2020 BMW M2 CS Gets M4 Competition-Level Power and Shows BMW’s M Isn’t Killing Manuals Just Yet
Photos and words by Atif Kazmi for Por Homme
BMW’s M Division has evolved quite a bit over the year, going from touching only the purest performance vehicle’s in the German carmaker’s lineup to enhancing more of the brand’s portfolio through M Performance trims and beyond. If we recall, the latest-generation 2-Series was introduced with an M240i M Performance Edition back in 2017. Since then, we’ve seen both the M2 and M2 Competition make their debuts, each churning out a ton of power mated to performance-focused underpinnings, plenty of carbon fiber and a ton of stopping power to boot. With the limited edition BMW M2 CS, M pushes the limits of the M2 even further. We spent time with the M2 CS and were reminded of just how fun 3-pedal driving can be.
With performance numbers continuing to climb, we’re seeing less and less manual transmissions. The 2020 M2 CS stunts this trend, making a six-speed manual standard (seven-speed DCT optional) along with a host of details that make this M2 the one to enjoy on the road and tame on the track. The M2 CS takes the M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine and optimizes it to 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, the same power figures we’ve seen in the M4 Competition getting tossed into a more compact, nimble body. All this means the M2 CS can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds when mated to a dual-clutch seven speed or 4.0 seconds with the standard six-speed manual. That’s two-tenths of a second faster than the M2 Competition.
The BMW M2 CS is a blend of extremes and arguably the most versatile M2 on the road. It’s the first to get Adaptive M Suspension, allowing the driver to fine tune the underpinnings from Comfort to Sport to Sport Plus. Every other edit pushes the M2 CS to the limits. M sport brakes come with red calipers but the carbon ceramics are optional and a first for the M2. It’s also the first M2 to get a carbon fiber roof which helps to shed more weight and lower the center of gravity. Additional carbon fiber helping to shed weight and enhance the airflow comes by way of the front splitter, rear spoiler, M twin-stalk exterior mirrors, rear diffuser, and more. Similar to what we’ve seen on the M4 CS, the carbon engine hood is vented for enhanced airflow and adding a bit more bite to that front end. Other options include your choice of 19-inch wheels that come in high gloss black or gold matte. Couple them with the Misano Blue paint — another M2 first — and you’ve got a beautiful exterior package that’s ready to take on any road.
Inside the M2 CS is an effortless blend of leather, carbon and Alcantara. The M Competition seats are standard and feature cutouts in the back rests along with Alcantara and black leather with CS-specific fire red contrast stitching throughout. BMW Motorsports stripes are embroidered into the headrests with the illuminated CS logo on the headrests. The center console is made from carbon fiber and wrapped in Alcantara, as is the M steering wheel, helping the driver to get additional grip.
See more of the 2020 BMW M2 CS in the gallery and look for it through your local BMW dealership with an MSRP of $83,600.
