2026 BMW M2 CS First Look: More Power, Higher Price—But No Manual Transmission

At HARJA, we’ve long been admirers of the BMW 2 Series. Back in 2020, Scott Evans declared the BMW M2 CS “the best M car made in the 12 years” he’d spent reviewing vehicles. More recently, we crowned the current-generation M2 our 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year. That sets a high bar for the upcoming 2026 BMW M2 CS, which enters the scene with the promise of even more performance—and, naturally, a higher price tag to match.

Under the hood, the new 2026 BMW M2 CS packs the familiar 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six S58 engine found in the standard M2—but it’s been turned up to deliver 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. That’s a notable jump from the current M2’s 473 hp and 443 lb-ft (or 406 lb-ft with the manual transmission). Compared to the last-generation M2 CS, which produced 444 hp and 406 lb-ft, the gains are even more impressive. An additional 50 horsepower and 36 lb-ft over the standard M2 isn’t just incremental—it’s a serious upgrade.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, BMW estimates the new M2 CS will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 188 mph. That’s 0.3 seconds quicker than our tested time for the 2020 M2 CS. Like other recent M models, the CS offers extensive customization for various driving parameters. Also in line with recent M trends, BMW’s acceleration estimate appears to be on the conservative side. Consider this: a pre-refresh 2023 BMW M2 with 453 horsepower and the same automatic gearbox hit 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds during our testing. With 523 horsepower on tap, the new CS should easily beat BMW’s official figure.

BMW has also trimmed 97 pounds from the automatic-equipped M2, bringing the M2 CS’s curb weight down to 3,770 pounds. This weight reduction comes thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber-reinforced plastic for both interior and exterior components—most notably the entire trunk lid. Standard forged alloy wheels further contribute to the CS’s leaner profile.

Inside, the 2026 BMW M2 CS underscores its track-ready character with aggressive M Carbon bucket seats, complete with illuminated CS logos and premium leather upholstery. For those planning serious circuit time, the seats can accommodate multi-point harnesses, and the removable head restraints allow for better helmet clearance. The suspension sits lower than the standard M2’s and, as expected, has likely been retuned for a firmer, more focused feel to match the CS’s performance-oriented intent.

Visually, the 2026 BMW M2 CS distinguishes itself with a unique rear diffuser, a subtle integrated ducktail spoiler, and exclusive badging. Buyers can choose from four colors: Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, and Brooklyn Grey come standard at no extra charge, while the BMW Individual Velvet Blue is offered as a premium option for an additional $3,000.

Comfort and convenience features include a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system running Operating System 8.5.

So, what’s the damage for this compact powerhouse? The 2026 M2 CS starts at a base MSRP of $99,775, including destination and handling fees. That’s quite a jump from the 2020 CS’s $84,595 starting price, effectively making the new CS a six-figure 2 Series. For comparison, the standard M2 kicks off at $69,375—meaning the CS commands nearly a 50 percent premium.

Considering how impressive the standard M2 already is, we’re hoping BMW’s CS upgrades deliver enough transformative enhancements to justify the steep price increase. We’ll get the full picture once we get behind the wheel—BMW expects deliveries to begin in the third quarter of this year.