BMW's M2 remains an addictive track tool in second generation form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the updated version.

Ten Second Review

There won't be many more combustion-powered BMW M cars and the brand's second generation M2 brings that era to a close with a bang - even more so in this updated 480hp form. It's unashamedly extrovert, politically incorrect and very fast. Choose one and in fifty years time, show your grandkids what they're missing.

Background

Is there any other car quite like the BMW M2? The Munich maker doesn't think so, claiming it to be 'in a segment of one' and most of the 60,000 enthusiasts who bought the original 'F87' 2015-era model would probably agree. For BMW, M used to be merely a performance badge; now increasingly, it's a sub-brand, with this Mexican-built model now the entry point to a widening portfolio of rocket-fast road racers. It's very different this time round - and not only because all attempts at visual subtlety have been dispensed with; if you want that, we'd recommend a look at this variant's less frantic close cousin, the M240i. That car has 4WD, but for M2 folk, that wouldn't offer the purist potential being sought here. Those people must have breathed a sigh of relief when the current 'G42' 2 Series Coupe retained a rear-driven platform. And been even more relieved when BMW announced that a manual gearbox would be retained within the M2 range. So what's in store here? Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

Not too much changed as part of the 2024 update. Power rose from 460hp to 480hp and 0-62mph performance improved by 0.1s as a result, the auto now demolishing the benchmark sprint in just 4.0s. The alternative 6-speed manual model (yes, you can still have a stick shift) has longer gear ratios that keep it at 4.2s, but its top speed of 177mph is higher (the auto's limited to 155mph unless you pay extra for an optional M Drivers Package). Possibly more significant are the changes made to the S58 straight six engine's mapping for both transmission options, which are supposed to enhance mid-range punch. As before, the 600Nm torque figure of the auto version falls to 550Nm with the manual. Otherwise, everything's as it was. The switch to the cluster platform used by larger BMWs for this G87 model meant that pretty much all the engineering here could be borrowed from the M3 and M4. The downside of using a big car chassis comes with the inevitable increase in weight, but the engineers are adamant that the advantages of that outweigh the drawbacks. It really comes down to the kind of M2 you want. BMW freely admits that this model's pre-2022-era F87 predecessor was 'a bit more playful' (read as 'looser at the rear end'). This one's grown up a bit, though it's still rear-driven, it can still drift and do all that tyre smoking stuff - plus it'll be faster in lap time. Not least because it's more powerful, the output figure being 110hp more than that of the old F87 M2 Competition and M2 CS models. To control all that grunt, there's an Active M differential allowing up to 100% of torque to be transferred to either of the rear wheels. In addition, unlike standard versions of the old F87 M2, there's adaptive damping. Along with punchy 6-piston brakes and a 10-step M traction control system. Track fiends even get an M drift analyser which rates the standard of their smoky slides.

Design and Build

There are no visual changes to this updated G87 M2 - unless you count the wider selection of paint colours and wheel designs. As before, there's nothing subtle about the wild, angular looks of this second generation M2. BMW says its designs are edging closer to the style of its race cars and this one's certainly got a degree of DTM to it thanks to an overt body kit with swollen wings, plus huge quad-exit exhausts in a GT-style rear diffuser and a unique front end with frameless kidney grilles said to be inspired by classic 02 series BMW coupes of the '60s and '70s. The track width is much wider than a standard 2 Series Coupe (49mm more at the front and 18mm more at the rear) and the car itself is 114mm longer than the pre-2022-era F87 generation M2 - and only 219mm shorter than an M4. Wheels are 19-inches at the front and 20-inches at the rear. Inside, signs of this mid-term update are more obvious, with a redesigned dashboard, a smarter flat-bottomed steering wheel and a new OS 8.5 operating system for the 14.9-inch central touchscreen that combines with the 12.3-inch driver's display as part of one curved panel. Both monitor's have M2-bespoke graphics. Customers can now individually option in BMW's carbon fibre-backed bucket seats (previously only available as part of a pricier combined option package). As before, you can set your own performance preferences for the two red thumb paddles on the bespoke steering wheel for quick access to favoured drive, transmission, stability and suspension settings. As usual on a 2 Series Coupe, you get a couple of small back seats - and thanks to this G87 model's slightly lengthier 2,747mm wheelbase (compared to the old F87), there's slightly more legroom in the back. Plus you get the kind of decent 390-litre boot capacity that a 718 Cayman or A110 owner would envy. If you need space for longer items, the rear backrest also has a useful 40:20:40 split.

Market and Model

BMW wants around £63,000 for this second generation M2 - that's about £3,000 less than the pre-update version of this G87 model cost. That makes the car around £12,000 less expensive than the much lessy powerful Porsche 718 Cayman GTS. There's still no news on an uprated 'Competition'-spec variant, but we can expect a lightweight, firmer M2 CSL model at some point for those who want a bit more track focus. That distinctive M car touch, a lightweight M Carbon roof, is standard as usual made out of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic. And there are Adaptive LED headlights with a BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High beam Assistant. Also standard is a 3-zone climate control system, acoustic glazing for the windscreen, auto headlamps and wipers, ambient lighting and a Harmon Kardon surround sound system. The key option is to replace the standard M Sport seats with optional M Carbon bucket seats, which are fully electric and heated, come trimmed in Merino leather, can be fitted with a multi-point harness and feature integral head restraints and an illuminated model badge. Camera safety kit includes Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning including lane return and a Speed Limit Display with no-overtaking indicator. More features are provided in an optional Driving Assistant pack.

Cost of Ownership

BMW quotes a combined fuel consumption return of between 28.8mpg and 29.4mpg - but of course if you ever regularly get close to that, you shouldn't have bought an M2 in the first place. The CO2 reading is rated at 223-218g/km. All these efficiency stats are significantly better than those of a rival 718 Cayman GTS (28.0mpg and 230g/km). What else might you need to know? Well, routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. Like all M cars, this one needs a first running-in service at 1,200 miles. On to the warranty package. BMW offers a warranty that lasts for three years, no matter how many miles you complete. You can also insure your car through BMW, though as many M2s will be funded with company money through a lease deal, this brokerage fees are likely to be bundled into that.

Summary

Given that this M2 is basically these days very much an M4 in a different, sportier suit, there was no point in BMW's stylists merely copying that only slightly larger model's more conservative vibe - and they haven't. You'll either like or loathe the fact that aesthetic subtlety's been tossed out the window here but you can't deny that this second generation M2 certainly has more roadway presence this time round. No longer do we find ourselves questioning whether an M240i might not be a cleverer choice: this now feels like a different kind of car entirely. It has its own discrete niche, just as is the case with the two similarly priced models that are closest to anything that might be called a 'competitor', Porsche's 718 Cayman and the Alpine A110. We applaud the fact that BMW's retained a manual stick shift option and has resisted the temptation to add in xDrive 4WD. We're less keen on the larger platform's extra weight and the step up in price. Still, it's a proper driver's car, just as we'd hoped the M division's last ever pure combustion model might be. Enjoy it while you can.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Variable front intermittent wipers

Sun protection glass

Heat protection, sun protection glazing

Front electric windows

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Dry braking

PC iBrake (Post crash approach control warning with light braking function)

Carpets/Rugs

Black velour front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

M Drive Professional including track mode, laptimer, traction control & Drift analyser

M Adaptive suspension

Communication

Storage for wireless charging

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Engine start button

Driver attention warning

Active Guard

Drive off assistant

Flat tyre monitor

Driver Convenience

Start/stop system

Configurable dashboard display

Travel data recorder

Voice control for audio, climate, telephone, navigation

Driver Information

Check control system

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

On board diagnostics

BMW Teleservices

Oil sensor for level and grade

Exterior temperature display

BMW legal emergency call

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Widescreen display

Language version English

Digital owner's manual

Control Infotainment

On board documentation English

BMW Live Cockpit Professional including Full colour Head up display with configurable HUD contents

Driving Mirrors

Door mirror integrated indicators

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Electrochromic interior rear view mirror

Exterior mirrors with memory function and automatic parking function

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Personal eSim

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system with 464W power digital amplifier, 9 channels and 14 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Front and rear bumper system

Fading support

Rear boot

M high gloss shadowline exterior trim in mirror triangle cover, mirror cover panel, mirror bezel and window border

M high gloss shadowline extended

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamp levelling

Automatic headlamp activation

Follow me home headlights

High beam assistant

LED daytime running lights

Dynamic brake lights

LED rear lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

LED number plate light

LED indicator lights

Headlight beam throw control

LED 3rd brake light

M lights shadowline

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Two zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Front centre armrest

Rear armrest

Heated steering wheel

2 cupholders

Front door pockets with bottle holders

Manually adjustable steering column

Glove compartment

3 spoke leather M multi-function steering wheel

Storage compartment in rear doors

Compartment in front of cupholder

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

English handbook

12V power socket in front centre console with blanking plug

M Anthracite headlining

Front door sill strips with aluminium inlays and M2 labelling

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Front reading lights

Glovebox light

Front interior light

Front and rear door exit lights

Ambient lighting

Front and rear footwell lights

Illuminated armrest storage compartment

Vanity mirror lights

M Accent Surfaces Illuminated: Highlighters in the door trim inlay panels and light module in the instrument cluster with M stripes

Packs

Connected package professional - M2

Interior and exterior mirror package - M2

Storage compartment package - M2

Driving Assistant package - M2

Parking assistant package - M2

Comfort access pack - M2

BMW Live cockpit plus pack - M2

Safety

First aid kit

Warning triangle

Height adjustable front seatbelts

4 x 3 point seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters

Curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Crash sensor

Head airbags for all 4 outer seats

Side airbags for driver and front passenger

M seat belts

Seatbelt reminder

Emergency door unlock

Front airbags for driver and front passenger

Seats

2 rear head restraints

Height adjustable front headrests

2 rear seats

Electrically adjustable front seats - driver seat with memory

Folding rear seat head rests

Through loading system with 40/20/40 split folding rear seat

Driver/passenger electric lumbar adjustment

Driver and front passenger heated seats

Isofix child seat for two outer rear seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Locking wheel bolts

Drive away door locking

Alarm system

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Manual transmission

M Sport differential

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 69

CO: 0.17

NOx: 0.015

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0002

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 338

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 223

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 197

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 219

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 229

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 229

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 227

Emissions - Lifecycle

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.6

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 11.1

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 26.3

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 14.6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

CC: 2993

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.3:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Engine Code: S58B30T0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 19

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 28.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 32.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 29.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 28

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 28

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 28

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 14.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 9.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 9.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 9.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.1

General

Coin Series: M2

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 40E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 480

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.2

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 480

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 353

Engine Power - RPM: 6250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 406

Engine Torque - NM: 550

Engine Torque - RPM: 2650

Engine Torque - MKG: 56.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 275/35 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 285/30 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE - 930M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4580

Width: 1887

Wheelbase: 2747

Width (including mirrors): 2068

Height: 1403

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1705

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2155

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 52

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 450

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 390

No. of Seats: 4

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9

Brakes

M brakes with high gloss red calipers

Driver Aids

Active cruise control

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium rhombicle anthracite M interior trim

M Interior decor fine-brushed aluminium

M interior trim finishers carbon fibre

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

M carbon fibre roof

Electrical glass sunroof

BMW Individual paint

Special solid paint

Model designation deletion

Interior Features

Full Merino leather upholstery

M Alcantara steering wheel

Packs

M Race track package - M2

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint special - Twilight purple

Individual paint - Frozen Portimao blue

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Special solid - Zandvoort Blue

Special solid - Sao Paulo Yellow

BMW Individual paint special - Voodoo blue

BMW Individual paint special - Grigio telesto

BMW Individual paint special - Java green

Individual paint - Frozen pure grey

Seats

M Carbon bucket seats

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Black with contrast stitching Blue

Full Merino leather - Black/Exclusive with M colour highlighter

Vernasca leather - Exclusive Black

Vernasca leather - Black with Red

Wheels - Alloy

19" front / 20" rear M light diamond polished alloy wheels Double-spoke style in jet black 930 M Bicolour with mixed tyres and track tyres

19" front / 20" rear M light diamond polished alloy wheels Double-spoke style in jet black 930 M Bicolour with mixed tyres

19" front / 20" rear M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style in jet black 930 M with mixed tyres and track tyres

19" front / 20" rear M light alloy wheels double spoke style 930 M Silver with mixed tyres and track tyres In combination with M race track pack

19" front / 20" rear M light alloy wheels double spoke style 930 M Silver with mixed tyres In combination with M race track pack

19" front / 20" rear M light alloy wheels double spoke style 930 M Silver with mixed tyres and track tyres

19" front / 20" rear M light alloy wheels double spoke style 930 M Silver with mixed tyres