Despite some uncertainty regarding the future of its current internal combustion engine lineup, BMW has unveiled the most powerful M2 model ever: The 2026 BMW M2 CS. With less weight, more power, and an MSRP of nearly $100,000, all signs point to it being quite the ravenous little coupe.
The previous F87-generation BMW M2 CS was impressive across the board, so, naturally, BMW had to go all out for this latest model. The Bavarian brand cut out a respectable 97 pounds by bolting up lightweight forged wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) and carbon fiber body panels—including a sharp rear ducktail spoiler—and fitting carbon fiber bucket seats as standard, which are optional on the base M2. This drops the curb weight from 3,814 to 3,770 pounds. Then, output from its ravenous, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six is rated at 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, 50 more hp and 36 more lb-ft than standard.
When it comes to putting all that power to the ground, this angry M2 is solely available with rear-wheel drive and BMW’s venerable eight-speed automatic gearbox—sorry, three-pedal manual enthusiasts. We’ll be interested to see how grippy (or not grippy, in a fun oversteer-ready fashion) it feels, as it produces the same amount of power as the all-wheel-drive-equipped M3 and M4 Competition.
To make the most of this bump in power and drop in weight, BMW revised the M2’s suspension by upping spring stiffness, re-programming the adaptive dampers, ABS, and traction control systems, as well as revising the throttle mapping and electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Then, for even more focused, lap-time-dropping performance, lightweight carbon ceramic brakes are available. I didn’t have much to complain about when I drove a lightly equipped 2024 model year example with a six-speed manual, I can only assume that this will feel significantly more athletic. The specs certainly point to it, too: 0-60 mph takes just 3.7 seconds.
Production is set to begin later this year with pricing starting at $99,775 after destination.