BMW has unveiled the 2026 M2 CS, its newest compact performance car. This model offers impressive power, with 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine. The car is also about 100 pounds lighter than the regular M2. Changes to the suspension include a 0.2-inch lower ride height, updated springs and dampers, and improved stability control and driving modes.
One major change is that the M2 CS does not offer a manual gearbox. Instead, it only comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This may disappoint some sports car fans who prefer a manual, but BMW has a clear reason for this decision.
Dirk Häcker, the head of research and development for BMW’s M division, explained why the M2 CS cannot have a manual transmission. Simply put, the manual gearbox cannot handle the car’s power.
“We are limited to a six-speed manual option for up to 480 horsepower,” Häcker said. “That’s the maximum power the manual gearbox can handle for a street car.”
With 523 horsepower, the M2 CS exceeds this limit. Also, the torque of 479 lb-ft is above the manual gearbox’s capacity of 406 lb-ft.
However, some may wonder why the newer BMW M 3.0 CSL has a manual gearbox despite having 552 horsepower. Häcker clarified that the CSL is a very rare and exclusive car. It is not intended for daily use or high mileage. Because only 50 units of the CSL were made, BMW could use specialized parts that would not be practical for mass production cars like the M2 CS.
Regarding drivetrain layout, the M2 CS uses rear-wheel drive only. Unlike the M3 CS and M4 CS, which have all-wheel drive, the M2 CS does not offer an xDrive system yet. Häcker hinted that all-wheel drive might come to the M2 in the future but no final decision has been made.
Adding all-wheel drive would increase weight and complexity. BMW positions the M2 CS as a pure, track-focused car where rear-wheel drive suits the driving experience best.
The base price for the 2026 BMW M2 CS is $98,600. With the destination fee of $1,175, buyers should expect to pay at least $99,775. Optional extras include carbon-ceramic brakes for $8,500 and a special Velvet Blue Metallic paint for $3,000.
For fans interested in more details, BMW M division’s Dirk Häcker gave a full 26-minute interview explaining the M2 CS, which is available online.
