2026 BMW M2
View Photo Gallery
Model Highlights
Explore the BMW M2 at BMW of Akron
Compact, rear-wheel drive, and unapologetically driver-focused, the M2 is the car we recommend to shoppers who want the purest version of BMW's M formula without stepping up to M3 or M4 size. This year it gets a genuinely track-focused sibling that's worth knowing about before you decide which one to drive.
The Standard M2: 473 Horsepower, Manual or Automatic
The regular M2 pairs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 473 horsepower with rear-wheel drive and your choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. It's the more road-friendly version, comfortable enough for daily driving while still delivering genuine M-car character.
New for 2026: The Track-Focused M2 CS
The M2 CS is entirely new this year, bumping output to 523 horsepower while shedding nearly 100 pounds compared to an automatic M2. It's automatic-only, no manual is offered on the CS, and it comes with carbon-fiber body panels, a unique ducktail trunk lid, and specially tuned adaptive suspension built for serious track use.
Optional Carbon-Ceramic Brakes on the CS
For M2 CS buyers who plan to actually run track days, carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option, offering better resistance to fade during repeated hard stops. It's an option we'd genuinely recommend to anyone planning to lap this car regularly rather than just drive it to work.
A Genuinely Usable Back Seat for a Sports Coupe
Despite its compact footprint, the M2 offers more usable rear-seat space than most rivals in this segment, which is part of why it works as a daily driver in a way some competitors don't. It's a detail that surprises a lot of first-time M2 shoppers.
Compare the M2 and M2 CS at BMW of Akron
Since the CS gives up the manual transmission in exchange for more power and less weight, it's worth deciding early which trade-off matters more to you. Our team can walk you through both cars so you leave with a clear sense of which one fits how you actually plan to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the 2026 BMW M2
What's new on the 2026 M2?
The biggest change is the addition of the M2 CS, a track-focused version with 523 horsepower and nearly 100 pounds less weight than a standard automatic M2. The regular M2 carries over largely unchanged.
Can you get a manual transmission M2?
Yes, but only on the standard M2, which offers a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The M2 CS is automatic-only.
How much horsepower does the M2 CS have?
The M2 CS produces 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, an increase over the standard M2's 473 horsepower.
Is the M2 all-wheel drive?
No, both the standard M2 and the M2 CS are rear-wheel drive only.
Are carbon-ceramic brakes available on the M2?
Yes, carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option on the M2 CS for drivers who want additional fade resistance during track use.