On 11 April 2025, the new BMW M2 CS firmly etched its name into Nürburgring legend, setting a blistering lap time of 7:25.5 minutes around the infamous Nordschleife. At the wheel was BMW M development ace Jörg Weidinger, who guided the 390 kW (530 hp) compact weapon through the 20.832-kilometre “Green Hell”, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight full seconds.
This isn’t just another fast lap—it’s a statement. With this run, the M2 CS doesn’t just raise the bar in the segment; it reinforces BMW M’s reputation for building track-ready cars that thrill on the road too.
“The M2 CS has reached a new milestone with this lap time, combining cutting-edge performance and handling in a single, exhilarating package,” said Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of BMW M GmbH. “We’re proud to set a new standard in the compact class once again.”
Faster, sharper, lighter
The lap record is just the latest chapter in a success story. Back in April 2023, Weidinger clocked 7:38.7 minutes in the previous M2 model. Two years on, the M2 CS has slashed that time by a massive 13 seconds, dipping below the once-unbreakable 7:30 barrier for compact cars.
This latest feat puts the M2 CS in good company—BMW’s mid-range weapons like the M4 CS, M4 CSL, and M3 CS have all gone sub-7:30. The M4 CSL still holds the overall crown for BMW production cars with an officially notarised time of 7:18.137 minutes.
The ultimate proving ground
There’s a reason the Nürburgring Nordschleife is known as the “Green Hell”. With over 70 corners and nearly 21 kilometres of brutally unforgiving tarmac, it’s the toughest track on the planet. And it’s more than just a badge of honour—lap times here are the ultimate benchmark for a car’s handling and performance.
All record attempts are independently monitored, and every car must be in standard, production-ready condition, ensuring the times are genuine and representative of what customers can actually buy.
Born and bred at the Nürburgring
BMW M’s deep-rooted relationship with the Nürburgring spans over 25 years. From the M Power grandstand and BMW M Test Centre, to the M Driving Experience and endless development laps, every M car is forged in the heat of the Nordschleife.
That includes the new M2 CS, developed with input from BMW’s extensive motorsport experience and tested to the limit at the Ring. BMW M Motorsport has celebrated 21 overall victories in the Nürburgring 24-hour race—no small feat.
Engineered to thrill
Under the bonnet, the M2 CS packs a 3.0-litre straight-six with M TwinPower Turbo technology, putting out a fierce 530 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox with Drivelogic, sending power to the rear wheels for an old-school, grin-inducing driving experience.
A focus on lightweight engineering means the M2 CS drops around 30 kg compared to the standard model, thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) throughout the body and interior. Adaptive M suspension, bespoke engine mounts and M compound brakes complete the package.
The M2 CS also gets forged M light-alloy wheels as standard, further enhancing both looks and performance.
Limited numbers, global appeal
Built at BMW’s plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the new M2 CS will be a limited-run model with a launch planned for late summer 2025. Pricing in Germany starts at €115,000.
Expect UK pricing to follow closer to launch, but don’t expect it to hang around. For those after a serious driver’s car with motorsport DNA and everyday usability, the M2 CS is shaping up to be one of the most exciting compact M cars yet.