BMW’s Newest Pocket Rocket Will Blow You And Your Wallet Away

Last week at Lake Como, BMW showed us the 2026 M2 CS for the first time. But, probably worried it would get lost alongside the stunning Speedtop and the other exotics revealed at the show, the Bavarians held back on the details. Keeping secret what the Club Sport M2 would deliver this time around.

It turns out that the BMW coupe will offer plenty. 80 horsepower more than the last M2 CS, and as much power as the heavier M4 Competition. Speaking of heavier, the duck-tailed new M2 CS will be nearly 100 pounds lighter than the standard M2.

S58 Inline Six Makes 523 Horsepower

Let’s start under the long hood of the 2026 BMW M2 CS, where BMW’s 3.0-liter S58 inline-six resides. The engine has been bumped from 473 horsepower in the standard M2 to 523. Torque is up too, climbing 36 lb-ft to 479. It’s the same output as the M4 Competition with M xDrive (AWD), only this one offers it with rear-wheel drive. That’s right, it might have an eight-speed automatic as the only transmission, but at least it sends power to the correct tires.

BMW has thoroughly gone over the M2’s chassis to create this car, including new engine mounts with a higher spring rate. The regular springs are also new, lowering the chassis by 0.2 inches, with dampers and electronic control systems tuned for the CS. Both the stability control and M Dynamic Mode drive mode have been optimized for track use. The Adaptive M Suspension, M-specific steering, and M Sport Differential all have unique tuning for this car.

M-specific brakes come standard, but BMW will offer a big stopping upgrade. For $8,500, you can get M Carbon ceramic brakes with red calipers. BMW will fit high-performance tires as standard, in the same 275/35ZR19 285/30ZR20 sizes front/rear as the regular M2. But the regular M2 doesn’t get those cross-spoke forged gold wheels. If you want stickier rubber, BMW will also give you the option of “track tires and ultra-track tires” for no extra cost.

M2 CS Gets Carbon Roof, Trunk, And Seats

Cutting weight starts with carbon fiber mirror caps and a carbon roof. The rear diffuser, which is unique to the CS, is also made from carbon fiber. The trunk lid, with its massive ducktail spoiler, is also a lightweight carbon part. All of these contribute to a car that is 93 lbs lighter than a standard BMW M2.

2026 BMW M2 Specs

The result of the extra power and cut weight is faster acceleration. The M2 CS can run 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than a regular M2 auto. Top speed is 188 mph, thanks to the M Driver’s Package as standard equipment.

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Inside, the M2 CS has M Carbon bucket seats to keep driver and passenger in place. They have illuminated CS logos in the seatback, and they’re heated for cold-weather comfort. You can pop out the head restraints for helmet clearance, like the latest Porsche 911 GT3, and have the option of adding multi-point harnesses.

Pricing Is The Least Attractive Element

The 2026 BMW M2 CS starts from $98,600. Add in the $1,175 destination and you’re $225 short of six figures. That’s pricey, $9,200 more than the cost of an M4 Competition and a whopping $30,400 more than the cost of a regular M2. Which might be enough for you to get a standard M2 and build a track-day E46 M3, if you’re planning on doing any serious track time.