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Auto Blog
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BMW M2 CS Demand Surges Despite Missing Manual
BMW has another hit on its hands with the new M2 CS The all-new BMW M2 CS wasn't as warmly received as previous CS-badged M cars from the automaker. Besides the divisive styling it shares with the normal M2, the CS lacks a manual gearbox because that transmission wouldn't be able to handle the car's power. The absence of a carbon fiber hood has also sparked some criticism, but despite all of this, demand for the new M2 CS has been strong. In fact, BMW has already had to increase the number of build slots for the new sports coupe to meet this demand, and the United States is leading the way. Three Major Markets Driving Interest In M2 CS 2026 BMW M2 CS 2026 BMW M2 CS 2026 BMW M2 CS BMW Blog spoke to Sylvia Neubauer – Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW M – and she confirmed that there has been 'huge demand' for the second-generation CS. Furthermore, build slots have been boosted by 'quite some units' as BMW responds to the surprising demand. After the USA, which leads interest in the CS, Germany and China are the next two markets where the M2 CS is proving to be popular. Considering that under 2,000 examples of the M2 CS are expected to be produced in total, the coupe may sell out sooner than anticipated, unless BMW elects to increase production numbers even further. It will likely still be capped at a relatively low number, though, to keep the CS exclusive. More Power, Less Weight Introduced at the end of May, the 2026 BMW M2 CS is almost 100 pounds lighter than the normal M2, while its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 523 horsepower, a 50-hp increase. Torque peaks at 479 lb-ft, and these changes have reduced the 0-60 mph sprint time to 3.7 seconds and raised the top speed to 188 mph. As mentioned, the CS is only offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission. To cope with the extra grunt, the CS also gets special tuning for the springs, dampers, and chassis control systems. The same applies to the M Servotronic steering and the brakes; M Carbon ceramic brakes are available optionally. These and other changes have seen the price of the ultimate M2 rise to $98,600, and once you add the destination charge and an option or two, it becomes a six-figure car. Clearly, the high cost of entry and lack of a manual have not been a barrier to success for the new M2 CS, which seems to be as popular as the epic first-generation model. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Blog
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla's Three-Row Model Y Is Coming Back, But Is It Worth It?
But for some families, this could be welcome news. Does Cramming Extra Seats In The Model Y Make Sense? The updated Tesla Model Y Juniper was revealed earlier this year, with changes including Cybertruck-inspired styling and a refined interior, all aimed at helping this electric crossover maintain its best-seller status. What the Model Y Juniper did not offer was the option of a third seating row, as had been available on the pre-facelift version. Well, a new Tesla customer email shared on Twitter shows that this option is returning, but this is one box we'd leave unticked if we were buying a Model Y. Oops! We're unable to load this content right now. View directly on 𝕏 A Third Row Unfit For Adults Source: Tesla The Juniper isn't an all-new model, so shares the same exterior dimensions with the pre-facelift Model Y. That means it shares the same amount of interior space, too. Looking at the data, the three-row Model Y has only 26.5 inches of third-row legroom and 34.6 inches of headroom. For some perspective, the Toyota GR86 – which is technically a small 2+2 sports car – has more legroom at the back than this Model Y does in its third row. You can free up more third-row legroom if those in the second row are willing to move their seats forward, but this impacts their comfort levels. While smaller adults and teens can technically fit in there, the space is unbelievably cramped and claustrophobic. Most will find their heads pressed up against the back window, and if the car stops suddenly, it's easy to bash your forehead into the low roof panel. The only real use we can see for this third row is if you will often be transporting two smaller young kids. Third Row Eats Into Cargo Space, Too Source: Tesla Whereas the five-seater Model Y Juniper has 29 cubic feet of trunk space behind the second row, the pre-facelift seven-seater model has 26.6 cubes. Admittedly, this is still an acceptable size for what isn't a large vehicle. If the third row of seats are in use, the cargo capacity shrinks to 12.8 cubes. How Much Will The Three-Row Option Be? Tesla Model Y Juniper — Source: Tesla Previously, pricing for the three-row Model Y added $2,000 to $2,500 more to the MSRP, depending on exactly when the car was purchased. Looking at the current Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive variant, it costs $44,990, so will be closer to $47k with the option installed, assuming similar pricing for the Juniper. Ultimately, unless you have a very specific use case – regularly transporting two kids in the third row – we'd suggest buying a more spacious three-row SUV. Then again, if you want to stay in the Tesla family, need three rows, and don't want to spend way more on a Model X, the Model Y with three rows is your only option. It's not known exactly when the three-row option will become available again, but we expect it to arrive soon. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
