BMW's latest concoction, the M2 CS, has just made its world debut at the always-glamorous Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Predictably, it's louder, faster, leaner and slightly more gold than before. And quite possibly the last time BMW's smallest M-car will snarl without any electrified assistance.
This is the hardcore version of the M2 Coupe. And in true BMW 'CS' fashion, it follows the company's well-worn recipe: remove some weight, add more power, stiffen everything that moves and shout about it with a ducktail spoiler.
Power Up, Weight Down
Under the bonnet lies the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six petrol as the regular M2, but now it produces 530bhp and 650Nm – that's 50bhp and 100Nm more. BMW claims a 0 to 100 kmph sprint of just 3.8 seconds, which is properly brisk for a compact coupe that still has back seats. Allegedly.
The 6-speed manual gearbox from the regular M2 has been shown the door. BMW says it couldn't cope with the torque and, more importantly, customers weren't exactly queuing up for it. So, the M2 CS gets an 8-speed automatic as standard.
To help offset all that extra enthusiasm, the CS goes on a mild diet. It shaves off 30kg, bringing the kerb weight down to 1,700kg, thanks to a carbon-fibre roof and boot lid. You'll also find stiffer engine mounts, revised dampers and springs, a retuned differential, sharper brakes and a slightly lowered ride height – 8mm lower, to be exact.
A Gold-Tinged Face You Might Miss
From a distance, you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a regular M2. But look closer. There are new bumper intakes and a subtly reworked grille to help the engine breathe better. More noticeable are the gold-finished lightweight alloy wheels, exclusive to the CS. You'll also spot a carbon ducktail spoiler and a larger diffuser around the back.
The colour palette includes Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, Brooklyn Grey, and a new Velvet Blue, which sounds like something you'd find in a James Bond casino scene.
BMW is also offering a titanium M Performance exhaust that not only cuts weight but promises a more "aggressive soundscape". Which is another way of saying "it's louder".
A Track Suit with Heated Seats
Inside, it's a proper split personality. There are carbon-fibre bucket seats, an Alcantara-wrapped M steering wheel, CS badges on just about everything, and several M-specific trimmings to remind you this isn't the standard car.
Despite all the track-ready bits, it still features 3-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a Harman Kardon audio system. This is very much a track car for people who also enjoy traffic jams and Spotify.
Limited and Likely Expensive
BMW hasn't confirmed pricing for India yet, but considering what the previous M2 CS cost, this one won't be shy. Expect something in the Rs 1.3 crore ballpark if it gets here.
Also worth noting – this might just be the last fully combustion-powered M2 ever. Which means it could end up in a collector's garage or be spotted doing doughnuts outside Lavasa.
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