Equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that delivers 523 horsepower, it surpasses other rear-wheel-drive M cars in performance. The CS weighs less than the M2 Competition and is exclusively available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This year, the new M2 CS will start at $99,775.00 when it goes on sale. First, let’s answer your first question: No, the new 2026 BMW M2 CS doesn’t have a gear that you choose by hand. An eight-speed automatic transmission will come standard on the M2 models, which are designed to be the fastest. It’s no surprise that this car was chosen, as the CS (short for Competition Sport) is the top-of-the-line M2, designed to achieve the fastest acceleration and lap times. However, since half of all M2s sold in the US come with a six-speed manual, the question is relevant for people who already own an M2 and want to retain the manual transmission. When it came to manual transmission, the last M2 CS was a one-of-a-kind, beautiful little beast of a car. A M2 with more Power The 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine now delivers 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This marks an increase of 79 horsepower compared to the previous generation’s M2 CS, and it also surpasses the standard M2 by 50 horsepower and 36 lb-ft of torque. The engine is a variation of the one in the M3 Competition xDrive, although it has 20 fewer horsepower than the 543-hp monster in the M3 CS. Because BMW wouldn’t equip the M2 CS with all-wheel drive, it is the most powerful M car with rear-wheel drive. As with its predecessor, the GS’s roof, trunk lid, mirror caps, and rear diffuser are all made of carbon fiber to help reduce its weight. The ducktail back spoiler, which folds up stylishly, is considered both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Smoothing out the air ducts increases the amount of air that reaches the radiators, but the front end remains the same as before. The interior features a variety of trim accents along with M carbon racing seats. There are over 100 pounds less weight on the cast aluminum wheels than on the BMW CS, which the company says weighs 3770 pounds. But the last M2 we weighed (a manual) was 3,745 pounds, which is less than what BMW said it weighed, which was 3,814 pounds. So, it’s likely that BMW’s estimate for the new M2 CS is low. Carbon-ceramic brakes are a choice for individuals seeking to reduce weight and cost, approximately $8,500. It’s challenging to directly compare the specs because, to our surprise, we haven’t had the opportunity to test the current M2 with an automatic transmission. We had a manual transmission M2 that accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. BMW claims that the new CS can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the automatic 473-hp M2. The suspension has been fine-tuned, and we can’t wait to take the new M2 CS for its first drive. Its predecessor felt pleasantly simple and flexible, which made approaching its turning limits enjoyable. The CS now sits 0.2 inches lower due to the new springs. The adaptive dampers on the CS are unique and have their own design. The M Dynamic mode and stability control have also been modified to provide drivers with a little more time before they need to take action. An M2 Approaching Six Figures The 2026 BMW M2 CS will start at $99,775 when it becomes available later this year. This marks a $33,100 increase over the base price of the standard 2025 M2. Although all M2 models, including the CS version, are built at BMW’s facility in Mexico, the elevated cost of the CS is likely influenced by U.S. tax regulations. Although it’s still early, we believe that the M2 will likely cost more next year if the tax situation remains unchanged. This will reduce the price difference between the CS and the regular car. Those who own an M2 with a six-speed transmission, please keep the instructions.
