When it comes to BMW's lineup, the 3 and 5 Series are often seen as the thoroughbreds – sleek, powerful, and maintaining a clear family resemblance. Now, let's talk about the 2 Series range, which seems to be the rebellious sibling, the mongrel of the family.
Before we delve into it, bear with me. While the 3 and 5 Series share common underpinnings, exuding a similar vibe from the basic models to the luxurious variants and the high-performance M versions, the 2 Series doesn't boast the same straightforward lineage.
The 2 Series lineup includes the FWD/AWD 2 Series Gran Coupe four-door and the Active Tourer baby people mover, both sharing underpinnings with various Minis. On the flip side, the RWD 2 Series coupe sits on the same platform as the Z4 and, by extension, the Toyota Supra – a diverse DNA cocktail under the 2 Series banner. And to add another layer of complexity, there's now an M2, further widening the gap.
The M2, in essence, stands worlds apart from the 2 Series 225e Active Tourer. It packs a punch with a 338kW/550Nm version of BMW's impressive 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine. This M variant delivers the thrilling experience expected from a proper M car, coupled with a slightly poignant realization – it could very well be the last purely ICE-powered RWD M car that BMW produces.
Visually, the M2 is strikingly different from its sibling, the M240i coupe, with aggressive square intakes and a subtly muscular body kit. Inside, it's a burst of color, featuring M-specific graphics on the infotainment screen and the expected M-colored stitching. The M2 fits like a glove, feeling instantly sporty yet remarkably comfortable.
Start the M2, and it doesn't immediately sound spectacular, nor does it feel particularly special at lower speeds. It emanates vibes akin to the Z4/Supra duo, prompting you to question why you wouldn't opt for a more cost-effective Supra or even an M240i coupe. However, that initial impression sells the M2 short.
Once you rev up the engine past the mid-range, things take a surreal turn. The engine adopts a more purposeful bellow, and the entire car tightens up, anticipating what's to come.
Throw the M2 into a corner with intent, and it showcases why it's worth $32k more than the M240i (and a staggering $45k more than a Supra). It effortlessly combines terrifying ferocity with assured confidence, a signature move by BMW's M division.
It's one of those rare performance cars that reward you for pushing through a corner quickly by simply going faster at the next one, building confidence in its capabilities. Every corner leaves you thrilled and slightly disappointed in yourself, thinking you could have pushed harder. Well, there's always the next corner.
The wonderfully flexible engine and 8-speed automatic transmission add to the thrill, roaring and bellowing magnificently with lightning-fast shifts. The M2 may initially feel underwhelming at low speeds, but that's due to the engine's remarkable flexibility and the smooth nature of the transmission in normal settings.
As expected from an M car, there are numerous settings to tweak, allowing you to customize everything from engine response to suspension stiffness and gear shift aggression.
Crank everything up to the maximum, and the M2 transforms into a fire-breathing supercar challenger, holding its ground against pricier competitors on winding roads. Dial it down, and you get a remarkably tractable and docile car, ideal for everyday driving.
Key Stats for the BMW M2:
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder
Power: 338kW/550Nm
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic, RWD
Consumption: 10.0l/100km (WLTP), CO2 226g/km
Price: $144,100
How Much is the BMW M2?
The M2 is priced at $144,100 in New Zealand, making it $32,000 more expensive than a basic M240i coupe. However, it also positions itself as the least expensive M model, undercutting the X3 M by approximately $1,000 and the M3 sedan, M4 coupe, and M3 Touring by a substantial $50k.
Key Engine Stats for the BMW M2:
The M2 utilizes a high-performance twin-turbo S58 version of BMW's B58 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, similar to the ones found in the M3, M4, and X3 M. However, it delivers slightly less power, with 338kW compared to the X3 M's 353kW and the M3/M4 Competition's 375kW.
Is the BMW M2 Fuel Efficient?
It depends on your perspective. BMW claims a combined WLTP average of 10.0l/100km for the M2 with automatic transmission, which may sound relatively uneconomical for a small coupe. However, when you consider the M2's 4.1-second 0 to 100km/h time, it actually sounds quite impressive.
Is the BMW M2 Good to Drive?
Absolutely! It's an exceptionally good driver, effortlessly navigating urban speeds as a docile, flexible daily driver. Yet, when you unleash its power, it transforms into a ferocious monster that devours corners, leaving you yearning for more.
Is the BMW M2 Practical for a Sports Car?
Surprisingly, yes. The M2's docility at reasonable speeds makes it practical for daily driving. It boasts a roomy interior with ample storage space, and a decent 390-litre boot adds to its practicality. The only impractical aspect is the drop you have to endure to get in and out of it.
What Do We Like About the BMW M2?
It's a genuine M car in every sense. Despite its low-speed docility potentially misleading you, once you push it into corners, it proves to be a machine of staggering ability. Additionally, it's likely to be the last analog RWD M car, as the next generation of BMW's hot cars is expected to be electrified and AWD.
What Don't We Like About the BMW M2?
Getting in or out of it almost inevitably leads to making an old man noise. But hey, maybe that's just me?
In conclusion, the BMW M2 might be the unconventional member of the 2 Series family, but it certainly doesn't shy away from making a bold statement on the road. It's a car that bridges the gap between daily drivability and thrilling performance, creating a unique niche within the BMW lineup.
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