When BMW launched the original M2 CS (F87) in 2019, there was a choice. The buyers had to choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The Sport-Spec G87 competition is now officially executed, but is not looking for this third pedal. The high-performance coupé is only automatically equipped with an eight-speed torque converter.
In the 2025 Concorso d’Elanza Villa d’Este we rightly asked BMW why the new M2 CS looks on a gear lever. M -boss Frank van Meel explained that the inclusion of a manual would have led to an output below 500 hp. They wanted to exceed this threshold, which is why the compact sports coupé packs exceed 523 HP packs. That is 20 hp more than an M4 with rear wheel drive and just like the M4 XDrive. Consulting with a DIY transmission would also have prevented engineers from unlocking the full torque of the S58 engine. The 3.0-liter twin turbo inline-Six straps 479 LB-FT (650 Nm) and corresponds to the all-wheel drive M4.
During the interview, we pointed out that M created a manual M car with more than 500 hp. Based on the M4 CSL, the 3.0-CSL holds the title of the most powerful six-cylinder BMW street car that has ever been produced. It leads 553 hp to the rear axle via a six-speed manual. It is a 10 hp bodies above the donor car and against the M3 CS and M4 CS. However, only 50 units of the 3.0 csl were built, and its torque was chosen at only 550 Nm (406 LB-FT), so that the gearbox could treat it without the reliability concerns.
Van Meel explained that engineers found a “very specific solution” for the 3.0 CSL that would not be possible for a car with a higher volume. Although the production figures have not been announced, BMW is expected to build around 2,000 units of the M2 CS. In a related note, we learned that the manual price is still over 50%among M2 buyers in the United States. In Europe, more than half prefer the automatic.
Van Meel also spoke a little about the suspension of the M2 CS. Basically, there are no hardware changes in addition to various dampers and setups. Most of the changes are on the software side and Van Meel believes that the tires rated for the M2 CS will make a big difference in driving dynamics.
Why no yellow daytime running lights? “There are various reasons for this, but in fact it doesn’t take away the performance of the car,” says van Meel. “So we accepted that,” he added. We have heard that it is a combination of homologations, but also in technical restrictions, but nobody would officially confirm us.
The newcomer of the M-Garage also skipped all-wheel drive. The BMW M boss mentioned that the M2 CS XDrive is leaving to keep weight low. As a refreshment, the US SPEC model runs 97 pounds compared to the Steptronic-equipped M2, while in Europe the weight savings occupy around 30 kilograms.
Although the M2 CS does not send all four wheels electricity, we believe that XDrive is on the way. BMW could start the all-PAW version next year. It will be a only automatic affair, but the manual transmission remains in the RWD model.
