The BMW M2 & M2 Competition Thread

390 kW BMW M2 CS confirmed for SA

The new BMW M2 CS offers an M3 Competition-matching 390 kW, while seeing off the 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.8 seconds. And it’s scheduled to arrive in SA in Q2 2026…

Though the new BMW M2 CS was previewed at the recent Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy (where the covers also came off the Concept Speedtop), the Bavarian automaker has now released full details of this special-edition version of the apex 2 Series coupé.

Scheduled to touch down in South Africa from the 2nd quarter of 2026, the new M2 CS gains extra power while also losing weight. While we don’t yet know how many units have been set aside for Mzansi, BMW says this new derivative will be produced at the San Luis Potosí factory in Mexico “in limited numbers”.

So, what makes the CS-badged variant different to the standard M2? Well, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine has been suitably massaged to generate peak outputs of 390 kW and 650 Nm, respective increases of 37 kW and 50 Nm.

Yes, that makes the rear-driven M2 CS just as powerful as its all-paw bigger brothers, the M3 Competition xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive. For the record, the new BMW M2 CS ships with an 8-speed automatic transmission, meaning – unlike the standard M2 – it’s not available in 6-speed manual guise.

In addition, the BMW M division says it has cut the weight of the special edition by “roughly 30 kg” compared to the standard M2. The newcomer features what BMW describes as a “multitude” of exterior and interior components fashioned from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), including that eye-catching boot lid with its integrated “ducktail” spoiler.

BMW claims a 0-100 kph sprint time of just 3.8 seconds, which makes the new CS some 0.2 seconds faster to the mark than the standard M2. Meanwhile, the claimed 0-200 kph time falls by 1.2 seconds to 11.7 seconds. As expected, this special-edition derivative ships standard with the M Driver’s Package, seeing its top speed electronically capped at 302 kph.

 
New SA-bound BMW M2 CS continues the tradition with more power, less weight, RWD

With more power, less weight, rear wheel drive and a limited production run, the new BMW M2 CS proudly, and loudly, continues the ‘Competition Sport’ tradition that dates back to the late 1960s.

The limited edition Coupe will be available in South Africa from the second quarter of 2026, BMW SA has confirmed, with pricing to be released nearer to the time. But expect to pay a substantial premium over the regular M2’s sticker, which falls just north of the R1.5 million mark.

Beneath the bonnet is an upgraded version of BMW’s 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged engine, now matching the BMW M3 and M4 with outputs of 390kW at 6,250rpm and 650Nm from 2,650 to 5,730rpm.

Boasting 37kW and 50Nm more than the regular M2, and being an impressive 30kg lighter, the new M2 CS is capable of sprinting from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, making it 0.2 seconds quicker. The top speed is electronically limited to 302km/h.

An M-specific exhaust system with electronically controlled flaps is fitted to ensure an enticing soundtrack, but for those who seek, in BMW’s words, a “racing car sound guaranteed to stir the emotions”, a bespoke new M Performance silencer system is available through the M Performance Parts catalogue.

Power goes straight to the back wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox and M Sport differential.

 
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