After being displayed at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the BMW M2 CS is now making its full debut. Based on the updated second-generation (G87) M2 that was revealed back in June 2024, the CS variant continues the grand tradition of piling on the performance by way of added power, improved aerodynamics and dieting.
Starting with what’s under the bonnet, the M2 CS’ S58 3.0 litre twin-turbo inline-six petrol engine makes 530 PS (523 hp or 390 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm of torque from 2,750 to 5,730 rpm. Unlike the regular M2, the CS can only be had with an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels.
For context, the regular M2 is rated at 480 PS (473 hp or 353 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 600 Nm from 2,650 to 6,130 rpm, the latter reduced to 550 Nm when optioned with a six-speed manual. Unsurprisingly, the CS is quicker in a 0-100 km/h sprint, taking just 3.8 seconds to complete the feat compared to the normal M2 that needs four (8AT) or 4.2 (6MT) seconds. The top speed is also higher for the CS at 302 km/h instead of 285 km/h (with the optional M Driver’s Package).
Other changes include a chassis that is eight mm lower, with bespoke tuning for the springs, dampers and control systems. An M Compound braking system with red callipers is standard, although this can be upgraded to an M Carbon ceramic brake system.
BMW also points out that the CS is roughly 30 kg lighter compared to the standard car thanks to use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for various exterior and interior components. On the outside, you’ll spot the standard M Carbon roof, CS-specific rear diffuser, front splitter, black kidney grille with optimised air inlets and boot lid with integrated ducktail made out of the lightweight material.
Buyers will have four metallic finishes to choose from, namely Sapphire Black, BMW Individual Velvet Blue, M Brooklyn Grey and M Portimao Blue, all with a ‘M2 CS’ logo that has a red outline on the rear. Staggered forged wheels measuring 19 inches and at the front (275/35 tyres) and 20 inches at the rear (285/30 tyres) are also standard, pairable with either track-focused on standard sport tyres.
On the inside, the centre console is made of CFRP, while the M Carbon bucket seats add a touch of flair and keep occupants in place during spirited driving. Merino leather is used for the seats and is accompanied by Alcantara in other areas of the car, including the sport steering wheel with a 12 o’clock red marker. You also get an anthracite headliner and plenty of CS-branded components, some of which are illuminated like on the headrests and door sill plates.
The M2 CS will be built at BMW’s San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico and will be produced in limited numbers, with key sales markets being the United States, Germany and China. Deliveries are expected to start in late summer this year and it costs 115,000 euros (about RM553k) in Germany.
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