Is that this the final actually nice, rear-drive M automobile?

BMW has a confirmed report of protecting us – the good unwashed fanatic – entertained with the M2. It likes to speak in regards to the ‘prestigious lineage’ that may be traced all the way in which again to the 2002 Turbo, however in the event you have been 20 when that automobile first appeared on the Frankfurt present, you’re 72 now – so a extra affordable touchstone is the 1 Collection M Coupe that appeared to a clamorous reception in 2011. Deliberately constructed as a cult traditional, the automobile was a number of notches under good, but its genius was plain for all to see: by combining a stocky RWD chassis with a throaty straight six and handbook gearbox, BMW had occurred upon a recipe that appealed to its core viewers in a means that the more and more giant and complicated M3 didn’t. 

For a lot of, it was the ghost of the E46 meets turbocharging – little marvel it dramatically exceeded BMW’s gross sales expectations. It was changed by the better-resolved M2 in 2015 (which spawned the earlier 450hp CS in 2019), adopted by the current-generation model in 2023. That mannequin, you received’t put out of your mind, reached 480hp during its last refresh. Now it too will get a CS by-product, which for 2025 delivers 530hp – 20hp greater than the G80 M3 Competitors did when it arrived again in 2020. And practically 200hp greater than the 1M Coupe. If that sounds to you want BMW M going all in on the idea of its rear-drive tearaway, you’re not fallacious. 

It definitely appears to properly perceive what the core objective of the brand new mannequin is: one other benchmark in relation to the ‘essence of sheer driving pleasure’ is promised, even when BMW has opted to get rid of the choice of a six-speed handbook. The CS is claimed to be round 30kg lighter than the standard M2 thanks principally to better use of CFRP in its development – most notably in that ducktail spoiler which has been ‘seamlessly built-in’ into the carbon fibre boot lid – and the usual fitment of Golden Bronze 19-/20-inch solid light-alloy wheels. 

It was inevitable that the lightest M2 of its technology can be mixed with the biggest output, although its proximity to the M3 CS – simply 20hp shy and now with the identical 479lb ft of torque out there between 2,650rpm and 5,730rpm – exhibits simply how intently associated the fashions are in BMW’s reasoning. At any fee, the agency is promising sharper traits from the acquainted 3.0-litre unit due to model-specific accelerator mapping throughout all drive modes, to not point out a 0-to-62mph time of three.8 seconds – 0.2 seconds sooner than its sibling and touchdown the completely eight-speed M2 within the sub-four-second membership for the primary time. 

Moreover, BMW suggests it has elevated the spring charges on the engine mounting for a extra inflexible connection – one other telltale signal that the CS goes to reach with the type of leash-straining power that makes a 50-75mph time of three.4 seconds appear endlessly achievable. The M Driver’s Package deal (normal on the CS) means prime pace is electronically restricted to 188mph, though it’s price mentioning that anybody searching for a ‘extra aggressive soundscape’ might want to choose the specifically designed titanium exhaust system from the M Efficiency elements catalogue. So count on that to be a well-liked choice. 

In chassis phrases, the CS is lowered by 8mm in comparison with normal, and receives bespoke tuning for the springs, dampers, and management methods. Moreover, the steering, diff, and M Compound braking system (carbon ceramics are additionally additional) have been given a model-specific refresh, with the DSC higher optimised for all times on the monitor – although you additionally get BMW’s Observe mode, which accesses the ten-stage M Traction Management for a extra nuanced tailoring of help ranges. Naturally, all of that is managed by way of the very newest M-specific Curved Show structure, that means you get the identical 12.3- and 14.9-inch screens that arrived within the wider M2 refresh, powered by BMW’s OS 8.5. 

Elsewhere inside, the satan is within the element: the centre console is now constructed fully from CFRP, as are the bucket seats, which, as you may count on, now get an illuminated CS badge to enrich the Merino leather-based. The identical lettering is dotted across the cabin – not least within the door panels, the place it is usually lit up – and also you get a heated M Alcantara steering wheel to go together with the equally nice-to-touch anthracite headliner. Externally, there are 4 colors to select from: Sapphire Black, M Brooklyn Gray, M Portimao Blue, and Particular person Velvet Blue. With out going into particular element, BMW says monitor tyres are normal, although sports activities tyres are a no-cost choice. A set of ‘ultra-track’ rubber will value you additional. 

Talking of value, the brand new M2 CS begins at £86,800. For many who like their giant numbers provided with context, the present M2 is £68,705 earlier than ticking, and the earlier CS was £75,320 again in 2020. An M4 Competitors with all-wheel drive and the identical 530hp output is £91,325. A Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – now 130hp down on its rival, although very practically as fast with the PDK – is £75,300. That is seemingly all of passing curiosity to anybody who fell in love with the ducktail at first sight on Friday. We definitely wouldn’t blame you: the brand new CS sits on the finish of a really lengthy line of exemplary rear-drive M automobiles, and its standing amongst them is sort of assured on that foundation – particularly as its manufacturing will probably be time-limited. Anticipate first buyer deliveries on the finish of the summer season. Anticipate a mighty huge queue, too.