3 July 2025 – Nürburg, Germany – BMW M GmbH has once again etched its name into motorsport history, this time with the new BMW M2 CS, which has become the fastest compact car to ever lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife, conquering the infamous “Green Hell” in a blistering time of 7:25.5 minutes. Piloted by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, the M2 CS eclipsed the previous compact segment record by eight seconds, redefining expectations for performance in this category.
The milestone, achieved on 11 April 2025, also represents a 13-second improvement over the best lap time set by its predecessor in 2023, highlighting both the evolution of BMW’s compact high-performance engineering and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the M division.
“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,” said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH.
Compact Powerhouse, Track-Tested
At the core of this Nürburgring-conquering machine is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, delivering 390 kW (530 hp) and 650 Nm of torque. This is paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels for a pure M driving experience.
Handling precision is ensured through model-specific engine mounts, an adaptive M suspension, and M compound brakes. The package is further sharpened by forged M light-alloy wheels, optimised for both performance and weight.
Built for the Ring – and the Road
One of the most crucial enhancements of the new M2 CS lies in its intelligent lightweight construction. Extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) across the roof, bonnet, front splitter, rear diffuser, and interior components has trimmed the car’s weight by approximately 30 kilograms compared to the standard M2 model. The result is unmatched agility, enhanced aerodynamics, and an unmistakable motorsport pedigree.
This stripped-back yet refined approach makes the M2 CS the lightest and most track-capable model of the current M2 lineup, proving that performance and precision need not come at the expense of daily usability.
Benchmarking Greatness: A Record Among Titans
The lap time of 7:25.5 minutes places the BMW M2 CS in elite company. It now shares sub-7:30 territory with revered mid-range icons such as the BMW M4 CS, M4 CSL, and M3 CS—a segment where the M4 CSL remains king with a jaw-dropping lap of 7:18.137 minutes, the fastest time for any BMW production vehicle.
For BMW M, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is more than just a track—it is a proving ground. Measuring 20.832 km and featuring over 70 challenging turns, the circuit is a touchstone for evaluating a vehicle’s capabilities under extreme conditions. All lap times are verified by a neutral testing organisation, ensuring the car used is a production-spec model without any aftermarket modifications or performance tweaks.
The Green Hell: BMW M’s Natural Habitat
BMW M’s connection with the Nürburgring spans over 25 years, a partnership rooted in mutual dedication to performance excellence. From the BMW M Power Grandstand and BMW M Bridge, to the BMW M Test Centre, the Ring is not just a venue—it’s home.
Every BMW M vehicle undergoes rigorous development on the Nordschleife, with engineers leveraging the unforgiving terrain to fine-tune powertrains, chassis setups, and aerodynamics. It is this relentless development ethos that enables feats like the M2 CS’s record-breaking run.
Limited-Run Legend in the Making
Built at BMW’s San Luis Potosí facility in Mexico, the BMW M2 CS is destined to become a collector’s item. With limited production, a market launch set for late summer 2025, and a German list price of €115,000, the M2 CS offers enthusiasts a rare chance to own a track-honed driving machine that is equally capable on a winding mountain pass.
The New Compact King
In setting a new standard for compact performance, the BMW M2 CS has demonstrated that cutting-edge engineering, motorsport DNA, and real-world usability can be seamlessly integrated into one cohesive package. With its Nordschleife record, BMW M has delivered more than just lap time bragging rights—it has redefined what’s possible in a compact sports car.
And in the realm of the Green Hell, where only the most capable survive, the new M2 CS stands proudly as the new benchmark in its class.
