The new BMW M2 CS sets a new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the Nürburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, it completed the 20.823-kilometre Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5 minutes, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. This record-setting BMW M2 CS not only raises the bar in the compact car class, but also further solidifies BMW M's reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance vehicles that excel both on the road and on the racetrack.

"The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance, technology and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle," stated Franciscus van Meel, the CEO of BMW M GmbH. “We are proud that the M2 CS has once again set a new benchmark in the compact car class with this lap time.”

Following the impressive record set by the BMW M2 CS which now holds the top spot in the compact category, the BMW M3 CS Touring is now another representative of the fastest production vehicles from BMW M GmbH in the mid-size category. With a time of 7:29.490 minutes, the BMW M3 CS Touring is the fastest Touring of all time on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

"From the very beginning, it was clear that the BMW M3 CS Touring would set new standards in dynamics. With a time under 7:30 minutes, this model impressively demonstrates that this vehicle concept perfectly combines racing DNA with everyday usability." – commented Franciscus van Meel.

The continuation of a success story

The previous best time for a BMW M2 model was set by Weidinger in April 2023, when he completed the course in 7:38.7 minutes. Two years later, he beat this time by 13 seconds, breaking the class record of 7:30 minutes for the first time. With the newly set best time, the BMW M2 CS demonstrates its outstanding performance as well as the innovative power and engineering skills of BMW M GmbH.

The new record time for the BMW M3 CS Touring marks a new benchmark in the mid-size category and is also the fastest ever recorded lap time for a Touring body style on the 20.823-kilometer-long track in the "Green Hell". In April of this year, Jörg Weidinger, BMW M development engineer and seasoned record driver, first broke the 7:30-minute barrier with a Touring Car. The previous fastest time for a Touring, set by the BMW M3 Touring in 2022, was 7:35.060 minutes.

The mid-size category is currently dominated by the latest models from the BMW M3 and M4 family. The BMW M4 CSL holds the fastest time at 7:18.137 minutes, followed by the BMW M4 CS at 7:21.989 minutes and the BMW M3 CS at 7:28.760 minutes. The new time of the BMW M3 CS Touring, just over a second behind, showcases the vehicle's extraordinary performance, reinforcing its reputation as the perfect "One Car Solution."

BMW M is at home on the Nürburgring

The origin and heart of BMW M's success story at the Nürburgring is the BMW M Test Centre. With its professional infrastructure and perfect location, it serves as the starting point for the successful development of new vehicle projects and testing under demanding conditions. The partnership between BMW M and the Nürburgring, which has thrived for over 25 years, is a great success and is visible from afar through landmarks such as the BMW M Power Grandstand and the BMW M Bridge. Through the offerings of the local BMW M Driving Experience, enthusiasts can drive BMW M vehicles themselves under professional guidance through the "Green Hell." The redesigned BMW M Power Showroom in 2021 emphasizes the significance of the Nürburgring as the home of BMW M.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife, known worldwide as one of the most challenging racetracks, serves as a proving ground for drivers and vehicles. Spanning 20.832 kilometres and featuring over 70 corners, it demands the highest performance and driving dynamics. Lap times are a benchmark for a vehicle's sporting capabilities, with record runs monitored by a neutral testing organization to ensure compliance with production standards.