New BMW M2 CS makes video game debut in The Crew Motorfest

• The Crew Motorest adds a new BMW-themed playlist as part of Season 8
• New-generation BMW M2 CS makes its first video game appearance in The Crew Motorfest
• BMW 3.0 CSL joins the roster as a reward car for completing the playlist alongside the BMW M Hybrid V8 #15

The new-generation BMW M2 CS has arrived in The Crew Motorfest as part of a new BMW-themed playlist, marking the sports coupe’s first appearance in a video game.

Based on the G87 M2, the all-new M2 CS is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine producing 523hp, up from 480hp in the standard M2. That makes it the most powerful rear-wheel-drive M car, with a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 188 mph.

Thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre and its lightweight forged alloy wheels, it also weighs around 30kg less than the standard car. 

The M2 CS is one of several notable cars to make their racing game debut in The Crew Motorfest, including the Ferrari’s replacement for the LaFerrari supercar, the new flagship F80.

“We now have a great relationship with every brand. They gift us vehicles exclusive to us in the video game industry,” Ivory Tower’s Managing Director, Stéphane Beley, told Traxion last year, adding that building these relationships with manufacturers to secure new cars first has taken “many years.”

BMW Legacy playlist now live

The new-generation M2 CS features in a new BMW-themed playlist that includes seven events celebrating the Bavarian manufacturer’s legacy. However, while it can be driven in the final playlist event, it won’t be available to purchase in the in-game store until 21st January.

It begins with a prologue showcasing BMW cars from the 1970s to the present, with subsequent events highlighting models from different eras in chronological order, such as the first-generation M3, Z4 roadster and i8 hybrid.

Narrated by BMW Group Classic spokesperson Marc Thiesbürger, live-action cut scenes filmed at BMW Museum in Munich, Germany, will provide insights into BMW’s illustrious history.

To unlock the playlist, you’ll need to own the BMW M Hybrid V8 #15, a new car added to the roster. Completing all seven events will unlock the BMW 3.0 CSL Racing, another new addition, as a reward.  

Alongside the seven themed playlist chapters are 25 new challenges, six feats and two photo opportunities to complete.

This is the second BMW-themed playlist in Season 8, following last November’s Street Riders playlist. Focusing on underground street racing, the first playlist sees you modify and upgrade a BMW M3 E46 to impress the Monkey’s Kitchen street racing gang.  

“We want to represent different car cultures through the guise of BMW,” Beley explained. “It’s what The Crew Motorfest is doing perfectly: giving you different stories to tell and letting you enjoy a big open world that is different each time you play with your friends.”

Due to arrive in March, the next season update, Season 9, is set to add an ambitious track creator alongside NASCAR racing and a stunt-filled playground island.

BMW Playlist contents

• Seven main events
• Two new cars: BMW 3.0 CSL Racing (playlist reward) and BMW M Hybrid V8 #15
• 25 Challenges
• Six Feats
• Two Photo Ops