BMW M2 CS: The Last Hurrah

I have to admit I knew before I even sat in the seat that I was going to like the 2020 BMW M2 CS, I just hope that it would live up to my hope that it would remind me of the M cars of old. Growing up it was rare to see an M car, those M badges were special and held only for the best Bavaria had to offer. But a few years back, BMW started offering more and more M and M Sport models, suddenly almost every BMW you saw had an M badge.

The M2 Competition CS, which standards for Competition Sport, is far more than just an appearance package, the CS, feels like a BMW M car should, it is special. It looks exceptionally good in the  Misano Blue paired with the optional matte-gold wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. Behind the wheels are massive carbon-ceramic brake rotors with matching gold calipers, a combo that will set you back an additional $8,500.  

With 444 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, the CS is the most powerful production 2 Series to date and also the most expensive coming in at nearly $94,000 with the upgraded brakes and wheels. Offered with a proper 6-speed manual gearbox, or a faster 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters that lets the CS sprint from 0-60 in just 3.8 seconds.

To save weight the CS gets a carbon-fiber roof, hood, and lightweight bucket seats, and center console, all of this helps shave an additional 83 pounds when compared to the M2 Competition. Inside the CS is replete with Alcantara and carbon fiber. The deeply bolstered bucket seats feature M branding as do the seat belts, the steering wheel from an M3/M4. There is a small back seat, but honestly, I wish the CS had come with a rear seat delete and harness bar since this is a “track focused” car. 

Driving the CS on a back-country road is pure joy and reminds you of just how good of a sports car BMW can build. Toggling through the different drive modes, the car just gets better and better but is still civilized enough for a long road trip with plenty of room in the truck. I spent a week exploring the backroads of the Brazos Valley and couldn’t think of a car I would rather have for those back roads. With just 2,200 of the CS being built, it is sure to be a collectible in the future, as the ultimate expression of the F87 chassis and as one of the last true BMWs we may ever see.