BMW has finally lifted the curtain on one of its most highly-anticipated cars of recent years, the all-new M2 Coupe.
After years of waiting, the follow-up to the 1M Coupe, one of the marque’s greatest cars of all time, has arrived, and the M2 will now serve as the entry-level model in BMW’s M performance range.
Slotting in below the M4 to become the smallest M-badged car, the M2 Coupe is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, capable of producing 365bhp with a maximum of 500Nm of torque.
It’s slightly weightier than most would have imagined, particularly for such a small car, and tips the scales at a minimum of 1,495kg, but it’s still able to reach 62mph from standstill in just 4.3 seconds.
The car has also received a range of performance upgrades to set it apart from the regular 2 Series, with large air scoops, an aggressive body kit and flared wheel arches that accommodate wider tyres.
Riding on 19-inch aluminium wheels, the new BMW M2 also gets blue high-performance brakes, plus an Active M differential which can loosen the rear up for drifting and also accommodate burnouts.
Inside, the M2 Coupe comes outfitted with sports seats with alcantara upholstery, an M-badged steering wheel and gear level, plus carbon fibre trimmings to enhance its performance theme.
Standard kit includes a choice of four paint finishes - Long Beach Blue metallic, Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey – plus BMW’s ConnectedDrive infotainment system with sat-nav.
Options include driver-friendly features like Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and a rear-view camera, plus apps for the infotainment system which allows drivers to record their lap times.
Finally, the M2’s ConnectedDrive system can also be paired with a GoPro application and camera to allow drivers to film their drives and replay the footage through the car’s touchscreen.
The M2 comes with a choice of either six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and can return 33mpg with just 185g/km of CO2 when choosing the DCT gearbox.
Prices for the new BMW M2 start from £44,070, and the car is due to go on sale next April. Buyers had better be quick off the mark, though, as less than 500 models have been earmarked for the UK.
