Just flicked the shift paddle to get this little pocket rocket from 3rd to 4th and the rear Pilot Sport 4S Michelins are still scrambling for grip and the M-Diff doing all it can to even power on the rear wheels. The M2 has recently been given more power and we tested it to find out if its needed.
The heart of the updates lies in the legendary 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine (S58) engine which now produces 353 kW/600 Nm as compared to 338kW/550Nm before. The 15kW/50Nm hike in power might seem inconsequential especially when you consider the 0-100km/h sprint is reduced by just a tenth from 4.1 seconds to 4 seconds flat, making it seem like the BWW M engineers didn't do enough. Shift from 5th to 3rd in M Mode with the exhaust flaps opened, floor the accelerator and the 50Nm definitely makes its presence felt by the 20inch rear tyres. In M Dynamic mode, the traction control allows some play before intervening but you better have your wits about you because the M2 can shift your day from fun to an ICU bed in no time. The drift measuring feature is just a recipe for disaster on public roads with one needing to be on track to really allow the system to score how sideways you got. The Traction control system can be phased from "You're ok" to "Yabba Dabba Doo" with the latter coming when you switch the system completely off. The change of gears is accompanied by a burst of exhaust gases from the 4 pipes that fool you into thinking you are an F1 champion such is the pleasure on your senses. The M2 has to take on the RS3 and the A45s, both alll wheel drive models vs the current rear wheel set up (xDrive M2 has already been shown) but this M2 is so much fun, your mind just cant imagine what the xDrive will do to its similar 4Paw drive rivals once launched locally. What about the fuel consumption I hear you ask, well, if thats the priority, you are best served by the M220D.
The design has been kept the same, something which is a dissapointment as the "Love it or hate it" front is still polarising. Presence it does have though as judging by the looks and the kids bowing to it when driving eKasi, your ego is pumped to 11. Our test unit came in a Brooklyn Grey metallic which works with the design.
The 19 inch front, 20 inch rear alloys in black complement the body colour but the M Bicolour alloys option works better in my eyes. The wheel arches protrude out in a manner that an MMA fighter would find appealing as its that look that leaves little to the imagination as to which 2 series this is.....it's an M2 and its very wide. The rear retail the boot lip and 4 pipes with nothing changed.... maybe the LCI will give it a bit of design flair missing for now.
The interior is largely the same bar the BMW Curved Display now getting functions of the climate control system operated digitally, something which is not welcome as the buttons on the previous spec worked a treat. You now need to get your eyes off the road to adjust whilst on the move.
The M Sports seats hold you in the right places especially when you pushing the M2 hard in dynamic corners. The M carbon bucket seats priced at R 95 000 are a must item to select though (you're already spending R1.5m, why not).
Entry into the rear seats is typical Coupe with the front seats folding to give more space to enter. It's a strict 2 seater bench with only 2 seatbelts but no one will care when "groove" time arrives and one needs to be seen when arriving at your favourite "shisanyama". On the safety front, there are Isofix hooks that make it easy to mount a baby seat (You better have vomit wipes in case you decide to have M fun).
If you really want to know, the M2 has more than enough boot space with the rear seats able to fold in case you want more space.
At R1.577m without the myriad of options, the M2 is a classic worthy to get now when one considers the advent of EVs that have no soul in performance.