New BMW M2 is hot on the heels of the M4

Highlights

• 460 hp power
• Rear-wheel drive only
• Standard with automatic transmission, manual optional
• Faster sprinter than M4

At the unveiling of the new BMW 2-series Coupé last year, we were immediately treated to the fierce M240i xDrive. A 374 hp version with extra thick decoration. Although we knew then that there would also be an M2, it is already a stunner of size, because it is already stronger than the previous M2 in ‘basic trim’. That promised something for the new M2! Well, and whether that has become a powerhouse. The brand new BMW M2 has a no less than 460 hp 3.0 biturbo six-in-line in its nose. This makes it not only 90 hp stronger than its predecessor, but also only 20 hp less strong than the M4. That gap has shrunk quite a bit, because between the previous M2 and previous M4 there was still a power difference of more than 60 hp.

BMW M2

Are you already starting to salivate at those numbers, but at the same time do you hope that it will remain somewhat of the same principle in terms of drive? Then there is good news. The new BMW M2 is also always rear-wheel drive and will be available with a manual gearbox. That is, the M2 has an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission as standard, but for an additional fee you can get it just like its predecessor with a six-speed manual transmission. In the latter case you do sacrifice some performance, although it is still bloody fast even with solid pokers. The new BMW M2 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds with the automatic transmission, 0.1 second faster than the M4. He finishes the sprint in 4.3 seconds with a manual gearbox. The top speed is 250 km/h with both automatic and manual transmission, with the M Driver’s Package that can be increased to 285 km/h.

Appearances are deceiving

The new BMW M2 of course makes no secret in appearance that it has a lot to offer. The M240i already looked quite thick, but with its flared wheel arches, the much more angular bumpers, thick diffuser and four exhaust pipes, the M2 is far from subtle. It also stands on quite hefty wheels. At the front these are 19-inch wheels (273/35) and at the rear 20-inch ones (285/30), note bene larger wheels than standard on the M3 and M4. Well, the 2-series Coupé is already a bit sturdier than its predecessor, but certainly as an M2, it is a big boy. Yet it is still 21.4 cm shorter than an M4 Coupé. A big difference, which you will undoubtedly still see in real life.

You might think that the M2 is a lot lighter than an M4 Coupé because of the size difference, but that is not the case. Through our German colleagues from AutoBild we understand that the new M2 (with manual gearbox) is at least about 1,700 kilos. That’s not nice, the M4 Coupé is only 75 kilograms heavier with a manual gearbox. After all, the new BMW M2 has also ‘borrowed’ a lot of technology from the M4. That starts with the engine, which, according to BMW, differs in only ‘a few points’ from the six-cylinder engine in the M3 and M4. The axles, front struts and brakes are also wholly or largely from the bigger brother. Naturally, the damping is specifically tailored to the smaller M2. Incidentally, the M2 – in contrast to the M4 – always has to make do with steel brakes. Carbon ceramic brakes are not included.

Planing kilos

In the interior of the new BMW M2 it is of course a well-known story. Extras include things like the M buttons on the steering wheel and the special graphics on the instrumentation and infotainment screen. On it you can, among other things, make a real ‘drift analyzer‘ conjure up. Via a setup button in the center console you can conjure up the different driving modes on the screen and you can choose from standard driving modes Road, Track and Sport, but you can also get started with the adjustment yourself. This allows you to adjust not only the chassis, but also things such as the throttle and steering response and the traction control.

Optionally, you can take a seat in largely carbon fiber M Carbon bucket seats, which are 10.8 kilograms lighter than the standard sports seats or also optional with perforated leather covered M Sports seats. Further weight savings are possible by opting for a carbon fiber roof, which, like the carbon fiber seats, is part of the M Driver’s Pack. This also includes carbon interior trim and track tires.

Dutch prices of the new BMW M2 are not yet available at the time of writing. We do know that in Germany the new M2 is roughly €15,000 more expensive than the M240i. Then we would arrive at about €90,000 here, although in the Netherlands it can also be around €100,000 due to the bpm. Then the thick €128,000 M4 may be a little concerned. Undoubtedly there will also be an even more intense Competition version of this M2 in the long run and maybe even a CS. If that isn’t fun…