390 kW BMW M2 CS confirmed for SA

The new BMW M2 CS offers an M3 Competition-matching 390 kW, while seeing off the 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.8 seconds. And it’s scheduled to arrive in SA in Q2 2026…

Though the new BMW M2 CS was previewed at the recent Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy (where the covers also came off the Concept Speedtop), the Bavarian automaker has now released full details of this special-edition version of the apex 2 Series coupé.

Scheduled to touch down in South Africa from the 2nd quarter of 2026, the new M2 CS gains extra power while also losing weight. While we don’t yet know how many units have been set aside for Mzansi, BMW says this new derivative will be produced at the San Luis Potosí factory in Mexico “in limited numbers”.

So, what makes the CS-badged variant different to the standard M2? Well, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine has been suitably massaged to generate peak outputs of 390 kW and 650 Nm, respective increases of 37 kW and 50 Nm.

Yes, that makes the rear-driven M2 CS just as powerful as its all-paw bigger brothers, the M3 Competition xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive. For the record, the new BMW M2 CS ships with an 8-speed automatic transmission, meaning – unlike the standard M2 – it’s not available in 6-speed manual guise.

In addition, the BMW M division says it has cut the weight of the special edition by “roughly 30 kg” compared to the standard M2. The newcomer features what BMW describes as a “multitude” of exterior and interior components fashioned from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), including that eye-catching boot lid with its integrated “ducktail” spoiler.

BMW claims a 0-100 kph sprint time of just 3.8 seconds, which makes the new CS some 0.2 seconds faster to the mark than the standard M2. Meanwhile, the claimed 0-200 kph time falls by 1.2 seconds to 11.7 seconds. As expected, this special-edition derivative ships standard with the M Driver’s Package, seeing its top speed electronically capped at 302 kph.

The M2 CS gains a matte-black finish for its quad-tailpipe arrangement, while the German company says an M Performance silencer system (with carbon and titanium tailpipe trim) developed specifically for CS models will be available as an option.

What else makes a BMW M2 CS? Well, the chassis has been lowered by 8 mm and adapted specifically for this variant, featuring “bespoke tuning” for its springs, dampers and chassis-control systems. BMW says the adaptive M chassis has been given a “carefully adapted model-specific setup”, as have the steering, differential and braking system.

M Compound brakes with red callipers come standard, though an M Carbon ceramic braking system (also with red callipers) will be offered as an option. Standard equipment includes CS-exclusive forged M light-alloy wheels with a double-spoke design and a matte “Gold Bronze” finish. These measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear axle and are fitted with track tyres as standard.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of Alcantara and yet more CFRP. The front seats take the form of “weight-optimised” heated M Carbon buckets, complete with illuminated “CS” logos and a Merino leather finish. Other clues to this special model’s identity include the red “CS” logos on the centre console and interior door trim.

The list of standard equipment for the new BMW M2 CS furthermore includes 2-zone climate control, comfort access, a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, a head-up display and M-specific details on digital display grouping (comprising 12.3- and 14.9-inch screens).

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