We have covered all the stubborn facts about the new M2-CS. So how about something more fluid? The second generation of the BMW Competition Compact Coupé contains a function that cannot be found in the latest CS bathroom models. Well, “feature” could take a little bit. And lo and behold, there are illuminated door panels with “CS” Schrelit.
They are connected to the standard environment lighting so that the owners can change the color according to their wishes. When this section of the door plate is switched off, a carbon structure shows. Otherwise the M2 CS has a familiar cabin with carbon bucket seats, but this time with illuminated CS logos. To drive the point home, BMW also installs new input disc signs with a large M2 CS script in red. Further changes are a steering wheel with a flat floor and with carbon fibers reinforced plastic layer paddles. CFRP is also used for the center console.
We admit that the bright CS logos in the dark look neat and distinguish the cabin from a standard M2 interior. It will not be long before the Aftermarket replicates these factory blades with custom mods that are tailored to a regular G87. The age of the wrong interior is just around the corner. But let us be real: enthusiasts would like to exchange this gimmick for something with more substance. We speak of a six-speed manual transmission that unfortunately does not come to the M2 CS.
M-boss Frank van Meel told us last weekend in Concorso d’Elanza Villa d’Este that only the eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission can exploit the full potential of the engine. If you had retained the three pedal setup, the car would have provided less than 500 hp. Another future derivative of the M2 will also avoid the clutch pedal, since it is hard to imagine that the long-term XDRIVE variant combines with a switching shift.
This does not mean that the manual dies. The all-wheel drive M2, which takes place in 2026, does not replace the regular model with its do-it-yourself transmission. There is a good chance that BMW will retain the 6MT until the end of the life cycle of the car, so that you have a few more good years left to row your own gears.
