2026 BMW M2 CS Packs 523 HP in Track-Ready Package With $99,775 Price Tag

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The 2026 BMW M2 CS arrives as the most potent rear-wheel-drive M car available today. BMW's CS treatment adds 50 horsepower and drops 100 pounds from M's smallest car. This latest iteration delivers serious performance credentials at a premium price point.

Power Surge Transforms Performance Profile

BMW bumped the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six's output to 523 horsepower. The S58 engine produces maximum power at 6,250 rpm. Peak torque climbs to 479 lb-ft between 2,700 and 5,620 rpm.

The engine management system receives extensive modifications. The enhanced performance provides further proof of the outstanding potential of the S58 6-cylinder engine developed by BMW M. This same powerplant serves as the foundation for the BMW M4 GT3 EVO racing car.

M TwinPower Turbo Technology

The engine package includes:

Dual mono-scroll turbochargers feeding three cylinders each
Indirect intercooler with low-temperature circuit
Electronically controlled wastegate
High Precision Injection system
VALVETRONIC variable valve timing
Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing

Weight Reduction Equals Performance Gains

BMW has shaved 97 lbs (44 kg) from the automatic M2. This was achieved through judicious use of lightweight materials, such as exterior and interior components made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The curb weight drops to 3,770 pounds. Standard forged M alloy wheels contribute to weight savings. The carbon fiber roof, trunk lid, and rear diffuser shed additional mass.

Track-Focused Chassis Tuning

The chassis has been lowered by 8 mm and adapted specially for the CS with unique tuning of the springs, dampers, and chassis control systems. These modifications improve driving performance across all scenarios.

The suspension system features:

Adaptive M Suspension with revised setup
M Servotronic steering with enhanced calibration
M Sport differential optimization
Integrated braking system refinements

Stability control and M Dynamic mode have been tweaked as well to let drivers have a little more leeway before coming to the rescue.

Braking Performance

Standard M Compound brakes with red calipers provide stopping power. Optional M Carbon ceramic brakes offer upgraded performance. Six-piston fixed calipers handle front duties while single-piston floating calipers work the rear.

Acceleration Numbers Impress

The 2026 BMW M2 CS is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard Steptronic-equipped M2. The 80-120 km/h mid-range sprint takes 3.4 seconds.

Top speed reaches 302 km/h (188 mph) with the standard M Driver's Package. The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic handles gear changes.

Carbon Fiber Exterior Details

The exterior showcases extensive CFRP components. The package includes:

M Carbon roof as standard equipment
CS-specific rear diffuser in exposed carbon fiber
Carbon fiber trunk lid with integrated ducktail spoiler
Matte black front splitter
Black BMW M kidney grille with optimized air inlets

The "M2 CS" logo features a bold red border on the trunk lid. Adaptive LED headlights with Shadowline dark inlays come standard.

Color Options

Four exterior finishes are available:

Black Sapphire metallic (no charge)
Brooklyn Grey metallic (no charge)
Portimao Blue metallic (no charge)
BMW Individual Velvet Blue metallic ($4,000 option)

Interior Focuses on Track Performance

The driver and passenger are supported by weight-optimized, heated M Carbon bucket seats with illuminated "CS" logos. Integrated head restraints remove for helmet clearance. The seats accommodate multi-point harnesses for track use.

Black Merino leather with M Color highlights covers seat surfaces. The flat-bottomed M Alcantara steering wheel includes:

Gearshift paddles
Red center marker at 12 o'clock position
Two M buttons for custom vehicle setups
Traditional three-spoke design

Carbon fiber trim elements accent the instrument panel and center console. A red "CS" logo appears on the carbon fiber center console.

Technology Package

The BMW Operating System 8.5 handles infotainment duties. Standard equipment includes:

Automatic climate control with digital operation
Comfort Access keyless entry
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
BMW Digital Cockpit Professional
BMW Maps navigation system
BMW Head-Up Display with Augmented View

Smartphone integration supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The BMW Curved Display combines a 12.3-inch information display with a 14.9-inch control display.

M-Specific Controls

The Setup button on the center console provides direct access to:

Engine settings
Adaptive M Suspension adjustments
M Servotronic steering options
Integrated braking system controls
M Traction Control with ten intervention thresholds

Additional M features include M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer functions.

Pricing Reflects Performance Premium

The base MSRP for the 2026 CS is $99,775, which includes destination and handling fees. It's a whopping $30,400 more expensive than the base M2 with an automatic transmission.

This pricing positions the M2 CS as a near-$100,000 compact performance car. The regular M2 starts at $69,375 for comparison.

Production Timeline

The BMW M2 CS will be assembled at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico starting in August 2025. Slated to go on sale before the end of the year, deliveries begin in Q3 2025.

BMW M will produce the M2 CS in limited numbers. The market launch begins in late summer 2025.

Wheel and Tire Package

Standard CS-exclusive Style 827M forged alloy wheels feature a double-spoke design with matte Gold Bronze finish. Front wheels measure 19 inches while rear wheels span 20 inches.

High-performance tires come standard:

Front: 275/35 ZR19
Rear: 285/30 ZR20

Track tires and ultra-track tires are available as options.

Safety Equipment

Standard safety features include:

Forward Collision Mitigation
Active Cruise Control with Distance Control
Speed Limit Info
Lane Keeping Assistant
Parking Assistant

Driver and passenger airbags plus side and head airbags provide occupant protection. Three-point inertia reel seatbelts include tensioners and force limiters.

Technical Specifications Summary

Engine: 3.0L inline-six with M TwinPower Turbo Power: 523 hp at 6,250 rpm Torque: 479 lb-ft from 2,700-5,620 rpm Transmission: 8-speed M Steptronic with Drivelogic Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive Curb Weight: 3,770 pounds 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds Top Speed: 188 mph (302 km/h)

The 2026 BMW M2 CS represents the pinnacle of compact performance from BMW M. Its combination of increased power, reduced weight, and track-focused enhancements justifies the premium pricing for serious driving enthusiasts.

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