BMW Mzansi launched the second generation M2 and with the same engine as you get in the M3/M4, it not only puts space between it and its natural rivals but might start an internal battle for buyers with the M4. We were there at its launch in Cape Town.
The design continues where recent BMWs have left off with an polarising front (without the gaping grille from the M4 unfortunately or fortunately depending on personal tastes) that definitely ensures no one mistakes the M2 for anything else on the road. There is the frameless kidney grille, LED headlamps in the single "globe" as seen on the new 2 Series. Below the headlights are air intakes square in design that are the source of the design differences. The central air intake gets polished black for a contrast to the body colour.
On the side the M2 gets 19inch wheels up front, 20inch wheels at the back for a planted driving experience as BMW claims. There are 2 options of design for these wheels. The wheel arches are widened to cater for the new M4 derived platform giving the M2 a menacing stance (George Bush, Tony Blair type of stance during their presidency).
The roof has the option of a Carbon Fibre finish or a sun roof.
The rear get the L shaped LED light design with the cluster a design hint to the 2002 BMW. There is a subtle boot lip spoiler whilst the 4 tail-pipes are not subtle at all nestled in the diffuser (also in polished black). The side longitudinal reflector lights are a nice touch lining to the wide rear wheel arches.
Power is from the 3.0 litre Twin Turbo straight six engine from the M4/M3. In this tune it delivers 338 kW (66 kW more than previous model). Peak torque of 550 Nm is produced between 2,650 and 5,870 rpm with maximum output arriving at 6,250 rpm. The new engine revs to a maximum 7,200 rpm. The build-up of power is accompanied by a rich soundtrack generated by the M-specific exhaust system that can only come from a big six cylinder engine. The system of oil supply is designed to handle extremely dynamic driving situations when out on the track, as is the cooling system.
Drive is to the rear wheels via either a 6 speed manual or an 8 speed M Steptronic transmission. The M2 comes as standard with BMWs Active M Differential at the rear axle that is able to seamlessly generate a locking effect of up to 100 per cent whenever required for those power slides (on track).
The new BMW M2 completes the sprint to 100 km/h from rest in 4.1 seconds with the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and in 4.3 seconds when fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox. It is capable of powering from 0 to 200 km/h in 13.5 seconds (automatic) or 14.3 seconds (manual). The limited top speed of the new BMW M2 can be raised from 250 km/h to 285 km/h by specifying the optional M Driver’s Package.
The interior is pure 2 Series with the latest BMW Curved Display, with a driver-centric design featuring M-specific readouts, controls and setup options. Driving-related information including Shift Lights appears in a new graphical layout on the 12.3-inch information display. Both the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant form part of the latest-generation BMW iDrive.
Based on BMW Operating System 8, it has been purpose designed for intuitive interaction between driver and vehicle using touch control and natural language. The driver and front passenger are welcomed as standard by sport seats in a model-specific design with Sensatec/Alcantara surfaces. M Sport seats with integral head restraints and perforated surfaces in Vernasca leather/Sensatec are available as an alternative.
The M Carbon bucket seats that can also be found on the options list use carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest and also feature cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints, thereby shaving around 10.8 kilograms off the vehicle’s weight.
Pricing for the M2 is R1,485,000.00. The global introductions of the new BMW M2 will commence in the second quarter of 2023. Indicative pricing for these new vehicles in South Africa are inclusive of VAT, and excluding CO2 tax.