Although produced in Mexico, the M2 condenses the flavor of almost all other M models. Wide, powerful, compact, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission. Still have questions? Wait for us to open it out.
In 2011, when the 1 Series M Coupé was launched, the laughter of the BMW M team resounded at the R&D center in Garching, Munich. What a subversive work! Twin-turbo, wide-faced, and occasionally grumpy. Cut through corners, go through straights like lasers, endless traction? In order to do this, they screwed a wider chassis under the well-behaved hatchback body of the "steroid" car, stuffing the 3 into the nose0 liters of twin-turbo engine and gives it a wide chin. In this way, the grinning expression will never disappear from the driver's cheek. Unless they cross the magic tipping point of proper use of the accelerator pedal, this will cause the rear end of the vehicle to lose the neutral steering that has been emphasized and produce a clean drift. In the hands of rude motorists or those accustomed to pressing the gas pedal deeply, many coupes end up being cold hatchbacks, or worse. There's a reason why the 1 Series M is still highly regarded today. It was already rare, and it has become rarer over the years.
That's why we have the M2 (G87) in front of us. With a minimum** of 72 800 euros, it's not cheap either, but at least it's fresh on the market. There are no restrictions other than the maximum speed, 250 km/h or 285 km/h (with the Driver package). Either way, the M2 is a sequel to the original. By the way, the M2 is currently the best-selling M model.
Beautiful, isn't it? In particular, they have already created a front-wheel-drive 1. on the UKL platform of the second-generation M24-liter hybrid. The ideal car-sharing, which is the mobility darling of all cargo bike enthusiasts? And emissions are also lower. Forget it and see what it is: twin-turbo inline-six, 460 hp, full M4 chassis, rear-wheel drive, electronically controlled differential lock, manual transmission (optional). That's what makes you excited, isn't it? 2035 is fast approaching, so BMW will not lie flat and will use the M2 shortly after its 50th birthday to demonstrate true driving culture. You may not necessarily need 460 horsepower, but the more power the better when driving aggressively.
The barely unchanged M3 engine (S58) releases a maximum torque of 550 Nm between 2650 and 5870 rpm as advertised, and it does. The linear pressure of the rear wheels is also not only expressed on paper like turbocharging. The famously high revs can well exceed 7000 rpm and are always low vibration and have a sound that we love. Never loud but warm, rugged, energetic notes that change depending on the load. Classic! What a masterpiece of the Bavarian engine! Are there any features? Stiffer crankcase, forged crankshaft, cylinder head under 3D pressure, two single-scroll turbochargers, 350 bar gasoline injection, Valvetronic electronically controlled intake and exhaust valves. And, to ensure that the engine does not lack lubrication when accelerating at high speeds, the oil pan has two separate chambers and an additional suction port.
Then come on, let's go! The wheelbase is as wide as the M4, but the wheelbase is 11cm less – you don't need any special skills to get to grips with it, but it never hurts to be careful. We can feel the interconnectedness of the individual stress structures, the front end and the bulkhead connection to the shock strut cover, the aluminium front axle spar with aluminium thrust zones and struts, the three-section rear axle thrust zone and the rear axle subframe rigidly connected to the body. After all, complex axles, partial ball joints and rigid wheel bearings with tapered geometries can only ensure that the wheels are in the correct position at all times so precisely if the body does not twist due to forces.
M2-mounted 19-inch and 20-inch regular or track tires (available for an additional fee) that react directly to commands. The steering system has two modes, Comfort and Sport, which correspond to "Reduced Wear" and "Enhanced Grip" depending on the driving needs. It's always on call, always on hand, answering only the driver's questions, never chattering. Well, think about how many times you've met this great communicator? M2 is always there for you, honest when you're going fast, and tells you what to expect when you come out of a corner – which makes the corners more dynamic. As Frank van Meel, head of the M department, said: "We know how to play. This is clear. But we're also good at taking country roads. ”
Arizona's tricky mountain trails are proof of that. The left is rocky, the right is the abyss, and you can still swing at will with m2 along the limits of adhesion. Enjoy the manual transmission, enjoy the adaptive shock absorbers. Fast as an arrow from the string, a new situation, not afraid that this may be the last lateral counterattack at this time. Instead, dry palms and throbbing hearts—born of joy, not fear.
The electric brake with two modes uses six-piston calipers at the front to grip the composite disc, which can be grasped as promised, either calmly or bitten on. The DSC also benefits from fast-acting brakes, which react particularly quickly due to the short signal path. In track mode, all assistance systems can be deactivated, plus traction control can be adjusted in 10 stages. With these, the M2 has mastered the entire program, from the crawling group to the Michelin Pilot logo. To be honest, despite rear-wheel drive, the M2 has strong mechanical traction and requires little intervention on more adhesive asphalt surfaces with full active assistance. Awesome!
Equally great is the optional carbon fibre body covering. If you order them, you will be able to reduce the weight by almost 11 kg and get more absorbent contact with the car. It takes a little more imagination to feel the optional carbon fibre roof (minus 6 kg). Those who have it ordered a "track bag" with a carbon case and a roof.
The evolved M2 is solid, but not stubborn. The careful fine-tuning of the chassis and suspension combined well with the powerful twin-turbo – very close to the M4.
bmw m2coupé
Bodywork
Four-seater coupe with length 4580 mm, width 1887 mm, height 1403 mm, wheelbase 2747 mm, luggage compartment volume 390 l, curb weight carrying weight 1775 455 kg
Powertrain
Inline 6-cylinder petrol engine, turbocharged, displacement 2993 cm3, maximum power 338 kW (460 ps) at 6250 rpm, maximum torque 550 Nm at 2650 rpm
Transmission system
Rear-wheel drive, 6-speed manual gearbox.
Chassis suspension
Front wishbone MacPherson, rear multi-link coil springs, front and rear disc brakes, tire specifications: 275 35 R19 front, 285 30 R20 rear
Driving performance
0 100kmh acceleration time 43 s, top speed 250 km h, combined fuel consumption (WLTP) 100 l/100 km
Basic**
Manual version 73 300 euros.