We’ll get to the power in a moment – first of all, let’s talk ducktails. The M2 CS has one. It’s integrated, it’s prominent, and oh boy does it look the part. It’s also made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, as are the roof and rear diffuser. Other differentiators include staggered lightweight wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear – finished in ‘Golden Bronze’. The Kidney Grille has been tweaked for improved cooling, and there’s a new gloss black lip across the bottom of the front bumper. 

The CS also rides 8mm lower, courtesy of new springs, and the adaptive dampers have been revised to suit. Further software changes include recalibrated settings for Dynamic Stability Control and M Dynamic Mode. The steering, limited-slip differential and integrated braking system all receive model-specific tuning, while the M3’s ten-stage M Traction Control and Drift Analyser are now included – both previously unavailable on the M2. As with the M4 CS and M3 CS Touring, specially designed engine mounts are likely to feature, improving body control and responsiveness.

Disappointingly – and true to form for the CS line – carbon ceramics remain an option. As standard, the M2 CS uses the M Compound braking system, with six-piston calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear.

One thing missing from the options list entirely is a manual gearbox. Unlike its predecessor, the G87 M2 CS is auto-only, using the familiar eight-speed ZF transmission. BMW points out that the standard M2’s torque is deliberately capped to protect the manual gearbox – and that just won’t do for a CS.

Now that we’re on the subject of power, under the bonnet sits a tweaked version of BMW M’s S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six. Where the standard M2 delivers 473bhp and 442lb ft, the CS effectively runs an M3 tune – producing 523bhp at 6,250rpm, sustained to the 7,200rpm redline. Torque is also lifted to M3 levels, with 479lb ft (650Nm) available between 2,750 and 5,730rpm.

In terms of performance, 0–62mph takes 3.8 seconds, 0–124mph is dispatched in 11.7, and while the top speed remains limited, it’s raised to 187mph. Perhaps just as telling are the in-gear numbers: with such a broad torque band, the CS covers 50–75mph in fifth in just 3.4 seconds. For those who want their CS to shout a little louder about its performance, a lightweight titanium M Performance exhaust system is on the options list.

Inside, the formula is again familiar: focused, but not hardcore. The best example is the now-infamous M carbon-shelled bucket seats, which retain electric memory adjustment and are trimmed in Merino leather. The steering wheel rim is finished in Alcantara, as is the headlining, and there’s M2 CS-specific embroidery throughout.

One area where the G87 goes further is the dashboard – now formed entirely from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. Perched above it is BMW’s Curved Display, running the brand’s latest operating system and featuring a head-up display.

Even with the new dash, total weight savings are a mildly disappointing 30kg – especially against a 1,700kg DIN kerb weight. Power-to-weight is therefore 308bhp per tonne.

Further details? The aforementioned alloys are sized 275/35 ZR19 front and 285/30 ZR20 rear respectively. Track tyres - expected to be Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 - are fitted as standard, however customers can specify more rounded UHP summer tyres at no additional charge. Even more extreme track rubber will be available as an optional extra. The CS also comes in a choice of four exterior colours: Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, Brooklyn Grey or BMW Individual Velvet Blue.

The M2 CS will be priced from £86,800 in the UK, compared to £68,705 for the base M2. Whilst quite a rise, that’s no more expensive than an M4 Competition, with matching performance and sharper dynamics. A limited production run should also benefit residuals, although BMW hasn’t given away any specific numbers. Order books are open now, and the first UK customer deliveries will commence in late summer 2025.