Every so often, BMW releases a machine that transcends the current model lineup and instantly earns a spot in the M division, alongside icons like the E30 M3. The BMW M2 CS is that machine.
The second-generation BMW M2 CS arrives as the latest special-edition model from the BMW M division.
Exterior design
The M2 CS is based on a regular M2, with a few modifications to the body.
The M2 CS keeps the car's wide and aggressive stance but adds special parts to it to make it lighter and faster.
A carbon fibre roof has been fitted onto the M2 CS.
The carbon fibre roof has not been painted, which means that it shows the black woven carbon fibre pattern.
The hood of the M2 CS has been vented. The M2 CS now has a carbon fibre vented bonnet to keep the performance-focused engine cool during hard driving.
The front of the M2 CS features a carbon fibre splitter that extends out. This piece pushes air up and over the car to create downforce, which helps the front wheels of the car to stay on the ground even at high speeds.
The rear of the car features a painted carbon fibre ducktail spoiler, which helps with the stability of the car at the rear, especially at high speeds.
Under the back bumper, the diffuser is also carbon fibre, which works with the spoiler to manage the air as it leaves the back of the car, which again, helps create downforce.
The small covers on the side mirrors are lightweight M-specific carbon fibre caps.
The M2 CS sits on unique, lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels, which are usually finished in striking Gold or Jet Black, signalling the car's special status.
The slightly modified front end with all the aero pieces, combined with the car's slightly lower and wider body, gives it a track-focused overall stance.
Interior
The interior has been toned down for weight saving, and carbon fibre sits on almost everything.
The steering wheel of the M2 CS is fully wrapped in Alcantara for maximum grip. The steering wheel features a bright red centre marker, which is a classic motorsport cue to help the driver keep track of the wheel position on track.
The entire centre console is made out of bare, exposed carbon fibre. Not only does this save weight, but it is a major visual statement. The 'CS' logo is engraved in the centre console in red.
The M2 CS features fantastic, lightweight M carbon bucket seats.
These are made from carbon fibre, making them thin, light, and incredibly supportive.
The seats are trimmed in Merino leather combined with Alcantara, and they feature distinctive M colour highlights.
Speaking of the M colours, the seat belts feature the three signature M colours woven into them.
Exclusive 'CS' badging is found on the carbon fibre door sills and the dashboard trim.
The CS model gets the same infortainment and driver's display as the one in the other M2 models.
Performance
The M2 CS is powered by an engine that is fundamentally a purebred racemotor, delivering power with vicious immediacy.
The new BMW M2 CS is equipped with an upgraded version of the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line petrol engine found in the current generation BMW M2.
Especially noticeable in dynamic driving situations, the engine’s unmistakable performance characteristics are sharper, and power delivery is linear, even into the higher rev ranges.
The engine’s power output rises to 530 hp, a 50 hp power increase over the current generation.
Peak torque also sees a 50 Nm increase, with 650 Nm available across a broad rev range from 2,650 rpm and up to 5,730 rpm.
The engine’s maximum power output is mobilised at 6,250 rpm before it reaches a 7,200-rpm red line.
Performance is further enhanced through model-specific accelerator mapping across all drive modes selectable via the M Setup menu.
Thanks to its rapid power delivery, increased engine power output, and lightweight design, the new BMW M2 CS can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the current-generation BMW M2.
0 – 124 mph is dealt with in 11.7 seconds, while the mid-range sprint from 50 – 75 mph takes just 3.4 seconds.
The top speed of the special edition, which is equipped with the M Driver’s Package as standard, is electronically limited to 188 mph.
Chassis and brakes
The chassis technology and braking system for the BMW M2 CS are precisely tailored to the model’s improved performance characteristics and its unique weight distribution.
Lowered by eight millimetres, the chassis benefits from model-specific adaptations, including bespoke tuning for the springs, dampers and chassis control systems.
In addition, the settings for the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and M Dynamic Mode have been precisely optimised to meet the demands of driving on track.
The M Servotronic steering, M Sport differential and integrated braking system also receive model-specific tuning.
An M Compound braking system with red brake callipers is fitted as standard.
Drivers seeking additional stopping power can choose the optional M Carbon ceramic brakes, which are also equipped with red brake callipers.
Specs
Engine: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line petrol
Power: 530 HP
Torque: 650 Nm
Maximum Speed: 188 mph
0-62mph: 3.8 seconds
