BMW M2 Manual

Quick review in pictures

First impressions

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

Video review

Verdict

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

Read full review