BMW Unveils The Lighter, More Powerful 2026 M2 CS
The 2026 BMW M2 CS
Despite some uncertainty regarding the future of its current internal combustion engine lineup, BMW has unveiled the most powerful M2 model ever: The 2026 BMW M2 CS. With less weight, more power, and an MSRP of nearly $100,000, all signs point to it being quite the ravenous little coupe.
The previous F87-generation BMW M2 CS was impressive across the board, so, naturally, BMW had to go all out for this latest model. The Bavarian brand cut out a respectable 97 pounds by bolting up lightweight forged wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) and carbon fiber body panels—including a sharp rear ducktail spoiler—and fitting carbon fiber bucket seats as standard, which are optional on the base M2. This drops the curb weight from 3,814 to 3,770 pounds. Then, output from its ravenous, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six is rated at 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, 50 more hp and 36 more lb-ft than standard.
The 2026 BMW M2 CS
When it comes to putting all that power to the ground, this angry M2 is solely available with rear-wheel drive and BMW's venerable eight-speed automatic gearbox—sorry, three-pedal manual enthusiasts. We'll be interested to see how grippy (or not grippy, in a fun oversteer-ready fashion) it feels, as it produces the same amount of power as the all-wheel-drive-equipped M3 and M4 Competition.
To make the most of this bump in power and drop in weight, BMW revised the M2's suspension by upping spring stiffness, re-programming the adaptive dampers, ABS, and traction control systems, as well as revising the throttle mapping and electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Then, for even more focused, lap-time-dropping performance, lightweight carbon ceramic brakes are available. I didn't have much to complain about when I drove a lightly equipped 2024 model year example with a six-speed manual, I can only assume that this will feel significantly more athletic. The specs certainly point to it, too: 0-60 mph takes just 3.7 seconds.
Production is set to begin later this year with pricing starting at $99,775 after destination.
The 2026 BMW M2 CS
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Netgear First, you'll want the main router, or the mesh device wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. That's the same approach you'd take with a single router, and the reasoning is the same: Routers put out Wi-Fi signals in all directions, so placing your router in a central location within your home will maximize your connection. Locating local internet providers That goes double for mesh systems, where the strength of the connection near your nodes will largely depend on the strength of the incoming signal from the main router. A stronger connection between the two will help ensure you're getting the fastest Wi-Fi speeds throughout your home. Your options for moving the router might seem limited by the location of your modem and the incoming wiring for your home's internet connection, but an extra-long Ethernet cable can come in handy here, allowing you to move the router away from where the modem sits if necessary. 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Again, out in the open and off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you'll also want to consider the layout of your home, as physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to try and keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms away from each other. The thickness and material of your walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if they're built with dense materials like brick or concrete, which can make it difficult for Wi-Fi signals to penetrate. You'll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances. If you're sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it on top of the fridge; move it away from your appliances altogether. Most mesh systems come with companion apps that include placement guides for your devices, signal strength checks, and other diagnostic tools to help you make sure you've got everything in the best spot possible. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET Furniture can also block Wi-Fi signals, so if you have anything large or bulky between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating it. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has difficulty transmitting through water. The best way to ensure that your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check the signal strength of each device, which is something most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below: Avoid these dead zones If you've got a back corner of your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that'd be a mistake. 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There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you in a minute or less the upload and download speeds on whatever device you're using. However, our top recommendation is Ookla thanks to its consistency and reliability. This is also a tool that we often use to determine speeds offered by different internet providers. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. Ultimately, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to try and balance things out, or you could consider buying an additional extender to fill in any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed. Running a speed test can help you figure out the best spot to put your mesh router. 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To remedy that, hop into your mesh router's app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from whatever channel nearby networks use. You'll also want to ensure that your mesh system's firmware is updates, which should be easy to check within its app. For more, check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, and how to find free secure Wi-Fi wherever you go. Mesh router placement FAQ Where is the best mesh node placement? The best place for your mesh router nodes depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. Additionally, you'll have to decide if you want to connect your mesh nodes with an Ethernet cable, for the fastest possible speeds, or wirelessly. If you opt for an Ethernet cable connection, you'll be more limited with how far away you can place the nodes, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh nodes no more than two rooms away from each other, away from blockage from bulky furniture or electronics and in an upraised position. Instead of placing your mesh node in the middle of a dead zone, try placing it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, your node will still be close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. ...Read more Does mesh make internet faster? A common misconception about mesh routers is that they make your overall internet speeds faster. A mesh router network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house -- and keeping any dead zones to a minimum -- but they won't necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh router systems can only deliver the speeds that you're paying for from your ISP. Updated router equipment, optimized router location and an Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds. ...Read more What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network? One of the major downsides of a mesh router system is its high price: High-performing mesh routers tend to be more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers. If you're trying to boost your Wi-Fi, you should exhaust other options before investing in a brand-new mesh router system. Additionally, mesh routers tend to have fewer ports for connecting USB jacks or Ethernet cables, and some don't have any extra ports at all. ...Read more
