Is the New BMW M2 CS the Ultimate Baby M Car? Find Out Why

BMW has officially pulled the cover off the 2026 M2 CS, and this small powerhouse is packing serious heat. With more muscle, less weight, and pure rear-wheel drive, this is shaping up to be the most focused version of the M2 to date. Under the hood, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine delivers 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That is a solid boost over the standard model, adding 50 horsepower and 36 pound-feet of torque.

There is no manual transmission here. Instead, BMW equips the M2 CS with its eight-speed automatic gearbox. What makes this model special is that, unlike other CS models like the M3, M4, or M5, this one stays true to rear-wheel drive only. That is good news for purists looking for a more classic driving experience.

BMW has shaved off 97 pounds compared to the automatic M2, using carbon-fiber parts like the trunk lid and body panels. You also get lightweight forged wheels and carbon-backed bucket seats as standard. All these changes bring the curb weight down to 3,770 pounds, which even beats out the 3,814-pound manual M2. And if you are looking to shed even more weight, there is an optional carbon-ceramic brake package for $8,500.

To keep the M2 CS planted and precise with all this newfound power, BMW retuned nearly everything under the skin. Spring rates are stiffer, the adaptive dampers have been recalibrated, and even the electronic differential, anti-lock braking system, and stability control systems have been sharpened. It is all dialed in for serious rear-wheel drive performance.

BMW says this car rockets from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds and can hit a top speed of 188 miles per hour. Yes, the price tag is steep at $99,775, but that is still nearly $25,000 less than the M4 CS. And while pricing for the 2026 standard M2 has not yet been announced, the 2025 version starts at $69,375—making the CS a near $30,000 upgrade.

Production begins this August at BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, and deliveries are expected to follow shortly after.