2019 BMW M2 CS 3.0L 6MT (450 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW introduced the CS version of the M2 in 2019 more as a track-focused version of the M2, transferring most of the technologies from its larger siblings, the M3 and the M4, including the engine.

While the M2 was praised for its performance and ability to take corners, the M2 CS went to a higher level. Not only did it look meaner, but it was also more powerful and fitted with better underpinnings that transformed the great M2 into a magnificent sports car fit for everyday usage. BMW didn’t want to create a car just for track use but for daily driving situations, and that’s one of the reasons why the M2 CS was incredibly well-received by its fans around the world. Furthermore, it was available with a three-pedal setup, a feat that only a handful of sports car makers kept in their parts bins.

From the outside, the M2 CS featured an aggressive front fascia dominated by the wide kidney grille above the bumper. Still, that cooling area was not enough for the powerplant under the hood, so the automaker added a second one in the apron, below the bumper. That featured a hexagonal shape and was flanked by two additional scoops that cooled the brakes and other radiators. A specific detail for this CS version was the vent on the hood that extracted the hot air from the engine bay. To complete the front visual package, the automaker placed a carbon-fiber lip at the bottom of the apron. From its profile, the M2 CS sported vents on the front fenders and unique side skirts. Finally, at the back, the car had a carbon fiber spoiler on the trunk and a diffuser flanked by four round exhausts underneath the bumper.

Inside, drivers were greeted by a thick, Alcantara-covered three-spoke steering wheel. Surprisingly, it was round, not flat-bottomed, to respect the origins of the M-labeled cars. BMW didn’t stop there and continued with the same materials on the center console, dashboard, and door cards. The sports seats featured high seatbacks with high-bolstered areas and integrated headrests. Just like in the regular M2, there was limited room for two passengers in the back on the bench seat, but those were available and good enough for short jaunts. On the dashboard, BMW installed an analog instrument cluster filled with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer. Atop the center stack, the automaker placed the screen for the iDrive infotainment system.

Obviously, the most significant part of the M2 CS was under its skin. BMW placed the same S55 inline-six powerplant fed by a pair of turbochargers. Even though it was more track-focused than the M2 Competition, the engine and transmission were still very good on public roads. In addition, the six-speed manual or the seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearboxes were sturdy enough to cope with daily traffic situations.