The M2 CS Is Here, So Why Is BMW Still Testing Another One?

The M2 CS has already been revealed, which makes BMW's latest camouflaged prototype a little confusing. If everyone already knows what the car looks like, what exactly is the company trying to hide? Whatever the answer is, it seems the G87 M2 story isn't over yet.

BMW already offers the M2 in standard rear-wheel-drive form, as a new xDrive model, and as the track-focused M2 CS. Even so, the G87 is expected to remain in production for another three model years, leaving plenty of time for another special edition. A recently shared Instagram video shows what appears to be an M2 CS wearing camouflage over its front and rear ends, sparking fresh speculation about what BMW could have in the works.

One possibility is an xDrive version of the M2 CS, combining the sharper chassis with all-wheel-drive traction. Another, perhaps even more exciting theory, points to a manual "Handschalter" variant. BMW could pair the CS chassis with a slightly detuned version of the six-cylinder engine, making room for a six-speed manual gearbox, much like the limited-production M3 CS Handschalter developed for North America.

Here's the part that caught our attention. The prototype doesn't have the M Performance Track Kit from the regular M2, and there's no sign of the dramatic aero pieces a CSL would normally wear. That leaves the door wide open for theories.

BMW isn't in a rush. The updated 2027 M2 has only just introduced xDrive, so this mystery model is unlikely to appear before next year. A manual M2 CS, if it becomes reality, could arrive even later as a fitting farewell to the G87 generation.

Whatever BMW is hiding, one thing is easy to understand. The current M2 has become too popular to leave alone, so don't be surprised if the G87 has one or two more surprises before it bows out.