the M3 and M4 and certainly being solely rear-wheel drive on slicker track tyres, it requires more skill to launch correctly. And with the redistributed exhaust and lack of sound-deadening the twin-turbo straight-six is louder and more raucous. Handling like a Barnstormer: But Sadly No Manual Read More Photos: The 2026 BMW M2 CS – Power, Precision, and Pure Performance Of course, the speed is not what this little brute shines at. It’s the way, it power-slides and tyre-shreds through corners. Despite the fact it features standard safety gear like forward collision warning, lane departure alert, a reverse assist and Active Cruise Control with stop-start, the CS really is a little brute designed to thrill. It sits 8 mm lower to the ground and benefits from bespoke springs, dampers, and DSC settings. The adaptive M chassis, M Sport differential, and M Servotronic steering are all custom-tuned for this car and it features bespoke M Compound brakes with red callipers. Though for improved stopping, M Carbon Ceramic brakes are available. The CS also features the M Drive Professional suite, such as a 10-stage M Traction Control, M Drift Analyser, and M Lap timer. All of this means that through the corners, this little gangster will light up its rears with little to no effort as you giggle, smile and still cling onto and intimidate the tail of any GT4 RS, Emira or C8 Corvette. That is the M car way. Sadly, BMW have for some reason decided not to offer the CS with a manual which is something I don’t get. The M2 is meant to be BMW’s simpleton, their biggest riot in their smallest package. The standard car featured a manual, surely BMW could’ve recalibrated the engine here to do so. Or maybe they couldn’t. Maybe with the immense 473lb-ft of torque from the modified engine, the only gearbox that made sense was their recalibrated eight-speed ZF M-Steptronic transmission. Similar to how Porsche couldn’t fit a manual to the outgoing GT4 RS. It's a real shame though, as that would’ve made this supposed 9/10 driver’s machine into a full 10/10. BMW’s Last Hurrah For the Ultimate Driving Machine The M2 CS will be priced at $130,000 in Germany and like all CS’ production will be limited. However, BMW says that its highest markets will be the USA, Germany, and China, with deliveries starting in late 2025. Hopefully, we at F1rstMotors will be able to get our hands on one before the end of the year and power-slide it up Jebel Jais. The M2 CS is not BMW’s latest hybrid machine that will take them to the next millennium nor their fastest or most impressive car from a technical standpoint. What it is, is a celebration of all things that made M cars great in the past. There’s no heavy EV motors or complicated xDrive system, it’s a car built for simpletons. A big straight-six up front, drive solely to the rear wheels and a big smiling, giggling lump in the middle. The Ultimate Driving Machine through and through. Sure, it’s a shame BMW didn’t build it with a manual but still, this car should be admired for what it is. The final encore of the M Car. The last true wild thuggish driver’s car that BMW will probably ever make. And you have to love it for that. F1rstMotors Facts and FiguresManufacturerBMW AGModelM2 CSYear of Release2026Engine3.0l twin-turbo straight-sixHorsepower530 horsepowerTorque480 lb–ft0–62mph (100km/h)3.8 secondsTop Speed188mph (303 km/h)Weight1,700 kg (1.7 tonnes)Power to Weight312 hp per tonneGearbox8-speed-ZF M-SteptronicDriven WheelsRear-Wheel-DrivePrice$130,000RivalsPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 RSSource: BMW (https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0450299EN/the-new-bmw-m2-cs)
