BMW M2 review

The M2 combines excellent performance and handling with a relatively versatile design. It’s brilliant to drive on any road and features a high quality and well equipped interior, with features such as air con and Bluetooth connectivity fitted as standard.
It’s a two-door only, but the M2’s front seats are roomy and the boot is large. The car looks great too, with an eye-catching bodykit that reflects its impressive performance.
It’s also a reliable choice and is extremely well built. There’s only one engine choice, but it delivers incredible performance with reasonable efficiency.

Well designed and featuring a premium finish, the M2’s interior has a luxurious feel. The dashboard is clearly laid out and all the controls and switches are easy to see and use. Mounted on top of the dashboard is a large infotainment screen that’s operated by a simple to use knob mounted between the front seats.

The low slung seating holds you tightly in place while visibility is excellent. There’s a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustment controls to help you get comfortable. The front seats fold forward for easy access to the back seats and the 390-litre boot is bigger than most rivals. It’s capable of swallowing two medium-sized suitcases with room to spare.

The M2 is huge fun to drive. With its extremely powerful engine, quick steering and rear-wheel drive layout, the BMW rewards keen drivers. But it’s also easy to drive, with compact dimensions and excellent visibility making it simple to park. There’s also a choice of precise six-speed manual or smooth seven-speed automatic gearboxes for even greater control.
Some will find the sporty suspension too firm on bumpy roads, but it’s no different from other high performance cars. Low noise levels and supportive seats mean the BMW is great on long motorway journeys.

The M2 costs more to run than a typical family car but, considering the extra performance, the increased running costs are small. There’s only one petrol engine option which, when fitted with the automatic gearbox, will return a good 35.8mpg. The annual tax bill is likely to be higher so make sure you check this.

Servicing costs should be less than rivals thanks to BMW’s prepaid plans, which take care of routine maintenance for up to five years. The M2 is only a couple of insurance groups higher than standard BMW 2 Series models.

BMW finished second in JD Power’s Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study, with the 2 Series range finishing ahead of all its direct rivals. Overall the brand scores highly for its quality and reliability so the M2 shouldn’t let you down.

The M2 hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP, but the BMW 1 Series on which it’s based scored the full five-stars. All cars get anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control which helps reduce skidding on slippery roads. Only the high performance M2 Competition models from 2018 onwards are available with automatic emergency braking.