BMW M2 CS G87: The most powerful M2 ever comes with M3/M4 power

After a good two years of production of the current G87-generation BMW M2 (see video), it's high time for an even more dynamic flagship model. The Munich-based company unveiled the new M2 CS a few days ago at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. However, since then, we've only known the design of the muscular 2 Series Coupé. BMW M GmbH has kept the exact technical details under wraps until now. But now these have also been announced – and it's clear: The new BMW M2 CS is the most powerful M2 ever!

M GmbH has further refined the M3/M4 underpinnings, already largely used in the standard M2, for the CS. This is particularly true of the drivetrain. The familiar 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with the factory designation S58 produces 530 hp here. That's not only 50 hp more than the standard M2, but also the same as the M3 and M4 Competition with xDrive. Unlike its larger siblings, however, the M2 CS sends its power exclusively to the rear axle. Maximum torque is also 50 times higher than its tamer sibling, at 650 Newton meters. The top engine speed is 7,200 rpm.

The power boost is primarily due to a modified engine management system. Otherwise, the turbocharged inline six-cylinder remains the high-tech engine it already is. Each of the two mono-scroll turbochargers supplies three cylinders with compressed air. Valvetronic variable valve timing, Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft adjustment, and intercooling are also on board. Added to this are optimized engine mounts, an M-specific cooling system, an improved oil circuit, and a modified eight-speed M Steptronic transmission that allows manual intervention at any time. The exhaust system with four matte-black tailpipes operates with electronic valve control. BMW offers an optional lightweight counterpart with titanium rear silencers and carbon tailpipe trims through the "M Performance Parts" catalog.

When it comes to sprint figures, BMW has recently taken a two-pronged approach, listing multiple times. Even the 0-100 km/h (0-100 mph) times of 3.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) times of 11.7 seconds, determined using the standard method, are impressive. The new BMW M2 CS is even faster when its sprint performance is determined using the "1-Foot Rollout" method. This allows a car to roll for one foot (30.48 centimeters) before the time measurement begins. Then the figures drop to 3.5 seconds and 11.4 seconds, respectively. This doesn't affect the top speed, however; thanks to the standard "M Driver's Package," it sits at 302 km/h (188 mph).

The new M2 CS features an adaptive suspension lowered by eight millimeters. Its tuning has been refined in terms of suspension, damping, and control systems, and is designed for use on the racetrack. The power steering and M Sport differential have also been retuned. A wide range of adjustment options affect the engine, suspension, steering, the integrated braking system, and the traction control, whose wheel slip limitation can be adjusted to ten levels. The "M Drive Professional," "M Laptimer," and "M Drift Analyzer" functions act as digital driving instructors, optimizing your driving skills, lap times, and drifting ability.

The top-of-the-line M2 comes standard with a compound brake system with red calipers, which can be replaced with a carbon-ceramic alternative at an additional cost. The system is mounted behind matte gold-bronze forged wheels, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. Tires are 275/35 ZR19 at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear, with customers choosing between sport tires, track tires, and the particularly sticky Ultra Track rubber.

BMW is also focused on saving weight. It's no wonder, considering the standard M2 weighs 1,700 kilograms, 150 more than its predecessor and almost as much as a BMW M4. Accordingly, the roof and trunk lid, with their sculpted ducktail spoilers, are made of lightweight carbon fiber composite. The exterior mirror caps and the specific angular rear diffuser are made of exposed carbon fiber, while the front splitter and kidney grille with optimized air intakes are painted black. Another eye-catching feature is the red "M2 CS" lettering on the rear.

Pronounced sills define the side view. While the wheel arch extensions are bold at the front, the rear ones are truly massive. Customers can choose from four colors: Sapphire Black metallic, BMW Individual Velvet Blue metallic, M Brooklyn Grey metallic, and M Portimao Blue metallic. Adaptive LED headlights with glare-free "BMW Selective Beam" high-beam technology and Shadow Line lights with dark inserts are standard.

BMW M GmbH also uses a lot of carbon fiber in the interior of the new M2 CS: The center console is made entirely of the lightweight material, and it is also used on the backs of the electrically adjustable sports seats with Merino leather and integrated headrests. These feature illuminated CS lettering and offer the option of installing multi-point seat belts for use on the racetrack. The flat-bottomed sports steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and features a red 12 o'clock marker. Preset driving programs and settings can be selected using the two M buttons. The corresponding button on the center console offers even more setup options.

Occupants enter the M2 CS cockpit via black door sills with model lettering and buckle in with model-specific seat belts. Red CS lettering adorns the center console, while the door panels are illuminated with the logo in the desired color. Carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and an anthracite-colored headliner complete the special CS look in the interior. The curved display, with its two combined displays (12.3 inches on the driver's side, 14.9 inches in the center), offers M-specific information.

Standard equipment includes the "BMW Live Cockpit Professional" including a navigation system, the iDrive operating system BMW OS 8.5, and a head-up display with augmented view. Smartphones can be integrated via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual-zone air conditioning, the Comfort Access system, and the Harman Kardon sound system demonstrate that this is by no means a spartan, radical sports car. The same goes for the heated front seats and steering wheel.

Like the other variants of the M2, the new BMW M2 CS will be manufactured at the Mexican plant in San Luis Potosí. Production is limited, although BMW has not yet specified a maximum number. The Munich-based company has identified the USA, Germany, and China as its most important markets. The market launch is planned for late summer; the base price in Germany is €115,000.