Test Drive – BMW M2: Little Sister and Worthy Heir to the M Lineage?

We were fortunate to get behind the wheel of this BMW M2 on the small roads of the French Genevois.

The M2 (F87) is the successor to the 1M Coupé, but its DNA comes from a certain M3 E30. Just look at its size of 4.47m for this « small » M2, which is 12 cm longer than its 1986 ancestor. The M2 embodies the philosophy of the agile and aggressive propulsion of the first M3, for those who had the chance to drive it.

In terms of the chassis, significant changes are taking place: the wide wheel arches confirm the 8 cm gain, with the adoption of the M3’s suspension and limited-slip differential. This ensures a very good road holding, easy recovery out of corners, and precise positioning of the car, with no vagueness in the steering.

On the mechanical side, there’s a slight disappointment as there are no big surprises. The specialists at MotorSport did not start from scratch since this 3-liter block developing 370 HP and 550 Nm of torque (with overboost) is derived from the benchmark of recent years: the 6-cylinder n55 found across the range (M140i, 340i, 640i etc).

Which competitors?

In terms of competition, the M2 is the only one in its category to offer a 6-cylinder, whereas the A45 AMG features a 4-cylinder with a power of 381 hp from a 2.0L block. The Audi RS3, on the other hand, boasts 367 hp from a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine.

Our M2 therefore has nothing to be ashamed of compared to its rivals in terms of engine performance, but being rear-wheel drive, unlike the all-wheel drive of its counterparts, the M2 would have little chance of outperforming its competitors.

Having not been able to try the A45 but only the RS3, the M2 remains more “playful” than the Audi. The RS3 is incredibly effective but doesn’t provide as much driving pleasure as the M2. If you are looking for a car rich in sensations, I advise you to opt for the BMW.

Aesthetically, we all know that tastes and colors are personal. Personally, I have a crush on this M2, which visually looks more aggressive, with its MotoSport “pocket rocket” DNA. Of the three, the M2 is the only “3-door,” with a trunk while its rivals are 4-door hatchbacks, which places it in the category of sporty “coupés” and not in sporty compact sedans.

On the other hand, the interior atmosphere is much more subdued than the Audi or the Mercedes. In terms of pricing, the BMW is a notch above the Mercedes (€55,350), but remains below the four-ring brand (Audi RS3 €62,820).

A rather discreet M

True to its signature, BMW remains discreet in terms of sportiness once inside the car. Apart from the stitching on the steering wheel, a few M monograms, and the remote control resembling a tiny canister that activates the flap sport exhaust, the Motorsport identity is only subtly expressed on board.

On the upholstery side, no bucket seats or other sport seats as an option. The M2 uses the same ones as the M235i and is content with an embossed M logo on the backrest. The support remains correct with an ideal driving position, which you can find on a 218i…

Press the Start button, and the melodious sound of the 6-cylinder engine can be heard on the winding roads of Mont Salève.

For M135i owners, the M2 is evidently firmer from the first few kilometers but remains much more pleasant to drive than the old 1M. Despite the 19″ wheels, the adaptive dampers provide adequate filtering, especially on these beautiful mountain roads that do not resemble German highways.

Same observation for the steering, quite consistent and slightly heavy even in Comfort mode. It’s part of the game, and the road feel is wonderfully precise and communicative. A discreet power, without ostentatious excess, like many elements of this M2.

A mastered agility

After a few kilometers of climbing, we activate the « Sport + » mode and open the exhaust valves. The car’s behavior changes radically. We keep the electronic aids activated to string together curves and quickly understand that its widened tracks, the grip of the Michelin Super Sport tires, and its incredible traction allow us to safely enjoy the 370hp.

The Sport + mode adds a slight additional leeway, working on the flexibility of the ESP. Coming out of a curve, the accelerations are sharp, even when leaving the very responsive DKG gearbox to handle things on its own.

If you like sways, you will be served since the couple arrives abruptly on the rear wheels – allowing you to dance easily. As for braking, it maintains a good bite even after a few marked repetitions. You just need to be careful on wet surfaces, where road imperfections and rear axle bouncing can lead to traction loss.

The most successful online 6?

Present on all the M Series, often criticized, especially on its big sister, the M3, the sound of the M2 remains refined at all revs. We find the harmonious tone typical of the Bavarian firm’s 6-cylinder engines, especially at high revs, despite having a turbocharged engine.

This engine remains – admittedly – linear but provides aggressive acceleration without the need to rev high to achieve good power. We miss the old naturally aspirated engines, which were more spirited with that famous kick in the pants.

The M2 can boast of one thing: it probably has the most homogeneous version of the current 6-cylinder inline from BMW.

Rates

€61,750, to be supplemented with a €6,500 penalty for the manual gearbox. The DKG automatic gearbox being less penalized (€3,600), this choice remains the best compromise given the performance and driving enjoyment benefits.

In reality, her best rival is none other than her big sister, the M4 starting at €85,300.

Our opinion

In conclusion, the BMW MotorSport team succeeds in replacing the 1M without too much difficulty, while reminding us of the beginnings of the famous M badge, perhaps a little too timidly…

Key data

BMW M2 F87 Coupe 370 DKG Model

Price / starting from: €61,750

Price of the tested model: €68,890

Engine

Engine: TwinTurbo gasoline, 6-cylinder inline, 2,979 cm3, 24 valves, direct injection

Engine architecture: Front mid-engine position

Power: 370 hp

Couple: 465 Nm max

Transmission: Dual-clutch automatic (7 speeds)

Type of transmission: Propulsion

Characteristics

Front / rear suspension: Elastic arms, transverse and longitudinal arms, helical springs, anti-roll bar

Axle: Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Front brakes: Composite ventilated discs front/rear

Rear brakes: Composite ventilated discs front/rear

Front / rear tires: 245/35ZR19 FR 265/35ZR19 RR

Performance and consumption

0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds

Maximum speed: 250 km/h

Urban cycle (l/100 km): 11.6L/100 km

Extra-urban cycle (l/100 km): 6.7L/100 km

Mixed cycle (L/100 km): 8.5L/100 km

Weight and measures

Dimensions (mm): 4468 mm (L) / 1854 mm (W) / 1410 mm (H) / 2693 mm (wheelbase)

Trunk volume(s) (L): 390L

Tank (l): 52L

Dry weight (Kg): 1,510 Kg

Number of seats: 4

The +

• Agility
• Formidable mobility
• Precise and sharp steering
• Pleasure and sound of the 6-cylinder
• Chronos

The –

– DKG gearbox not always sporty: sport mode
– Cabin and interior comfort: sport identity not strongly affirmed

Note that this model is currently no longer sold by BMW, which now offers the M2 Competition with 410 HP, the M2 CS with 450 HP, and the BMW 240i M with 340 HP.