BMW formally launched particulars surrounding the 2026 BMW M2 CS, presumably the worst-kept BMW secret in many years. The second-gen M2 CS will get a whole lot of the ethos and aesthetic that made the primary one such a success. Nonetheless, there are many variations between the primary era F87 and second-generation G87 M2 CS. In reality, the automobiles are so totally different that you simply may need a better time than you thought selecting between the 2, for those who’re fortunate sufficient to be in that scenario. And fortunate for you, we’re right here to assist.
F87 vs. G87 M2 CS: Weight and Efficiency Figures
Let’s cowl certainly one of our favourite topics first: weight. Each the F87 M2 CS and G87 M2 CS ostensibly lower poundage from the extra mainstream M2 fashions. Though BMW by no means quoted a proper weight reduction quantity for the F87 M2 CS, a theoretical lack of round 55 kilos (25 kg) was potential if optioned with carbon ceramic brakes. Whereas BMW saved weight by introducing a super-sleek carbon fiber roof and middle console, package like extra spoilers and an adaptive suspension apparently made up the distinction. BMW formally says the F87 M2 CS weighs 3,417 kilos (1,551 kg). BMW quoted that zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) occurred in 3.8 seconds, and prime pace was restricted to 174 mph (280 km/h).
Try the brand new child: BMW says the G87 M2 CS weighs in at 3,770 kilos, or 1,710 kg. Meaning the brand new mannequin is lugging round 350 kilos greater than the outdated one was. However, maybe extra importantly, the G87 M2 CS does trim up in comparison with modern, extra pedestrian M2 fashions. BMW USA claims a weight discount of “practically 100 kilos” (45 kg), though as a consequence of variations in commonplace tools, it solely equates to round 30 kg (66 kilos) of weight financial savings in EU fashions. Carbon ceramics may shave one other few kilos right here too, as they aren’t commonplace. The tough (however predictable) actuality? The G87 M2 CS is heavier than the F87 M2 CS. BMW says the G87 M2 CS achieves the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and can hit a prime pace of 188 mph (302 km/h). Each figures are barely forward of the final M2 CS and common G87 M2s.
Engine and Transmission
The F87 M2 CS depends on the S55 engine, a twin-turbo inline-six. So does the G87 M2 CS; however there’s a considerable energy hole. The S55 within the F87 makes 444 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque (331 kW/550 Nm), whereas the S58 motivating the G87 makes 523 horsepower (390 kW) and 479 pound-feet of torque (650 Nm). Math is hard, so I’ll deal with it: that’s a rise of 79 horsepower (59 kW) and 73 pound-feet (99 Nm). That’s a reasonably substantial improve; nevertheless it is probably not sufficient for spec sheet racers. The G87 M2 CS has a barely decrease energy to weight ratio than the F87 M2 CS.
The unique M2 CS shipped along with your selection of a six-speed handbook transmission or seven-speed twin clutch automated transmission. For the G87 M2 CS, BMW has as an alternative opted for an eight-speed automated transmission. You continue to get paddle shifters, not less than, and there’s no cause to suspect the 8HP auto gained’t be splendidly competent at swapping gears. In spite of everything, it’s in each different utility BMW makes use of it in.
F87 vs. G87 M2 CS: Design
The F87 M2 CS featured a number of distinctive touches in and out that separated it from, properly, each BMW ever made. It’s the one F87 that acquired a carbon fiber roof, and right here, BMW built-in a novel checkered flag design into the weave. A vented, CFRP hood mirrored what we noticed on the F80 M3 and M4 CS automobiles. Carbon fiber wings and spoilers have been throughout, and the F87 acquired particular split-five-spoke alloy wheels, too. Inside, a particular carbon fiber molded middle console with out an armrest and beneficiant Alcantara gave you all of the motorsport theater you would ever need.
The G87 M2 CS, then again, doesn’t tout an aggressive vented hood. It doesn’t have a cool flag-weave carbon fiber roof (though it does have a carbon roof). It will get distinctive wheels and an unique ducktail trunk lid fabricated from CFRP, although. And inside, the M2 CS touts carbon fiber bucket seats, cool CS textual content on the door playing cards, and the same carbon middle console sans armrest. A singular grille design additional separates the CS from different M2s, however below the hood, you gained’t discover the identical fancy carbon fiber strut brace that the S55-powered automotive enjoys. Sadly, the 2026 BMW M2 CS additionally touts the identical iDrive display screen you discover in all places else within the lineup; the 2020 mannequin touted model-specific analog(ish) gauges that basically added to the sense of event.
Pricing
The primary M2 CS began at $84,595 within the US, and round €96,500. Immediately, anticipate to pay across the identical on the secondhand market: costs merely haven’t moved a lot, particularly on low-mile and doubly particularly for automobiles with a handbook transmission. The bottom-priced F87 M2 CS within the US is at the moment at $73,000, an automatic-equipped automotive with 30,000 miles. The best is a 1,200-mile instance listed at $125,730. For reference, the automotive’s unique MSRP was round $25,000 greater than the usual M2 of the day.
The G87 M2 CS is priced from $99,775 within the US, commanding €115,000 elsewhere. That’s €37,500 greater than a normal automatic-equipped M2, and $31,000 greater than that very same automotive within the US. We’re positive of some issues: individuals can pay over MSRP for the M2 CS, and the used market will probably maintain very near unique sale costs for an excellent whereas.
Which M2 CS to Select?
It’s a bit of stunning to see how a lot the M2 CS has modified. Simply six mannequin years and a single era separate the 2, however they’re very totally different animals. I feel the G87 M2 CS will likely be sooner in lots of conditions than the F87; nonetheless, I feel the higher energy/weight ratio and decrease total curb weight will maintain the F87 M2 CS barely faster on tighter tracks. On the road, the G87 M2 CS will ask much less of its driver. Equally, driving at something lower than eight- or nine-tenths, I believe the G87 M2 CS will really feel faster.
I’ll conclude this comparability with some private notes. I owned an M2 Competitors for a pair years and have some expertise on the observe and lots on the road with the N55-powered M2 that got here earlier than it. The enjoyment of the M2, for me, has at all times been what BMW as a model ensnared me with within the first place: tossable, shift-it-yourself enjoyable in a automotive that at all times looks like a special day. Plenty of that’s purely subjective — arguably, it must be — and but I think about you may already inform which automotive I’d select. I encourage you to drive each. Decide the one which reminds you most of what driving the Final Driving Machine is all about.
