The BMW M2 is a compact sports activities coupe that acts as an entry-level product for the Bavarian brand’s revered M Performance division. BMW is without doubt one of the final manufacturers to supply a front-engine rear-wheel drive compact two-door efficiency automobile, showcasing its dedication to the driving fanatic. When the all-new technology mannequin hit the market final yr, it was hit with a variety of criticism and raised eyebrows relating to its obscure design and lofty curb weight determine. Despite this, the sales figures reveal demand is just as high because the extremely acclaimed previous-generation mannequin.

In an age the place producers are quickly embracing electrification to extend energy output, BMW stays devoted to inside combustion engines for now. It has overtly said that electrification will play a big role in its future products, as hinted by the M-specific XM PHEV SUV. The massive query is whether or not you need to look forward to BMW to develop a very next-generation electrified M2 equal, or take pleasure in its pure and unfiltered straight-six with an interesting handbook transmission whereas it is nonetheless obtainable.

In order to provide the newest and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Road and Track, the NHTSA, and the EPA. Each mannequin rating is set by Top Speed’s score staff, which elements in 5 completely different metrics. You can read our Methodology page for extra details about our score system.

What’s New For 2024?

Technically talking, the BMW M2 is an all-new mannequin launched final yr, so the model opted to depart the mannequin unchanged for 2024. The new-generation mannequin adopts the model’s CLAR platform and the closely redesigned S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six, first launched within the current-generation M3 and M4. The up to date platform means the M2 is noticeably larger and heavier than the F87 technology, however with out dropping its core fundamentals of being quick, sensible, and enjoyable to drive.

2024 Highlights

• All-new CLAR platform
• Revised S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six engine
• Six-speed handbook or eight-speed automated transmission choices
• Built on the renovated Mexican San Luis, Potosí plant
• Optional M Driver’s Package will increase prime velocity to 177 MPH

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from BMW)

Engine Specifications And Performance

The S58 is the heart of the BMW M2 experience. BMW revised the S55 unit by including a solid chrome molybdenum heat-treated metal crankshaft, solid metal connecting rods, and solid aluminum pistons. It retains the earlier unit’s direct gas injection, Vanos variable valve timing, and Valvetronic variable valve carry management. BMW barely decreased the unit’s displacement by reducing the stroke however growing the bore, whereas implementing bigger valves.

The result’s a 453-horsepower and 406 pound-feet output, despatched completely to the rear wheels by way of your alternative of a six-speed handbook or eight-speed automated. The former ends in a claimed 4.1-second 0-60 MPH declare time, whereas the latter decreases this to three.9 seconds. Independent tests prove these claims to be accurate. BMW limits the highest velocity to 155 MPH, however you’ll be able to specify the optionally available $2,500 M Driver’s Package to extend this to 177 MPH.

Being a BMW M automobile, the model additionally ensures its sports activities compact has the prowess to aptly sort out some intricate corners. This was a curious focal point when the model introduced the brand new mannequin would weigh in at 3,814 kilos, which is about as heavy because the E38 BMW 7 Series.

BMW M2 Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from BMW)

The Bavarian’s engineers counteract this weight by leveraging the CLAR platform’s entrance double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with aluminum management arms, a light-weight entrance and rear subframe, and the corporate’s revered adaptive M Suspension with electronically managed dampers. You additionally get an energetic M differential and dynamic stability management with brake fade compensation, start-off assistant, brake drying, and brake stand-by for the entrance and rear M Compound four-wheel ventilated anti-lock discs.

Speed And Performance Records

Since its arrival, drivers have subjected the G87 BMW M2 to rigorous monitor testing, leading to some spectacular lap instances. These embody a 7:38.71 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and a 1:55.60 on the Hockenheim GP circuit. Road and Track also confirms a 1:24.120 time at the Thunderhill Park West monitor. Car and Driver conducted a test on the Virginia International Raceway Grand East Course, leading to a 2:56.90 lap time. These laps greatest the likes of the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, Lexus LFA, Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, and Nissan GT-R.

BMW M2 Test Track Times

• Hockenheim GP Circuit: 1:55.60
• Nürburgring Nordschleife: 7:38.71
• Thunderhill Park West: 1:24.120
• Virginia International Raceway Grand East Course: 2:56.90

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 BMW M2

• Multi-zone Climate Control together with micro-filter and automated air recirculation
• Power entrance M sport heated seats
• Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
• BMW Curved Display with configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central infotainment
• Harman Kardon premium encompass sound audio system
• Vernasca leather-based upholstery and Anthracite headliner

BMW matches the M2’s cabin with complete appointments. Key options embody the signature electrically adjustable entrance M sport bucket seats, together with single-piece again panels, power-adjustable aspect bolsters, and backlit M logos built-in into the headrest. These seats additionally function three-stage heating and reminiscence features. You additionally get a multi-zone local weather management system with a micro-filter and automated air recirculation, multicolor adjustable ambient lighting, an electrical glass sunroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You can have the steering wheel heated for $200.

Interior upholstery choices embody black with M colour highlights or blue distinction stitching, in addition to Cognac brown Vernasca leather-based. Merino Black leather-based with M highlights is on the market by way of the $9,900 Carbon bundle, which additionally provides a sequence of carbon fiber highlights to the outside. Black High Gloss trimmings are normal, however you will get Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite finishes for $150 or carbon fiber for $800.

Technology

The M2 could also be an analog efficiency automobile, however the model matches it with a number of the greatest technological options. The star of the interior is the curved display, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system options the up to date BMW iDrive 8.0 software program, together with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a number of BMW’s linked companies.

BMW matches this with the 14-speaker Harman Kardon encompass sound audio system as normal. You additionally get a one-year subscription to SiriusXM. Additional tech options embody the BMW Advanced Key and a HomeLink common garage-door opener. You can optionally specify the Live-Cockpit Pro and head-up show for $1,100. The wi-fi smartphone charger prices $200 and a private 5g eSIM, $300.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from BMW)

Safety And Reliability

The BMW M2 advantages from a excessive security specification, together with airbags protecting the motive force and entrance passenger, entrance knees, and sides. You additionally get entrance and rear head safety techniques, affect sensors that activate the battery security terminal disconnect from the alternator and starter from battery, automatic-locking retractors on all passenger security belts, and an anti-theft alarm system with two-step central locking. The NHTSA and IIHS haven’t crash-tested the BMW M2, which is frequent for vehicles of this stature.

BMW M vehicles sometimes have a nasty popularity for reliability. BMW combats this with its new engine line, however the actuality is you must keep on prime of servicing schedules with elevated diligence. This is a high-performance and technical engine that requires routine maintenance to ensure longevity. There are at the moment no remembers for the 2024 mannequin yr, however final yr’s mannequin was affected by a software issue affecting the windows.

Driver Assistance Features

The BMW M2 comes normal with an energetic driving assistant suite, together with a frontal collision warning, energetic blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and velocity restrict info. You additionally get the energetic guard configuration, together with automated metropolis collision mitigation and braking. Less distinguished driver help options embody entrance and rear parking sensors and a rear-facing digital camera. Adaptive cruise management is a $500 optionally available further.

• Front collision warning
• Active blind spot detection
• Lane departure warning
• City collision mitigation and braking
• Adaptive cruise management (optionally available)

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: N/A

Warranties

The M2 ships normal with BMW’s complete 48-month or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and powertrain guarantee bundle. The model additionally covers corrosion for 12 years over limitless miles. BMW’s Ultimate Care plan consists of complementary companies inside a 36-month or 36,000-mile interval, whereas roadside help lasts for 48 months over limitless miles. You can extend this plan by four more years for $6,649.

(Data sourced from BMW)

2024 BMW M2 Versus Its Competitors

The BMW would not have any pure rivals, because it actually is a unique last-of-its-kind creation. Two vehicles that put up considerably of a combat are the Audi RS3 Sedan and Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S. However, these are each transverse all-wheel drive four-door sedans with no handbook transmission possibility. The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS is a superb different when evaluating efficiency, however we’re excluding it on account of its lack of rear seats and mid-engine configuration.

How The BMW M2 Compares To The Audi RS3

• 2024 BMW M2

  Model

  BMW M2

  Engine

  3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged Straight-Six

  Transmission

  Six-Speed Manual or Eight-Speed Automatic

  Horsepower

  453 HP @ 6,250 RPM

  Torque

  406 LB-FT @ 2,600 RPM

  Driveline

  Rear-Wheel Drive

  Range

  260 Miles

  MSRP

  $63,200

  0-60 MPH

  3.9 Seconds

  Quarter-Mile

  12.2 Seconds

• 2024 Audi RS3 Sedan

  Model

  Audi RS3 Sedan

  Engine

  Turbocharged 2.5-liter Straight-Five

  Transmission

  Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

  Horsepower

  401 HP @ 6,500 RPM

  Torque

  369 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM

  Driveline

  All-Wheel Drive

  Range

  334 Miles

  MSRP

  $63,395

  0-60 MPH

  3.8 Seconds

  Quarter-Mile

  11.8 Seconds

The Audi RS3 Sedan options Ingolstadt’s emotional turbocharged 2.5-liter straight-five powertrain, which produces fairly a bit much less energy than BMW’s bigger twin-turbo unit. However, because of its grippy Quattro all-wheel drive system and snappy dual-clutch transmission, it matches the Bavarian coupe’s 0-60 MPH time and bests the quarter-mile time by nearly half a second. The RS3’s front-biased Haldex system means it returns inferior dealing with traits, clearly evident when tackling a lightweight monitor day session.

These two vehicles are equally priced and supply related specification ranges. They each cater to hurry freaks, however the RS3 boasts higher practicality because of its bigger cabin and trunk. It additionally returns higher gas consumption estimates and extra vary on a single tank of gasoline. This automobile won’t ever attraction to a die-hard BMW M fanatic, but it surely’s a fantastic different for somebody who needs to take pleasure in thrilling straight-line speeds and one of the best engine notes you’ll ever hear.

How The BMW M2 Compares To The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S

• 2024 BMW M2

  Model

  BMW M2

  Engine

  3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged Straight-Six

  Transmission

  Six-Speed Manual or Eight-Speed Automatic

  Horsepower

  453 HP @ 6,250 RPM

  Torque

  406 LB-FT @ 2,600 RPM

  Driveline

  Rear-Wheel Drive

  Range

  260 Miles

  MSRP

  $63,200

  0-60 MPH

  3.9 Seconds

  Quarter-Mile

  12.2 Seconds

• 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S

  Model

  Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S

  Engine

  Turbocharged 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder

  Transmission

  Eight-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

  Horsepower

  416 HP @ 6,750 RPM

  Torque

  369 LB-FT @ 5,000 RPM

  Driveline

  All-Wheel Drive

  Range

  310 Miles

  MSRP

  $65,400

  0-60 MPH

  4.0 Seconds

  Quarter-Mile

  12.2 Seconds

Many specialists categorize the CLA45 S as a rocket ship on wheels. Like the RS3, it makes use of a front-biased transverse engine, however with a a lot smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder displacement. Its energy output is barely nearer to the M2’s, however there’s nonetheless a really noticeable hole. Despite this, the AMG matches BMW’s acceleration and quarter-mile instances. Its clever differential know-how means it additionally goes tire-to-tire with the Bavarian challenger by means of a sequence of tight-knit corners. It does this whereas providing barely higher rear legroom.

The smaller engine additionally means you profit from higher gas consumption and vary returns, however it is a marginal distinction. The CLA45 S instructions a premium over the M2 with out providing extra normal options. Again, this comes all the way down to which model you like, as each of those vehicles cater to their respective audiences. As a whole bundle, the BMW M2 appears like a extra emotional automobile, while the AMG takes a very clinical approach that optimizes how briskly it could possibly go in any route.

How Much A 2024 BMW M2 Costs

The BMW M2 prices $63,200 for each the handbook and automated fashions. This excludes the $995 vacation spot price.

(Data sourced from BMW)

Fuel Economy

The redesigned engine and weight will increase have a knock-on impact on the automobile’s EPA-estimated effectivity outcomes. The handbook transmission returns a 16/24/19 MPG estimate on a metropolis/freeway/mixed cycle, whereas the automated is marginally lighter with its 16/23/19 MPG return. Both fashions cowl a 260-mile vary from its 13.7-gallon tank. The EPA estimates each fashions will price you $3,350 in gas yearly.

(Data sourced from the EPA)

Is It Worth Buying The BMW M2?

The BMW M2 is a truly special automotive creation that represents a dying breed of small vehicles with comparatively massive engines by European requirements. Even American manufacturers are letting go of their ICEs in favor of all-electric powertrains. BMW is not too distant from this future, but it surely’s pleasing to know there’s nonetheless an possibility for old-school fanatics. That being mentioned, the model feels like a step in the wrong direction when contemplating the visuals. It’s an obscure-looking automobile with weird proportions aimed toward attracting consideration, greater than portraying a refined and tasteful persona.

From a mechanical standpoint, it actually is a marvel of a creation that feels fun and engaging to drive, regardless of rising in dimension. Compared to the remainder of the M division’s line-up, we might dare say that is the most effective M automobile you’ll be able to at the moment take into account, because it completely encapsulates all the pieces that has made the BMW M such a preferred efficiency model.