2026 BMW M2 CS Boosted to 523 hp, No Manual Gearbox This Time
Even after cranking the M2 up to 473 horsepower for the 2025 model year, you think BMW was going to stop there? Of course not. The hardcore M2 CS (Competition Sport) returns for 2026 and packs no less than 523 horsepower, tops among rear-wheel-drive BMW cars.
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine also delivers 479 lb-ft of torque, which is 36 more than the standard M2 equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Driving purists won’t like it, but the six-speed manual gearbox can’t be specified this time around. By the way, the new M2 CS is 20 horsepower shy of the M3 CS sedan featuring M xDrive.
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BMW claims 0-100 km/h sprints are achieved in just 3.8 seconds, beating the quickest-accelerating M2 currently available by two tenths of a second. Also, top speed is rated at 302 km/h instead of 285 km/h.
The weight of the M2 CS has been reduced by 44 kg (almost 100 lbs) thanks to a carbon fibre roof, trunk lid, mirror caps and rear diffuser. Let's not forget the new forged alloy wheels finished in gold (19 inches front, 20 inches rear). The exterior design doesn't change much, but there’s a matte black front splitter along with a unique black M kidney grille with optimized air inlets.
Naturally, the engineers at BMW's M division have worked extensively on the chassis and suspension. The car has been lowered by 8 mm and adapted with unique tuning of the springs, dampers and chassis control systems. We’re told these modifications improve driving dynamics significantly in all scenarios, including under extremely hard driving. Oh, and the settings for the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and M Dynamic Mode have been optimized precisely to meet the demands of driving on a track.
M Carbon ceramic brakes are available at an extra cost. Ditto for track tires. Inside, the interior features the inevitable racing-style M carbon seats, an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, unique screen graphics and “CS” lettering on the carbon fibre-clad centre console.
Built at the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, the 2026 BMW M2 CS will start deliveries late this summer. Production will be limited, as you can imagine, although allocations for Canada have not been announced. As for the retail price, you’re looking at $125,000, which is just over $45,000 more expensive than a regular M2 that does offer a manual gearbox.
