BMW has officially pulled the covers off the 2026 M2 CS, a high-performance evolution of its beloved compact sports coupe. Unveiled at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the new M2 CS delivers on power, track-ready upgrades, and exclusive design—but there’s one thing it won’t deliver: a manual transmission.
What’s Under the Hood
The 2026 M2 CS packs a serious punch with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, now pushing out 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. That’s 50 more horses than the standard M2, and enough to launch it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
However, all that performance comes with a twist: the M2 CS is automatic-only, equipped with BMW’s 8-speed automatic transmission. For die-hard fans of the stick shift, this is likely to sting—especially since the regular M2 still offers a manual option.
Built for Speed—and the Track
BMW has put the M2 CS on a diet. The car is about 97 pounds lighter than its standard sibling, thanks to the use of carbon fiber throughout:
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Carbon roof
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Carbon rear diffuser
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Carbon interior trim
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Lightweight forged wheels
Paired with a track-tuned suspension, enhanced brakes, and optional semi-slick tires, this CS is ready to attack corners with surgical precision. Top speed? A blistering 188 mph, with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Interior: Alcantara and Attitude
Inside, the M2 CS is every bit a track weapon. It features:
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M Carbon bucket seats with Alcantara and Merino leather
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Carbon fiber center console
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Subtle CS branding throughout
While infotainment and digital cluster tech remain largely unchanged, the materials and layout make it clear: this car is built for focus, not comfort cruising.
Price Tag: A Premium for Performance
The 2026 BMW M2 CS comes with an equally impressive price: it starts at $99,775—a big leap over the base M2. But for those who crave exclusive engineering and sharper dynamics, BMW is betting that the CS’s upgrades justify the cost.
A Beast With a Caveat
The M2 CS is undoubtedly a thrilling machine—more powerful, more focused, and dripping with motorsport DNA. But for some enthusiasts, the lack of a manual gearbox takes away from the soul of what a driver’s car should be.
Still, for those who don’t mind letting go of the clutch pedal, the 2026 BMW M2 CS promises one of the most exhilarating driving experiences in BMW’s modern lineup.
