2026 BMW M2 CS First Look: Faster, Lighter, Pricier, But No Manual Gearbox
The 2026 BMW M2 CS is here, and it’s bringing more power, more performance, and a much higher price tag. But if you’re a fan of stick shifts, this new version might disappoint you.
BMW is using the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine found in the regular M2, but they’ve pushed it even further. In the CS, it makes 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. That’s a big jump from the regular M2, which puts out 473 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque with the automatic gearbox.
If you go with the manual in the regular M2, torque drops to 406 lb-ft. The older M2 CS had 444 horsepower and also 406 lb-ft, so this new model is clearly in another league.
BMW says the M2 CS can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds using the eight-speed automatic. That’s a little faster than the last CS, and it’s likely faster than BMW claims. In fact, MotorTrend pointed out that a 453-hp version of the 2023 M2 already did 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds in their testing. So with more power, the 2026 CS could be even quicker than that.
To help with performance, BMW cut 97 pounds off the regular automatic M2, bringing the CS down to 3,770 pounds. They did this by using lots of lightweight parts, like forged wheels and carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the interior and exterior. The trunk lid, for example, is made entirely of carbon fiber.
Inside, the CS feels ready for the track. It comes with M Carbon bucket seats, which have light-up CS logos and leather trim. If you’re planning on hitting the track, you can add a multi-point harness to the seats. The headrests can also be taken off to make space for a helmet. The suspension has been lowered and firmed up, which should make the car sharper and more fun to drive on a circuit.
From the outside, the CS has a more aggressive look compared to the regular M2. It has a new rear diffuser, a built-in ducktail spoiler, and special CS badges. It comes in four colors. Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, and Brooklyn Grey are standard, but if you want BMW Individual Velvet Blue, it’ll cost an extra $3,600.
The car doesn’t skip on tech either. It includes a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 for the infotainment system.
Now for the price. BMW says the 2026 M2 CS will start at $99,775, which includes destination and handling fees. That’s a big jump from the last CS, which started at $84,595. And it’s almost a $30,000 increase from the current base M2, which starts at $69,375. Basically, you’re paying nearly 50 percent more for the CS badge.
MotorTrend pointed out that, “Given how excellent the non-CS M2 is, here’s hoping BMW’s CS changes bring sufficiently transformative improvements to justify that outlay.”
We’ll find out just how good it is once test drives begin. BMW says deliveries are expected to start in the third quarter of 2025.
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