New BMW M2 CS DESTROYS 2024 M2 at Nürburgring – Lap Time Comparison

BMW has always taken pride in blending everyday usability with motorsport performance, and when it comes to the M2 lineup, that balance is on full display. The 2024 BMW M2 set a strong benchmark with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six delivering 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Paired with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic, the car gives drivers the freedom to choose their driving experience. With a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:38.2, the standard M2 is no slouch. It is quick, agile, and still holds on to that rear-wheel-drive charm that enthusiasts love.

But then came the 2026 BMW M2 CS—a sharper, more focused version of the M2. BMW pushed the same S58 engine to 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, but the changes go far beyond the power bump. This model only comes with the 8-speed automatic, and BMW has trimmed nearly 100 pounds thanks to carbon fiber parts like the roof, rear spoiler, and hood. It also gets a revised suspension setup with adaptive dampers tuned for serious track use.

The result? A Nürburgring lap time of 7:25.5. That is over 13 seconds faster than the 2024 M2—a huge gap in track performance terms. Part of that comes from more power, but a lot of it is chassis refinement, weight savings, and the stickier setup. The M2 CS feels more planted, more precise, and built to push limits.

Inside, both models feature modern digital displays and similar ergonomics, but the M2 CS takes a sportier approach with exclusive Alcantara materials and CS badging throughout the cabin. It is clearly meant for someone who wants the closest thing to a street-legal track car without stepping into full M4 or M5 territory.

The 2024 M2 is still the purist’s choice. It gives you the option to row your own gears, it feels slightly more raw, and it is still incredibly capable. But if you are after lap records, the M2 CS is in another league.

BMW has managed to build two very different cars under the same badge—one aimed at fun and flexibility, and the other dialed in for pure speed. Whether you are hitting canyon roads or chasing apexes on a circuit, the M2 lineup has something for everyone.