BMW reveals the most powerful M2 yet – And it’s coming to South Africa

BMW has officially unveiled the new M2 CS, and the good news is that it is coming to South Africa.

BMW’s CS (Competition Sport) models are an even more potent version of the brand’s highly coveted M performance cars, boasting even more power and a host of exclusive features.

The M2 CS made its international debut at Lake Como in Italy this week, where the German carmaker confirmed that it will go on sale in South Africa in the second quarter of 2026.

Performance

The CS is based on the second-generation M2 that made its South African debut in 2023, which features a  3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW’s M TwinPower Turbo technology.

The result is that the original M2 produced a solid 338kW and 550Nm.

However, BMW was clearly unsatisfied with this number, as the brand updated the coupe one year later in 2024, raising the output by 15kW and 50Nm to reach 353kW and 600Nm.

Even so, the brand has evidently decided that this still isn’t enough, as the new CS has gained an additional 37kW and 50Nm for a new total of 390kW and 650Nm – the same as the M3 Competition.

This means the new CS is substantially more powerful than the 2023 M2, boasting 52kW and 100Nm more than the original.

Naturally, the added power translates to a faster 0-100km/h sprint time, as the M2 can now smash through the four-second barrier with a new time of 3.8 seconds (compared to 4.2 seconds).

One key difference between the M2 and the larger M3 is that the former is still rear-wheel-drive, whereas the latter uses the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The M2 also features an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, and several aspects of the design have been enhanced for the special-edition model.

The CS is 30kg lighter than the standard version thanks to greater use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and the addition of forged M light alloy wheels, which have a double-spoke design with a matte Gold Bronze finish.

The new alloy rims, fitted with track tyres, measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back.

An upgraded M cooling system ensures the powertrain maintains an ideal temperature even under heavy loads, and a map-controlled oil pump is used to maintain the oil supply during intense acceleration.

It also comes standard with the M Driver’s Package, which raises the electronically capped top speed from 250km/h to 302km/h.

Additionally, the M Driver’s Package includes an M-specific matte-black quad exhaust with electronic flaps, which is amplified inside the cabin thanks to an Active Sound Design system.

Buyers can optionally replace this exhaust with an M Performance silencer system with carbon and titanium tailpipes.

The adaptive M chassis has been lowered by 8mm, and the springs and dampers have been tweaked for better dynamic stability across all driving scenarios.

The CS also features M Compound brakes with red brake callipers, though these can be optionally swapped out for M Carbon ceramic brakes.

Design

Looking at its appearance, the M2 CS comes standard with an M Carbon roof, adaptive LED headlights with M lights Shadowline inlays, a model-specific rear diffuser, CFRP side mirrors, a matte black kidney grille, and M2 CS logos with a red outline.

Buyers can also choose from one of four different colours – Sapphire Black Metallic, BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic, M Brooklyn Grey Metallic and M Portimao Blue Metallic.

Similar attention has been given to the interior, as the centre console is made from CFRP.

Other surfaces have an Alcantara finish, and there are two electronically-adjustable M Carbon bucket seats with heating functions and Merino leather upholstery.

The integrated head restraints are removable, and the seats have integrated multi-point harnesses to suit a track day.

The coupe also has a flat-bottom Alcantara M Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, a red 12 o’clock marker, and two M buttons for custom vehicle settings.

Other details consist of an M Anthracite headliner, red M2 CS logos, and customisable ambient lighting.

Standard equipment includes two-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, a Heads-Up Display, and BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional comprising a curved dual display with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen.

The screens run on the brand’s latest Operating System 8.5, which supports Maps Navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

On top of all of this, the M2 CS is fitted with assistance functions such as front collision warning, cruise control with automatic braking, a speed limiter, and lane departure warning.

Adaptive cruise control, a parking assistant, and a driving assistant can then be found on the list of optional extras.

2026 BMW M2 CS