BMW is turning it up to 11 with the 2026 M2 CS. The good news? It goes on a diet, it gains a lot more muscle, and unlike its M3 and M4 CS siblings, this little beast of a Bimmer is rear-drive-only, just like the sports-car gods intended. The not-so-good news? Unlike the last one, this new M2 CS is automatic-only.

Now that we’ve acknowledged the elephant in the room, let’s get back to the good stuff. This latest M2 CS follows the same formula as its predecessor and its siblings, being a stripped-down and more hardcore version of an already very good sports car. Power comes from BMW’s familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, but tweaked here to put out 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That’s a boost of 50 and 36, respectively, over the standard M2. This also puts it on par with the all-wheel-drive M3 and M4 Competition, but ever-so-slightly short of the CS variants.

But the power bump isn’t even half the story. Like the M3 and M4 CS, the M2 CS chases improved feel, feedback, and more driving enjoyment in general through a whole host of chassis tweaks. We’re talking stiffer engine mounts, re-tuned springs, dampers, and steering, upsized brakes, a near 100-pound weight reduction over the standard, automatic M2 … and much more. The list quite literally goes on.

BMW’s decision to keep the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic in the M2 CS may give enthusiasts some pause, especially since its predecessor was manual-only, and a good chunk of buyers—at least south of the border—opt for three pedals. But BMW quotes a zero-to-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds; that’s two-tenths quicker than the standard automatic M2, and we didn’t complain about the same transmission in the M3 and M4 CS being a wet blanket on the fun.

Cosmetically, the M2 CS wears much more visual muscle inside and out versus the standard M2. The staggered, matte gold forged wheels and carbon fibre bits all over not only contribute to the weight savings, but also generously fill up the fenders and further the M2 CS’ hardcore intentions. Up front, the M2 CS comes standard with a set of restyled kidney grilles, while the CS-specific rear diffusor, matte black exhaust tips, and an integrated ducktail spoiler. Colour options include a lovely new hue called Velvet Blue, and inside, BMW’s awkward M Carbon bucket seats and copious Alcantara trim are standard issue.

BMW is asking exactly $125,000 for this stripped-out, hardcore M2 CS. Production begins this August, and deliveries should start shortly after.