New-Gen BMW M2 Breaks Cover
With a turbocharged six-cylinder mill, it can hit 100kmph from nothing in 4.1 seconds.
The BMW 2 Series now has a new range-topper. And it’s called the M2. Notice the absence of the ‘Competition’ badge. That, in all probability, will come in later with bigger boots but a higher price tag. However, if you’re not into that, the new-gen BMW M2 has more than enough character to fulfil those driving desires.
Let’s talk looks. As expected, the second-gen M2 has a more aggressive outlook than the rest of the 2 Series range. That has been achieved using different front and rear bumpers, frameless BMW kidney grille, flared side skirts, prominent wheel arches and a spoiler lip on the boot lid. And yes, there are two pairs of sporty-looking exhaust outlets tucked away in the two-tone bumper. For the body, there are five colours to choose from, including the Zandvoort Blue solid and Toronto Red metallic. And in the options list is an M Carbon roof, which reduces the overall weight by 6kg.
Indoors, the lunacy continues with M-specific readouts, controls and setup options. Riding behind the sporty multi-function steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, whereas the touchscreen display spans 14.9 inches diagonally. One could team those up with a head-up display which, like the other two screens, also boasts M-specific elements. Yes, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on the M2, and so is the 5G dongle for faster connectivity. The standard sports seats are draped in Sensatec/Alcantara. However, the options list includes M Sport seats, which are available in Vernasca leather/Sensatec finish. The same list also includes M Carbon bucket seats, shaving off 10.8kg from the overall weight.
Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged engine that also serves the M3 and the M4 models. It produces 460hp/550Nm, all of which goes to the rear wheels either via the standard 8-speed automatic transmission or the optional 6-speed manual. With the two-pedal setup, the new BMW M2 can complete the 0-100kmph sprint in 4.1 seconds, reach 200kmph in 13.5 seconds and clock 250kmph before running into the electronic speed nannies. As you’d expect, the manual gearbox isn’t as slick and takes a little longer to help the car accelerate. With the M Driver’s package, one could extend the top speed to 285kmph.
Helping the driver relish the experience are features such as the M Traction Control, an Active M Differential and the 50:50 weight distribution. Also on hand are the wider tracks as compared to the standard 2 Series Coupe, high-performance brakes and the adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
Features? Well, the list is quite extensive. In addition to the ones mentioned above, the list includes ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control, Active Cruise Control, multiple drive modes, Lane Departure Control and the BMW Maps navigation system. The options list ropes in track tyres, carbon fibre trim for the interior and the M Race Track Package.
BMW will start the global launch of the new M2 in April of next year. It will be built alongside the 2 Series Coupe at the brand’s plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
