Following a public unveiling at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como on Friday (23 May, 2025), the full technical specification and details of the new BMW M2 CS coupe have been released.
Does it get over 500hp?
It certainly does. BMW M has stuck with the M2's familiar, twin-turbocharged straight-six, but thanks to engine management changes, peak power is up 50hp to a significant 530hp at 6,250rpm. The driver can keep going beyond that to the engine's limiter at 7,200rpm if they want to really stretch the legs of the powerplant. Just as significant, of course, is the torque output, and the maximum figure has been increased by 50Nm to 650Nm. What's more, it's available all the way from 2,650- to 5,730rpm.
As in all M2s, the CS gets an active exhaust with four outlets in the rear bumper. They're finished matt black, and buyers can further enhance the sound by opting for the aftermarket M Performance silencer system. Given the use of titanium mufflers in this, we suspect “silencer” might be a bit of a misnomer.
The engine's midrange flexibility means there's hardly any need to change gears to achieve an indecent pace, but owners will no doubt want to exercise all the different modes of the standard eight-speed 'M Steptronic' automatic gearbox. Sadly, there won't be a manual gearbox offered, but the auto has got three different maps to choose from and a fully manual setting as well.
Naturally, all power is sent to the rear wheels only, via the usual electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and BMW quotes a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds. That's no doubt assisted by the useful 30kg weight reduction. The M2 CS is fitted with the M Driver's Package by default, so the top speed isn't limited until it hits 302km/h.
Any chassis tweaks to cope with all that?
BMW doesn't go into detail on this, but it hints at widespread changes to suit the slightly more track-focused remit of the CS. The ride height has been dropped 8mm, to the benefit of the centre of gravity, while the springs, dampers and electronics have all been updated. That latter includes tweaks to the adaptive damping, the stability control, the power steering, M Sport differential calibration and even the braking system.
On the subject of which, carbon-ceramic brakes are not standard, but are available. In contrast, the M2 CS is fitted with track tyres by default (275/35 ZR19 at the front, 285/30 ZR20 at the back), but buyers can instead choose 'ultra-track' or standard high-performance tyres at no extra cost. They're wrapped around a gorgeous set of rims finished in matt 'Gold Bronze'.
We need to talk about that massive rear wing...
Isn't it fantastic? It's an unashamed nod to racing-focused BMWs of the past, including the 2002 Turbo and the 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile', but it's also part of the aerodynamic and weight-reduction package for the M2 CS as it's made from CFRP (Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced Plastic) and it features a prominent 'duck-tail' rise at its rear.
There's also a carbon-fibre roof and exposed-carbon rear diffuser, while the ankle-threatening front splitter is finished in matt black to complement the slight restyle of the M2's kidney grille. A special badge at the back with a red outline completes the visual changes to the exterior, while the CS will only be available in one of four exterior paint colours - M Portimao Blue metallic, M Brooklyn Grey metallic, BMW Individual Velvet Blue metallic or plain ol' Sapphire Black metallic.
Anything different inside the M2 CS?
While the M2 CS retains all the luxuries and technology of the regular model, its track-readiness and motorsport inspiration are amped up. The figure-hugging M Carbon bucket seats are standard for example, with cutouts to allow the fitment of a harness and even a removable head restraint section to accommodate a driver wearing a helmet. And yet the seats are heated and electrically adjustable as well.
In front of the driver is a flat-bottomed steering wheel, now trimmed in Alcantara, with optional heating. There are CS logos everywhere, from the door sills to the new, pared-back centre console to the door cards. As ever, the colour theme is red and black.
How horrendously expensive will the M2 CS be in Ireland?
About €40,000 more than the existing 480hp model, or €158,550. And it doesn't actually matter how expensive you think that is, as demand is expected to far outstrip supply. The lucky few Irish buyers that have secured build slots should see their cars by the end of this summer.