BMW M2 CS Sharpens Its Brief With Poise, Pace And Grip To Go

The BMW M2 CS arrives with intent written into every surface. This M Division special pairs a 523bhp twin-turbo straight-six with rear-drive attitude and an eight-speed auto that keeps the engine on the boil, making the M2 CS feel alert from the first metre. It launches with real purpose, dispatching 0–62mph in 3.8 seconds and running on with unwavering composure, the sort of linear shove that makes overtakes clean and decisive.

Hardware tweaks set the tone. A carbon roof trims weight and lowers the centre of gravity, the ride height drops by 8mm, and there’s judicious use of CFRP around the body. On circuit, the optional Cup 2R rubber keys into the surface, unlocking fierce front-end bite and punchy traction on exit; out on real roads, a switch to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S shows the chassis is no trick-tyre mirage. It still turns keenly, breathes with broken Tarmac and puts power down without fluster, feeling more tied together than a standard M2 when you up the pace.

Inside, the CS dials up intent with lightweight buckets, suede inserts and carbon trim. Not every choice is a win: the armrest is binned in the name of grams, the steering wheel rim borders on comedic girth, and more functions live in the curved screen than purists will prefer. Yet the fundamentals are solidly engineered—pedal weighting, brake feel and gearbox response give you confidence to lean on the car, and the straight-six’s delivery meshes neatly with the shorter lower ratios.

The result is a compact coupé that blends precision with a healthy dose of playfulness. The BMW M2 CS will run neat and tidy if that’s your line, or loosen its hips when you ask, always with a planted stance and communicative chassis. It’s the M2 refined and sharpened: more bandwidth, more feedback, and performance that feels properly integrated rather than bolted on. Ignore the minor ergonomic niggles and you’ll find a driver’s car built to take a pounding and ask for more.