Currently reading: New BMW M2 CS: official details of 444bhp, £75k run-out special

Track-focused version of BMW's smallest M car makes LA motor show debut, with carbon parts, new aero features and more power

BMW’s M division is sending the current M2 off on a high with the introduction of a new, limited-edition CS model.

The last-hurrah performance coupé, revealed at the Los Angeles motor show, is already on sale in the UK at a price of £75,320. Right-hand drive deliveries are planned to begin next April.

Differentiating the track-focused M2 CS from the £51,425 M2 Competition are a number of exterior upgrades, such as a carbonfibre-reinforced plastic bonnet with a central air vent and a carbonfibre roof. The bonnet’s weight is claimed to be half that of the steel structure used for the M2 Competition.

Further changes include a new splitter element at the front, a unique boot spoiler and a multi-channel diffuser – all made from carbonfibre and boosting downforce. Also part of the package are new lightweight 19in forged aluminium wheels in a black or matt gold finish and a choice of four exterior paint colours.

2019 Los Angeles motor show: live news and updates

98 Bmw cs 2019 official press hero rear

Power for the M2 CS comes from a reworked version of M division’s S55 engine that uses a redesigned dual-branch exhaust system with controllable flaps for acoustics. The twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol inline six runs the same state of tune as it does in BMW the M4 Competition, developing 444bhp at 6250rpm. That’s a 40bhp increase on the M2 Competition and gives the M2 CS a power-to-weight ratio of 286bhp per tonne. Torque stays at 405lb ft.

The increased reserves are channelled through a standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an electronically controlled Active M differential. BMW claims a 0-62mph time of 4.2sec for the manual-equipped M2 CS and 4.0sec for the dual-clutch version. By comparison, the 404bhp M2 Competition has an official 0-62mph time of 4.4sec in manual guise.

The M2 CS’s fourth-gear 50-75mph split is put at 3.3sec for the manual car and 3.1sec for the dual-clutch model. With a Driver’s Package, which includes 245/35-profile front and 265/35-profile rear 19in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard, the top speed is raised to 174mph.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

The BMW M2 is the smallest M car in the range, but can it live up to the prodigious name?

Back to top

The manual M2 CS’s fuel consumption is 27.7mpg on the WLTP cycle, with CO2 emissions of 233g/km. The dual-clutch car returns 30.1mpg and 214g/km.

90 Bmw cs 2019 official press spoiler

Among the chassis tweaks brought to the M2 CS is standard Adaptive M suspension with the choice of three driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Also included are upgraded M Sport brakes, with 400mm steel discs and six-piston calipers at the front and 380mm steel discs and four-piston calipers at the rear.

Despite the carbonfibre body panels, it's actually no lighter than the Competition unless you opt for the optional carbon ceramics, saving 22kg. This because it includes adaptive M suspension and M Sport seats as standard.

86 Bmw cs 2019 official press dashboard

Inside, the M2 CS receives a carbonfibre centre console, plus M Sport seats from the M4 CS. Further equipment upgrades include adaptive LED headlights and a Harman Kardon sound system.

READ MORE 

Next BMW M2 will stay rear-wheel drive

BMW M face-off: M3 CSL vs. M2 Competition

Clash of the coupés: Toyota Supra meets BMW M2 Competition and Porsche 718 Cayman

Join the debate

Comments
11
Add a comment…
jason_recliner 22 November 2019

That looks SUPERB!

I want one.

Alfastud 6 November 2019

A lot of money, but...

... if you compare it with the fully-loaded Megane RS Trophy R at 72 grand, it starts to look like a bargain. Sort of.

Tycoon 6 November 2019

£75k

£75k, for what 40hp & some carbon bits? BMW (& those who buy it) have gotta be having a laugh - fools all of you.
Peter Cavellini 6 November 2019

Maybe....

 Of course it's a silly amount of money for a car like this,but, it'll put a smile a mile wide on your face,and that's when £75K seems a bargain!