444bhp BMW M2 CS breaks cover

- The limited-edition M2 CS has got M3’s power output and a host of performance upgrades 

- Rumoured to be the swansong of the current-gen M2 

BMW has finally taken the wraps off the new M2 CS – the uprated, limited edition version of the baby M car festooned with carbon fibre and M3-level performance. And if the performance of the standard M2 Competition is anything to go by, the CS simply takes it up a notch. 

Let’s start with the powertrain. Under the new carbon fibre hood is the S55 3.0-litre straight-six punching out 444bhp – that’s up by 39bhp over M2 Competition and you get the same output from the current-gen M3/M4 Competition. Meanwhile, the torque is rated at 550Nm and sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Yes, the M2 CS gets a three-pedal setup with a traditional M-spec gearstick adorned with contrast stitching and the M logo. The 0-100kmph time, if you are interested to know, is four seconds flat or 3.8 seconds with the DCT. 

Changes under the skin include adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes with red-painted callipers; those massive M carbon-ceramic brakes along with the active differentials and M Dynamic Mode are optional. The M2 CS sits on lightweight 19-inch Y-spoke forged wheels which are available in high-gloss black finish as well as the optional matte gold colour as seen in the pictures here. Sending the firepower to the tarmac are those specially adopted Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. 

As mentioned earlier, the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction for the bonnet saves weight by 50 per cent, says BMW. Meanwhile, there’s more carbon fibre on front splitters and roof, boot lip spoiler, rear diffuser and mirror housing as well. The M-spec dual-branch exhaust system is new and has two electrically-controlled flaps and four stainless steel tailpipes wearing the M logo. 

On the inside, there are lightweight bucket seats scrounged from the M4 CS and swathed in Alcantara leather with red contrast stitching. Even the steering wheel gets Alcantara wrap with a special red centre mark. What’s more, the uprated M2 can be availed in four exterior colour options, of which the metallic Misano Blue is exclusive to the CS. 

The M2 CS is developed alongside the new M2 CS Racing model, which BMW Motorsport will offer as new entry-model for customer racing. After making a public debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Motor Show, the M2 CS will go on sale early next year priced at 95,000 Euros apiece.