2026 BMW M2 CS Review

TL;DR

The M2 CS gains 523hp, 100lb weight reduction, and sharper tuning, making it brilliantly unhinged to drive but hard to desire due to styling and price.

Key Points

• 1.The M2 CS delivers a massive power upgrade over the standard M2. Power jumps from 444hp to 523hp — matching the M3 Competition — with 0-60 0.2 seconds quicker, stiffer engine mounts, and a retuned 8-speed automatic that the reviewers prefer over the manual.
• 2.The CS treatment makes the M2 genuinely unhinged and exciting. A spicier differential tune, more aggressive suspension, more negative front camber, and 100lb of weight savings via carbon fiber and carbon ceramic brakes restore the angry, unsettled character the standard M2 lost.
• 3.Price is the first major issue at $125,000–$140,000 CAD as tested. At that money, used M4 CSLs are available for less, and the Ford Mustang Dark Horse Supercharged offers more power, better sound, and better looks as a rival.
• 4.Styling is the second major problem, especially the rear end. The rear is called a botched job compared to the cleaner M4 CSL; the front still resembles the Ice Age character with eyes too far apart, and the purple 'Velvet Blue Metallic' color drew mockery.
• 5.Interior issues include an absurdly thick steering wheel and no cup holder. The overly thick M steering wheel fatigues hands during driving, makes paddle shifters hard to reach, and the CS removes the cup holder — described as style points over genuine weight savings on a 3,800lb car.
• 6.Despite driving brilliantly, neither reviewer actually wants one. Both admit this is among the better-driving M cars in years, but the styling and BMW's current brand direction kill desirability — the previous-gen M2 CS is still considered more appealing to own.