2026 BMW M2 CS: Lighter, Faster, and Track-Ready Beast with 523 HP
November 6, 2025
The 2026 BMW M2 CS is a track-focused, lighter successor to the G87 M2, featuring significant chassis refinements and extensive use of carbon fiber to drop weight and improve rigidity.
It gains about 50 horsepower, producing a total of 523 hp, while shedding up to 97 pounds for sharper performance.
Chassis and suspension are tuned for sharper dynamics through firmer springs, camber-focused alignment, revised adaptive dampers, and reprogrammed traction and throttle mappings, delivering precise steering and strong yaw control, with a more mid-engine feel that can be harsh on imperfect roads.
pricing notes place the base at roughly $99,775 with observed configurations around $108,275; carbon-ceramic brakes add about $8,500; standard equipment covers leather, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, M Sport differential, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, Harman Kardon, suede steering wheel, and a head-up display.
The CS offers multiple driving modes, including M1 and M2, plus a ten-stage traction intervention system tuned for performance driving.
Overall, the M2 CS is among the most fun, enthusiast-oriented two-doors in recent years, delivering brutal power, precise handling, and a drift-friendly character—albeit at a high price and with louder street behavior.
Ride quality on wet and track surfaces remains sharp, though comfort-oriented settings can sacrifice lumbar support for performance.
Visual and interior updates distinguish the CS with a CFRP roof, carbon-fiber mirrors, CFRP decklid, carbon-fiber seats, LED CS logos, and a glowing CS badge.
Powertrain details: a 523-hp, 479-lb-ft twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six paired with an eight-speed automatic, enabling 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds.
Overall assessment: the M2 CS sharpens the M2 formula with a more intense driving experience and strong track performance, standing out in its segment.
In context, the CS targets enthusiasts against mid-engine rivals like the Lotus Emira and Porsche Cayman GTS, offering two rear seats and a high-end, six-figure price tag with a spacious interior.
Performance figures include 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a 188 mph top speed; optional carbon-ceramic brakes save about 40 pounds.
Design and aero updates feature a wider, more aggressive front end, carbon fiber roof and diffuser, carbon fiber mirrors, CFRP decklid, CFRP seats, a painted ducktail spoiler, and 19/20-inch lightweight wheels.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

The Drive • Nov 5, 2025
2026 BMW M2 CS First Drive Review: $108K and Acts Like It on Track
Motor1.com • Nov 5, 2025
The 2026 BMW M2 CS Is an Addictively Good Drift Machine: Review