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BMW M2 CS Defies Criticism with Strong Global Demand

BMW’s latest performance offering, the 2026 M2 CS, is proving that controversy doesn’t always hurt sales. Unveiled just last month, the high-performance coupe has ignited a flurry of reactions—many from loyal enthusiasts disheartened by the model’s exclusion of a manual transmission and familiar M-specific touches such as the carbon-fiber hood, front splitter, and iconic yellow daytime running lights. These elements, once hallmarks of the CS line, have now become flashpoints for criticism.

And yet, despite these complaints—and a notably higher price tag than its predecessor—the new M2 CS is exceeding expectations in terms of demand.

In an interview with BMWBlog, Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M, confirmed that demand has surpassed initial projections. “We’ve already increased production for certain markets by quite a few units,” she stated, hinting at global interest that has even caught the company by surprise.

The United States leads global demand, followed by Germany and, perhaps unexpectedly, China, which continues to show increased appetite for M division products. While BMW hasn’t confirmed the exact production numbers, industry insiders expect fewer than 2,000 units to be built, consistent with the brand’s one-year production cycle seen on recent CS models.

For comparison, the M4 CS—another limited-edition sibling—was capped at 1,700 units and began production in July 2024. It has since been pulled from the online configurator, underscoring how quickly these collector-grade models move. Meanwhile, a special VR46 edition M4 CS, a nod to motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi, will be even rarer, limited to just 92 cars.

Beyond production numbers, customization remains a strong pillar of the M experience. While the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, where the M2 is built, can’t yet match the breadth of special finishes offered in Dingolfing or Spartanburg, Neubauer shared that progress is being made.

Currently, the M2 is available in striking hues like Voodoo Blue, Java Green, Grigio Telesto, Twilight Purple, Frozen Portimao Blue, and Frozen Pure Grey. For those stepping up to the M2 CS, the exclusive Velvet Blue finish adds an extra touch of distinction.

Looking ahead, the G87-generation M2 is expected to remain in production until the end of the decade. That extended timeline opens the door to a broader customization palette and perhaps even more performance variants. Rumors are already swirling about a possible xDrive (all-wheel-drive) version, and perhaps even a CSL—BMW’s most hardcore designation.

So, while some may mourn the loss of the manual gearbox or traditional CS styling cues, the market seems to be speaking louder—with wallets wide open.

Source: BMW Blog

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BMW M2 CS Defies Criticism with Strong Global Demand
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BMW M5 Prices Are Climbing—But the Touring Craze Shows No Sign of Slowing

BMW enthusiasts may want to act fast if they’re eyeing the brand’s iconic M5. According to a new report, prices for the high-performance sedan and its newly introduced Touring variant are set to rise starting next month. The increase, reportedly $2,400 across both models, will bring the 2026 M5 sedan’s base price to $121,900 and the long-roof Touring to $123,900—both before destination and gas guzzler taxes.

Once those additional fees are factored in—$1,175 for destination and $2,600 for the gas guzzler tax—the M5 sedan will ring up at $125,675, while the Touring will command $127,675.

Despite the hike, BMW’s M5 isn’t the model seeing the steepest price jump in the lineup. The X5 M and X6 M Competition are reportedly increasing by $2,500, while the Z4 sees a $1,000 bump. Still, it’s the M5 Touring that continues to capture the spotlight, especially in the U.S.—a market that, until now, had never received the performance wagon.

Since its debut, the 2025 M5 Touring has seen demand exceed even BMW’s internal expectations. Originally, the automaker projected that two-thirds of M5 buyers would opt for the sedan. But production numbers had to be revised after consumer interest shifted heavily toward the Touring, resulting in a 50-50 production split between the two body styles.

BMW M boss Frank van Meel recently confirmed the surprising trend, stating in an interview that U.S. demand for the Touring variant has actually surpassed that of the sedan. That surge in enthusiasm could have ripple effects beyond the M5. BMW is reportedly weighing whether to finally bring the coveted M3 Touring to the American market—a move that enthusiasts have long been pleading for.

For now, it’s clear that even with rising prices, the allure of a high-performance BMW wagon is strong—strong enough, perhaps, to reshape the brand’s product strategy in the U.S.

Source: CarBuzz

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Solid-State Batteries Remain the EV Industry’s Elusive Game-Changer

For over a decade, solid-state batteries have been heralded as the next great leap in electric vehicle (EV) technology—a breakthrough that could render today’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistries obsolete. Yet despite years of hype and high expectations, that breakthrough remains just out of reach.

Still, the automotive industry isn’t giving up. Global giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis continue to invest heavily in solid-state battery development, drawn by the potential of EVs capable of traveling over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) on a single charge—along with the promise of improved safety, lighter weight, and more efficient packaging.

BMW Charges Forward

BMW is among the most active in the space, recently beginning tests of a specially-equipped i7 prototype fitted with solid-state cells developed by U.S.-based Solid Power. These sulfide-based electrolytes are seen as key to unlocking greater energy density and thermal stability. According to BMW, these cells will play a major role in its upcoming Neue Klasse lineup—though full-scale production likely won’t begin until well into the 2030s.

Mercedes-Benz Takes It to the Streets

Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz has also begun real-world testing of solid-state batteries, retrofitting its flagship EQS sedan earlier this year with a pack developed by Factorial Energy. The result? A battery boasting 25% higher energy density than current models, in a more compact and lighter form factor.

“These benefits not only lead to longer vehicle ranges but also affect the vehicle design, for example the architecture,” explained Uwe Keller, head of battery development at Mercedes. “Solid-state cells are also less prone to overheating,” he added—highlighting the improved safety profile that makes this technology so attractive to automakers.

Stellantis Eyes a 2026 Test Window

Stellantis—parent company of brands like Jeep, Peugeot, and Fiat—is also partnering with Factorial Energy on its own solid-state battery push. Road testing is expected to begin in 2026. According to Anne Laliron, Stellantis’ SVP of tech research, “Solid state is the North Star in battery chemistry,” offering automakers a unique tradeoff: more range or fewer materials—both of which contribute to lower costs and reduced carbon footprints.

Japan’s Race to the Finish

While Europe and the U.S. continue testing, Japanese automakers are racing to be first to market. Toyota says it will begin production of solid-state batteries by 2027, with Nissan aiming for a 2028 launch. However, given Nissan’s recent internal struggles, timelines may shift—once again demonstrating how challenging commercialization of this tech can be.

The Road Ahead

Despite slow progress, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the promises of solid-state batteries hold true—greater range, enhanced safety, faster charging, and better packaging—they could usher in a new era of electric mobility. But until the technology scales economically and proves reliable under mass-market conditions, the dream of a solid-state future remains just that: a dream.

Still, with some of the world’s largest automakers now testing real-world prototypes, that dream may finally be inching closer to reality.

Source: Automotive News