First Look: The All-New BMW M2 CS – A Proper Driver’s Car

If you’re anything like me, you've probably been watching the G87 BMW M2 with mixed feelings. Yes, it’s quick, aggressive, and unmistakably “M”, but something about it didn’t quite hit the sweet spot like the old F87 M2 CS. That’s why I’ve been buzzing about this - BMW has just pulled the wraps off the new BMW M2 CS, and it’s shaping up to be the compact performance car we’ve all been waiting for.

Unveiled in style at Villa d’Este earlier this year, the new CS model takes the G87 and turns it into a track-ready machine with the kind of finesse and rawness that’s been missing from modern M cars. And honestly? It looks mint.

What Makes the M2 CS Special?

Let’s start with the numbers. Under the bonnet is the familiar S58 3.0L twin-turbo straight-six, now tuned to 530bhp and 650Nm of torque. That’s 50bhp more than the standard M2 - pushing it firmly into M3/M4 territory. 0–62mph comes in around 3.8 seconds, which is mad for a rear-wheel-drive coupe. And yes, it’s only available with the 8-speed auto - but trust me, this gearbox is rapid and sharp enough to keep purists on side (mostly).

Where things get properly interesting is in the chassis and weight saving. BMW’s thrown a lot of carbon at this thing - roof, bonnet, splitter, diffuser, mirror caps, rear ducktail spoiler - all helping to shave off around 44kg. Combine that with a lower centre of gravity and bespoke adaptive suspension tuning, and you’ve got a car that feels dialled in for fast road and track use.

Nürburgring-Approved ✅

BMW didn’t just build this thing for bragging rights—they tested it hard. The M2 CS clocked a 7:25.5 lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is faster than the M3 CS. That’s wild when you consider this is still “just” the baby M car in the line-up. It goes to show how well sorted the chassis and aero are.

Speaking of aero—have you seen that ducktail spoiler? Looks like a modern take on the E9 CSL “Batmobile” vibes. Combine that with gold forged alloys and fresh colours like Velvet Blue, and you've got a proper head-turner.

Inside the Cabin

The interior is very much M car territory - Alcantara, carbon trim, bucket seats, and the CS badge proudly displayed. No gimmicks, just a focused, high-quality space built for driving. The only thing that might split opinions is the curved infotainment display (iDrive 8), but let’s be honest… the CS is about what happens on the road, not what’s on the screen.

Final Thoughts: Why I Love This Car

This is what the M2 should’ve been from the start. It’s sharper, more agile, more focused - and crucially, it brings back that special feel we’ve been missing. BMW hasn’t just given us more power; they’ve fine-tuned the whole package. The weight, the aero, the suspension - everything works together.

Yes, it's auto only. And yes, it’s going to be limited production (under 2,000 units worldwide). But if you’re a driver, a collector, this thing ticks all the boxes.

If you’re as excited about this as I am, keep an eye out when orders go live. It’s rare that a modern M car gets such unanimous praise from day one, but this one? This feels like the real deal.

Let me know what you think - would you take the CS over the standard M2, or even a base M4? And if you're after performance parts for your M car, well… you know where to come.