In the years since the BMW M2 was first introduced, the German carmaker has slowly increased power from a low of 365 hp to as much as 473 hp in the recently updated 2025 model. Soon, the M2 will cross the 500 hp barrier for the first time, thanks to the launch of a potent new CS variant. BMW has been testing the first hardcore version of the second-generation M2 for quite some time and recently headed to the Nurburgring to put a camouflaged prototype through its paces. While we’re not big fans of how the new M2 looks, there’s no denying that it’s a superb sports car and this latest version promises to be even better. It also looks extremely quick around the bends.
Like the regular model, the M2 CS will be
driven by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder except it could pack
between 518 hp and 525 hp. To put that into perspective, the standard BMW M4
delivers 473 hp while the rear-wheel drive M4 Competition is capped at 503 hp,
meaning the M2 CS could outmuscle both of them. While that’s great news for
enthusiasts of the smallest M car, it may rub some M3 and M4 owners the wrong
way.
The engine of this prototype isn’t the
most sonorous we’ve heard from the M department but we can hear it’s mated to
an automatic transmission, which will probably be the only option. That’s a
shame, but BMW is obviously aiming to maximize performance from the car, and
using an eight-speed automatic is the best way to do this.
Several other upgrades have been made to
the car, including a revised front fascia, new wheels, and a pronounced lip
spoiler on the decklid. The CS should also weigh less than the standard model
thanks to the more extensive use of lightweight materials and several interior
changes, which should include new bucket seats.
