FIRST DRIVE | Why the new BMW M2 is a magnificent return to form

BMW’s M division came under fire from purists when it started to produce performance SUVs. After all, this is a brand built on the successes it achieved on track. However, the rise of the performance SUV and subsequent sales success means BMW M can continue to produce cars such as the M2, which are close to the recipe that made the sub-brand famous.

The small coupé is the newest to join the ever-growing M portfolio. It arrives on our shores after widespread criticism regarding its appearance. Most commentators aren’t enamoured with the M2’s looks, so we will leave you to make up your own mind in this regard. However, we will say the G87 series M2 appears muscular and has plenty of road presence up close.

The M2’s brutish exterior is offset by a luxurious interior. The seats feature soft leather, as do other key touch points. Other highlights include a fat-rimmed M steering wheel with paddle shifters and programmable M1 and M2 drive mode buttons. Behind the wheel is BMW’s now familiar twin screen curved display with one half serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the touchscreen infotainment interface.

The latest BMW M2 was created using the same recipe applied to deliver many performance BMWs before. It has a front-mounted in-line-six that sends power to the rear axle. In standard form drive is transferred via an eight-speed automatic. BMW offers the M2 with a six-speed manual for those who prefer to keep their left appendages busy.

The 3l engine is turbocharged, which helps it develop maximum power of 338kW with peak torque of 550Nm. BMW says the M2 can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds (the manual version is 0.2 sec slower). The top speed of the new BMW M2 is limited to 250km/h but that can be raised to 285km/h if you take the optional M Driver’s Package.

All thoughts of the M2’s awkward appearance fade into the background when you fire up the engine. It is subdued at first but there is a baritone backtrack that lets you know it means business. The engine is a gem and revs freely to the red line. In fact, it rips through the last thousand rpm so quickly you have to be wary of inadvertently banging up against the limiter. 

But the M2 is no straight-line specialist. Part of our route on the launch included the Franschhoek Pass. The M2, with its short wheelbase and wide tracks, was made for such roads. You can hustle the car with confidence, but you also have to show a degree of respect. 

The wide rear axle borrowed from the M3/4 with a limited slip differential helps to deal with the application of power, but you still have to be wary of unleashing 550Nm of twist effort that arrives low down in the rev range. This isn’t a point ’n squirt car. Get it just right though and the sensations will delight keen drivers.

If there are any gripes about the M2 they relate to the car’s low speed ride and steering action. The latter is laser sharp but quite inert, lacking in ultimate feel, so approaching the grip limit isn’t well conveyed through the helm. The ride quality can be a little jarring when you aren’t really pressing on, an undoubted side effect of firm spring rates and low-profile tyres. The M2 is one of those cars that feels better at pace than pootling around.

Many great BMW M cars have been produced over the five decades that the firm’s performance arm has been in operation, among them the M3 and M5. But it came as little surprise to learn the previous generation BMW M2 is the best-selling M car yet as it harks back to the ethos of the marque.

The newest version of the M2 will aim to emulate the sales success of its predecessor. All the ingredients are there to ensure it does. This car represents the end of an era in many respects. It will probably be the last M car fitted with a manual transmission and not feature any form of electrified power train. 

BMW M2 Price: R1,485,000