The current BMW M2 of the G87 generation has long been established as one of the best modern sports cars: a compact two-door coupe with a powerful inline six-cylinder engine and a perfectly tuned chassis combines brutality and excitement. But the 2026 M2 CS version raises the bar even higher. BMW has redesigned the aerodynamics, strengthened the suspension, added carbon fiber elements, and increased the engine's output, creating a car that costs almost $100,000 — and justifies every dollar invested.
The new model differs from the standard M2 with a wider and more aggressive front end with an optimized air intake, necessary for cooling the complex system of radiators, intercooler, and oil circuits. The list of basic elements includes a carbon fiber roof, diffuser, and mirror housings, as well as a stylish rear spoiler. Lightweight forged wheels of two sizes — 19 inches at the front and 20 at the rear — are the only factory option for the CS.
The interior is completely subordinated to the sports idea. Deep carbon fiber buckets provide excellent fixation, although they are not suitable for every physique. The center console is also made of carbon fiber, and the cup holders have disappeared — the engineers clearly focused on weight reduction, although ironically, a large bottle of drink suddenly fits perfectly in a small compartment behind. The trim uses leather, black plastic, Alcantara, and many carbon fiber inserts, emphasizing the character of the model.
Weight reduction was one of the key areas of work on the CS. Compared to the regular M2, the model has shed almost 50 kg thanks to lightweight materials and a carbon fiber roof. An additional 40 pounds of savings are provided by optional carbon-ceramic brakes, which are available for $8,500.
In terms of technical specifications, the M2 CS received retuned shock absorbers, stiffer springs, reduced ground clearance, and widened wheel camber. Many suspension elements are unified with the M4 CSL and the racing M4 GT4 — right down to the gearbox mounts. BMW also rewrote the logic of the ABS, steering, throttle response, and traction control system, clearly targeting those who prefer active driving.
Under the hood is the familiar three-liter S58 with two turbines, but in a new version it produces 523 horsepower and 600 N·m — 50 horsepower and 50 N·m more than the standard M2. The coupe, weighing about 1750 kg, accelerates to 96 km/h (60 mph) in 3.7 seconds and covers a quarter mile (402 m) in 11.7 seconds. Unfortunately, there is no manual transmission — only an eight-speed automatic.
On the Michelin test track in South Carolina, the CS immediately demonstrates its main feature — power that is difficult to hide. The acceleration is fierce, and the retuned throttle makes the car especially temperamental in the mid-range. With the stabilization system turned off, the car willingly goes into controlled skids, allowing you to literally draw arcs, playing with the gas pedal.
The rain, which lasted almost all day, became an excellent opportunity to evaluate the operation of the ten-level BMW traction control system. In cold conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S surprised with its stability, and the electronics competently distributed the torque, helping to exit slow corners almost along a racing trajectory.
The steering has become more precise and lively, and the suspension — stiffer, but without excessive nervousness. In corners, the M2 CS feels almost mid-engined — the front end is light, responds perfectly to entry, and does not overload when changing loads. On uneven roads, the coupe behaves more densely than the regular M2, but for a car of this level, this is expected, and most fans are more likely to appreciate it than notice it.
The brakes are a separate point of admiration. Carbon-ceramic mechanisms remain effective in cold and wet weather, providing powerful deceleration without a hint of overheating. On the track, they performed flawlessly, allowing precise metering of force.
The BMW M2 CS 2026 remains true to the spirit of compact driver's coupes: it is a car that is created for those who want the closest possible connection with the car. Almost $100,000 is a serious amount, but compared to the previous M2 CS, which cost more when converted to 2025 and was produced in a limited edition of only 500 units, the new version looks even more logical.
If you look at the competitors, the Lotus Emira and Porsche Cayman GTS are close in spirit to the M2 CS, but both are two-seater mid-engined sports cars, noticeably more compact and less practical. The M2 CS offers a trunk, rear seats, and a truly explosive character.
For the enthusiast who needs excitement, power, space, and the ability to go sideways at the first desire, the BMW M2 CS 2026 fully justifies the six-figure price tag and rightfully claims the title of the best drift car in its class.
