Read more
Second generation model will make local landfall in 2026 with increased power and torque figures over the M2 Competition, and a 302 km/h top speed.
M2 CS makes its return for a second generation as the most powerful M2 ever made. Image: BMW
Publicly unveiled at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza on the shores of Lake Como in Italy this past weekend – without any details being disclosed – BMW has now officially detailed the all-new second generation M2 CS that will be coming to South Africa in 2026.
The first new M2 CS since the original premiered towards the end of 2019, the step-up from the M2 Competition will once again be a limited edition, and according to BMW, represents what it describes as the “ultimate in driving pleasure”.
Carbon symphony
Although modelled on the Competition, the CS has had its weight reduced by 30 kg thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre externally and other lightweight materials underneath its skin.
ALSO READ: M2: BMW’s smallest M bomb delivers a massive wallop
Visually, the easy-to-spot changes from its sibling consists of a new M front bumper with a matte black splitter, wider air intakes on the flanks of the front bumper, a red surround for the M2 CS logo on the bootlid, the now CS trademark bulge on the bonnet, a more aggressive rear bumper and the standard fitting of the Shadowline exterior package as well as the Adaptive LED headlights.
The external use of carbon fibre meanwhile involves carbon mirror caps, an exposed carbon-finished rear diffuser, the actual bootlid with the integrated ducktail spoiler, and the roof made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic.
Riding on 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear double spoke M light alloy wheels with a matte gold bronze finish, the M2 CS’ colour palette consists of four hues: Sapphire Black Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, Portimao Blue Metallic and, from the BMW Individual catalogue, Velvet Blue Metallic.
Sharpened-up underneath
Underneath, the componentry changes include a new exhaust system with a titanium silencer and lightweight valves developed specifically for the CS and, therefore, not available on the M2 Competition or indeed any other M model.
Complete with electronically controlled butterfly flaps, the quad exhaust system also features what BMW calls Active Sound that allows the engine’s actual soundtrack to be played inside most likely via the speakers of the sound system.
Elsewhere, BMW has dropped the overall ride height by eight millimetres, revised the M Adaptive chassis control system, and retuned the springs as well as the dampers to, again, uniquely suit the CS.
In addition, the M power steering has been revised, a new cooling system fitted, the M Sport differential updated and the Dynamic Stability Control as well as the various M modes recalibrated.
As standard, the M2 CS receives upgraded M Compound brakes, which can, however, be swapped for the optional M Carbon stoppers with standard gold or optional red brake calipers.
Carbon fest continues inside
Inside, the carbon fibre and lightness theme continues in the finishing of the centre console and backrests of the heated M Carbon bucket seats.
Trimmed in Merino leather, the latter also gets illuminated CS logos underneath the headrests and the BMW M colours around the side as an option.
Further new additions are an anthracite roofliner, the heated M Sport steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara and with a 12 o’clock marker, illuminated CS door sills, expanded carbon inlays on the dashboard and seats, a red CS logo on the central armrest and black seatbelts with red M2 CS badges.
Much more power
Taking centre stage, the 3.0-litre S58 straight-six turbocharged engine has undergone a series of changes of its own to now produce 390kW/650Nm.
An uptake of 52kW/100Nm over the M2 Competition, the amount of twist goes to the rear wheels via an overhauled version of the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. Unlike its sibling, the CS won’t have the option of the six-speed manual.
Accordingly, the M2 CS will get from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, three-tenths faster than the Steptronic-equipped Competition, and hit 302 km/h as a result of the M Driver’s Package being included as standard.
Waiting required
Made alongside the M2 and regular 2 Series Coupe at the San Luis Potosí Plant in Mexico, the M2 CS has been approved for market launch in Europe, China and the United States later this year, with a starting price of €115 000 (R2 338 334) in Germany.
As mentioned, sales in South Africa will start in the second quarter of next year with an expected significant price bump over the M2 Competition Steptronic’s current R1 570 988 sticker.
Download our app
