The latest-generation BMW 2-Series brought a significant upgrade to the smallest model the automaker offers in the U.S., and the M2 took things to a new level. But now comes what you can think of as the “ultimate” take on the compact coupe, the 2026 BMW M2 CS. It’s lighter, more powerful and adds a number of chassis and suspension upgrades. Here’s a first look.
The 2026 BMW M2 CS has a dual personality, ready for both track and street, claims the automaker.
Whether you’re planning to drive it on or off the track, the new 2026 BMW M2 CS takes performance to a new level, the automaker shaving off weight while adding yet more power to its compact coupe.
We got a sneak peak of the new M2 CS last weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. Now we get the official release and the numbers are impressive.
Set to make its debut later this year, the CS will make 523 horsepower, enough to launch from 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds. But the price tag is equally breathtaking, at a base sticker price of $98,00. At least that includes delivery charge, BMW said.
The basics
A variety of CFRP body panels and components helped BMW trim almost 100 pounds off the stock M2.
Think of the 2026 BMW M2 CS as “the ultimate in driving pleasure – both as a track tool and in day-to-day use,” the Bavarian automaker suggested in a news release.
Based on the second-generation M2, the CS takes things to another level by shaving nearly 100 pounds off the weight of the already quick M-Series coupe. To get there BMW turned to a variety of CFRP parts and components – including appearance pieces like M mirror caps, a rear diffuser and a CS-specific roof.
Add dynamic appearances bits such as the matte black front splitter and a unique black BMW M kidney grille with optimized air inlets. There’s also a CFRP trunk lid with integrated ducktail spoiler. Add a distinctive BMW M kidney grille with optimized air inlets.
Powertrain
The upgraded Inline-6 TwinPower engine can launch the M2 CS from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds.
The M2 CS draws power from an upgraded version of the 3.0-liter S58 inline-six found in the comparatively plebian M2.
The Twin-Power turbo package punches out 523 horsepower, a 50 pony increase over the M2, while torque jumps 36 6o 479 pound-feet. Power is directed to the rear wheels though a beefed-up 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox.
BMW notes that, “the accelerator mapping and response have been optimized in all drive modes to deliver seemingly instantaneous responses to the driver’s inputs.”
Rated at 3,7 seconds 0-60, the automaker says the CS will top out at an electronically limited 188 mph.
Add M-modified cooling and oil circuits to ensure the M2 CS can handle serious laps on the track.
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More control for the driver
The 2026 M2 CS makes extensive use of new electronic features, starting with the BMW Operating System 8.5 which can be used to operate a variety of vehicle functions, including climate control. There’s also the voice-operated BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The CS also features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment display, along with a head-up display.
But many of the new tech features are meant to give the driver more control over the way the CS performs on track or street.
Using the Setup button on the center console, the automaker says, “provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, Adaptive M Suspension, M Servotronic steering, integrated braking system working in conjunction with the M Compound brakes, and the M Traction Control function, which allows drivers to choose from ten individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation.”
Among other things, there’s an M Drift Analyzer that shows the angle and duration of drifts the driver executes, while a new M Laptimer helps the driver analyze their on-track performance.
The CS gets two large digital displays.
Interior
The M2 CS cabin is designed to blend luxury and performance, with Alcantara trim. There are reduced-weight M Carbon bucket seats with additional bolstering – and the head restraints can be removed to make for better helmet clearance.
The seats can also be ordered with optimized multi-point harnesses.
Add a flat-bottomed steering wheel with padde shifters and 2 M buttons to trigger individually configured vehicle setups.
Look for the 2026 BMW M2 CS to reach U.S. showrooms by late summer 2025. While the base price tentatively starts at $98,600, BMW hasn’t indicated whether that might change due to the new Trump tariffs.
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