The M2 CS Proves BMW Still Builds Driver’s Cars

Goodwood never disappoints when it comes to rare metal, with cars like the Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear making an appearance. Among the standouts, we spotted not one, but two BMW M2 CS models at the Festival of Speed — each finished in a striking color: BMW Individual Velvet Blue and Sapphire Black. Built as a more hardcore, limited-run evolution of the standard BMW M2, the CS adds power, sheds weight, and picks up a cheeky ducktail spoiler, among other track-ready upgrades.

Sharper, Lighter, Louder

Under the hood sits a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six, now tuned to 523 hp, matching the output of the all-wheel-drive M3 and M4 Competition. But in the M2 CS, that power goes exclusively to the rear wheels. BMW claims it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. A torque bump to 479 lb-ft, a higher redline, and stiffer engine mounts help make the CS sharper and more responsive than the standard M2. BMW M also trimmed 66 lbs from the regular M2 by incorporating more carbon fiber throughout the car.

That includes the roof, boot lid, center console, front splitter, rear diffuser, and mirror caps. The car rides on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged wheels, wrapped in sticky track-ready tires. Revised suspension and lowered ride height help keep it firmly planted. If the CS still isn’t enough, BMW has teased a new Track Pack for the regular M2, hinting that more hardcore hardware might soon be available without the CS badge.

Related: Here’s Why BMW Sacrificed The Manual For M2 CS

Carbon-Infused Inside and Out

The cabin is just as focused. Weight-optimized M Carbon bucket seats trimmed in Merino leather and Alcantara, complete with red “CS” logos, make it feel special the moment you climb in. A flat-bottom Alcantara steering wheel and carbon fiber trim make it even more worthy of the CS badge. iDrive 8.5 comes standard, along with BMW’s M Drift Analyser and Lap Timer. Visually, the M2 CS looks the part with its exposed carbon roof, oversized ducktail spoiler, and aggressive rear diffuser. And while modern cars rarely sound as raw as their predecessors, the optional M Performance titanium exhaust makes for an exciting soundtrack.

Perhaps One Of The Last Proper M Cars

At this year’s Goodwood, BMW also showcased its Vision Neue Klasse electric concept — possibly previewing the future of M. And while it may be quick, it doesn’t speak to the enthusiast’s heart like the M2 CS, and feels out of place with the BMW brand. That said, seeing two of these compact, rear-wheel-drive M cars wasn’t a swan song. It was a celebration. Proof that BMW still knows exactly how to build proper driver’s cars.