BMW AUSTRALIA WILL INTRODUCE the all-new BMW M2 CS to the local market this year, bringing a new level of performance and dynamic capability to the second-generation BMW M2 Coupé line-up.
It marks the fourth BMW CS launch in three years, following the BMW M3 CS in 2023, BMW M4 CS in 2024 and BMW M3 CS Touring at the start of 2025.
It also represents the next chapter in the successful story of high-performance, short wheelbase BMW offerings that comprises the legendary BMW 2002 turbo, BMW 1 Series M Coupé and the first-generation BMW M2 – including the first CS variant – that have earned critical acclaim and wowed driving enthusiasts the world over.
BMW M offered a first glimpse of the BMW M2 CS exterior design package – including its distinctive ducktail – at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event on the shores of Lake Como last weekend.
The BMW M2 CS will be manufactured at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico and arrive for Australian customer deliveries at the end of 2025.
Weight reduction thanks to intelligent lightweight design details
BMW M achieved a weight reduction of approximately 30 kilograms for the special edition model compared with the standard M2 Coupé thanks to deployment of exterior and interior components fashioned from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The BMW M2 CS also features forged M light-alloy wheels, which, combined with the CFRP elements, means the BMW M2 CS is the lightest BMW M2 of the current vehicle generation.
Upgraded six-cylinder in-line engine with uplifts in power and torque
The BMW M2 CS features an upgraded iteration of the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line engine found in the standard M2 and which also serves as the basis for the power unit in the BMW M4 GT3 EVO race car.
It matches the output and torque of the current generation BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive, delivering 390kW and 650Nm.
These power and torque figures also represent increases of 37kW and 50Nm over the standard M2 Coupé.
The powerplant also features an M-specific cooling system to ensures powertrain components maintain an optimal operating temperature even under heavy loads, as well as a map-controlled oil pump to ensure oil supply under heavy acceleration.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and paddle shifters.
The Drivelogic button integrated into the selector lever enables the driver to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics, with a choice of three distinguishable settings.
BMW M2 CS breaks the four-second standard sprint barrier
A model-specific engine mounting with a higher spring rate ensures a notably rigid connection of the drive unit to the structure of the BMW M2 CS.
This, in combination with the increased power and lighter weight, means the BMW M2 CS is extremely rapid in a straight line. It breaks the four-second barrier in the sprint from zero to 100km/h with a time of 3.8-seconds, which is 0.2-seconds faster than the standard BMW M2 Coupé.
It can also reach 200km/h from rest in 11.7 seconds – an improvement of 1.2-seconds on the regular series variant.
Top speed meanwhile is electronically limited to 302km/h thanks to standard fitment of the M Driver’s Package.
These stunning performance figures are complemented by a stirring engine note conjured by an M-specific exhaust system – including titanium mufflers and electrically-controlled flaps – with four large exhaust outlets fitted at the rear, typical of contemporary petrol engine BMW M offerings.
Chassis and brakes optimised for both road and track
The chassis technology and braking system in the BMW M2 CS are precisely tailored to the improved performance characteristics of the engine and its specific weight balance.
The chassis has been lowered by eight millimetres and adapted specially for the car with bespoke tuning for its springs, dampers and chassis control systems.
These modifications improve driving dynamics in a wide variety of scenarios and surface conditions.
Additionally, settings for the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and M Dynamic Mode are optimised precisely to meet the demands of track driving.
The standard fitment adaptive M chassis features a carefully adapted model-specific setup, as do the M Servotronic steering, M Sport differential and integrated braking system.
An M Compound braking system with red brake callipers, fitted as standard, provides powerful stopping performance.
The M Carbon ceramic brake system, which takes braking capability to the next level – particularly on track – is available as an option.
Standard equipment also includes CS-exclusive forged M light-alloy wheels with a double spoke design and Gold Bronze finish. They measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear axle and can be fitted with either semi-slick track or road tyres at the customer’s request.
CFRP components and exclusive details mark exterior design
The punchy exterior of the BMW M2 CS is characterised by its CFRP components and other exclusive details.
The M exterior mirror caps familiar from the BMW M2, the M Carbon roof – which comes as standard on the special-edition model – and CS-specific rear diffuser are made from carbon fibre.
The front splitter is finished in matt black, while its exclusive black BMW M kidney grille features optimised air inlets.
The lightweight CFRP boot lid with integrated ducktail is a prominent highlight of the BMW M2 CS styling, while the model designation badge affixed to the rear features a bold red outline.
Four exterior paint finishes are available for the Australian market: Black Sapphire metallic, BMW Individual Velvet Blue metallic, M Brooklyn Grey metallic and M Portimao Blue metallic.
Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High Beam Assistant and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays are also standard.
Carbon and racing flair continue inside
The interior of the new BMW M2 CS combines an exclusive look with motorsport-inspired Alcantara and innovative lightweight design.
The centre console is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), while the driver and passenger take their places in weight-optimised, heated M Carbon bucket seats with a wide range of electrically controlled settings and an illuminated “CS” logo.
The integrated head restraints are removable and, thanks to the option of integrating multi-point harnesses, improve the car’s track readiness. The surfaces of the seats are additionally finished in Merino leather.
The standard M Alcantara steering wheel features a flat-bottomed rim, gearshift paddles, red centre marker at 12 o’clock and two M buttons for selecting individually configured vehicle setups, bringing authentic racing flair to the cockpit.
Other details include the red “CS” logo on the centre console and entry door sill plates in black with an “M2 CS” logo and red outline for the first time.
Another first is a door trim panel design that is illuminated with the “CS” logo.
High level of standard equipment and digital features
The BMW M2 CS integrates a vast array of standard equipment elements, including two-zone automatic climate control, Comfort Access, Harman Kardon surround sound system and BMW Live Cockpit Professional, including the BMW Maps navigation system.
The M-specific displays on the BMW Curved Display and BMW Head-Up Display add to the ambience. The digital display grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display.
These serve as a platform for the BMW iDrive control and operation system, based on BMW Operating System 8.5, which can also be used to operate the climate control functions.
M-specific operating platform enables direct access and configuration
The special-edition model carries over the cutting-edge operating platform for individual customisation from the BMW M2 Coupé, with the Setup button on the centre console a headline element.
This provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, suspension, steering, brakes system and M Traction Control function.
The M Drive Professional system makes for an ideal companion in all styles of driving by electronically adjusting to suit different scenarios.
Specifically, the M mode TRACK and the 10-stage M Traction Control enable customised handling characteristics, while the M Drift Analyser shows the angle and duration of drifts executed on a race circuit.
Semi-automated driving and parking systems fitted as standard include front collision warning, speed limit info function, Lane Departure Warning and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.
Local pricing and specification
The standard equipment offering for the new BMW M2 CS is outlined in full below:
CS-specific factory equipment
- CS model specific Full Leather Merino upholstery
- M Carbon bucket seats, electric and heated
- M Compound brake system with red high-gloss callipers
- M Alcantara steering wheel
- Carbon fibre mirror caps
- Carbon fibre boot lid with integrated ducktail
- Carbon rear diffuser
- Carbon fibre centre console
- Illuminated CS lettering in front door panels
- Black front splitter
- 19-inch/20-inch M light alloy wheels star spoke style 827 M Gold Bronze
- M Driver’s Package – 302km/h VMAX and BMW M Advance 2 Driving Experience course
- CS specific engine mount
Carry over equipment from BMW M2 Coupé
- Adaptive LED headlights with Shadowline
- Tyre pressure indicator
- Tyre repair kit
- M carbon roof
- Alarm system
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Comfort Access system
- M seat belts
- Interior trim finishers, Carbon Fibre
- Ambient Lighting
- Harman Kardon surround sound system
- Automatic 2-zone air conditioning
- DAB+ tuner
- Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Head-Up Display
- Connected Package Professional
- Wireless charging for smartphones
Exterior finishes
All no cost options
Metallic (All no cost options)
- M Portimao Blue
- M Brooklyn Grey
- Black Sapphire
BMW Individual
- Velvet Blue metallic
Alloy wheel program
- 19-inch/20-inch M light alloy wheels star-spoke style 827 M Gold Bronze with track tyres
- 19-inch/20-inch M light alloy wheels star-spoke style 827 M Gold Bronze with sport tyres
Both no cost options
Equipment program
- M Carbon Ceramic Brakes ($19,000)
The 2026 BMW M2 CS in summary
| Powertrain and drive | Max. Power (kW) |
Torque (Nm) |
0-100km/h (secs) |
80- 120km/h(secs) |
|
|
| M2 CS | 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo in-line six petrol engine; 8-speed M Steptronic transmission; rear-wheel-drive | 390 | 650 | 3.8 | 3.4 |
|
Price
$172,900 plus on road costs