Driving position is low slung and sporty Pedals are offset to the right Sporty front seats are on-point and supportive
How does it drive at low speeds?
Clutch has long travel and isn’t particularly light Gearbox has a rubbery feel Steering is nice, ride is surprisingly comfortable Ground clearance not an issue
Let’s up the pace..
460hp, twin-turbo straight-six shared with M3, M4 Responses from low rpm are a bit relaxed Since it’s a manual, you feel the slack as the turbo spins up
Go up the drive modes
And the engine gets much more responsive Performance after 3,000rpm is explosive all the way to the 7,200rpm redline 0-100kph comes up in 4.3 seconds
MT gearbox makes it immersive
It does require effort, you need to work at getting your shifts right Do it right and the thrill is massive Steering needs bit more weight, but turn-in is fantastic
Not as playful as older M2
Getting on top of chassis requires commitment At 1.7 tonnes, new M2 is much heavier Feels grown up, considerably stiffer & more taut Feels superbly balanced in corners
Is it easy to slide?
It's hard work, but inviting, even forgiving up to a point Sliding the tail feels progressive Has 10-stage traction control to play around with Gets cool M-drift analyser
Thoroughly modern BMW interior
Its larger, more roomy & techy Gets brushed aluminium, leather & carbon-fibre trims Access to rear seats is a squeeze, but comfort is reasonable
Not as edgy as older M2 Performance, however, has taken a massive leap Useable backseat and modern cabin add to the appeal Demands a committed driver, and is expensive