With a blistering 7:25.5 lap time, BMW’s new pocket rocket has officially put the entire performance car world on notice. This isn’t just fast; it’s a new benchmark.
The Nürburgring-Nordschleife. They call it the “Green Hell” for a reason. With over 70 corners twisting through 20.832 kilometres of treacherous German forest, it is the undisputed yardstick for any car claiming to be a true performance machine. On April 11, 2025, BMW unleashed its latest creation, the new M2 CS, and the result was nothing short of breathtaking.
In the expert hands of BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, the M2 CS didn’t just set a new lap time; it utterly demolished the old one. The official, notarised time of 7:25.5 minutes makes it the fastest compact car to ever lap the legendary circuit, shattering the previous class record by a massive eight seconds. To put that in perspective, Weidinger himself set the previous M2 benchmark back in 2023 at 7:38.7. Two years later, he found an incredible 13 extra seconds in the CS version.
“The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time of 7:25.5 minutes on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance, technology and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle,” stated Franciscus van Meel, the Managing Director of BMW M GmbH.
How Did They Do It? The CS Recipe for Speed
So, what’s the magic formula? It’s a masterclass in M Division engineering.
Brutal Power: At its heart is an advanced six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, pumping out a ferocious 390 kW (530 hp) and 650 Nm of torque. That power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a lightning-fast 8-speed M Steptronic transmission.
Aggressive Diet: The CS is the lightest model in the current M2 generation, shedding around 30 kg thanks to a “consistent lightweight construction” philosophy. This includes extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for both exterior and interior components. Less weight means more agility and faster acceleration.
Track-Focused Dynamics: It’s not just about power and weight. The M2 CS features model-specific engine mounts, a sophisticated adaptive M suspension, and a powerful M compound brake system to ensure it stays glued to the tarmac and stops on a dime. Forged M light-alloy wheels come as standard.
By breaking the 7:30 minute barrier for the first time in its class, the M2 CS joins the elite company of its bigger siblings like the M4 CSL, M4 CS, and M3 CS. While the M4 CSL still holds the ultimate BMW production car record (a staggering 7:18.137 minutes), the M2 CS has proven that big performance can come in a compact package.
Want One? Get In Line.
The Nürburgring has been the spiritual home and ultimate test bench for BMW M for over 25 years, and this record run is a testament to that partnership. The new BMW M2 CS is a limited edition model, and you can bet it will be one of the most sought-after cars of the year. Manufactured in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, it’s planned for a market launch in late summer 2025 with a German price tag of 115,000 euros.
The BMW M2 CS has thrown down the gauntlet, proving it’s a serious machine that excels on both the road and the world’s most demanding racetrack. It’s a true milestone, a heart-pounding combination of raw power, lightweight design, and dynamic perfection.
