BMW M2. Eye-catching and bold
The BMW M2 is a sports version of coupes and convertibles manufactured by BMW, formerly part of the BMW 2 series, compact C-segment cars. The high-performance M2 models were first introduced in 2015. This is, in fact, the first generation BMW M2, which was restyled in 2017. In 2018, it received a new upgraded version of the BMW M2 Competition with a more powerful engine, which is available on the Israeli market. In 2022, the manufacturer released the second generation coupe.
First generation
Introduced in 2015, the first generation BMW M2 was created for racing fans and was actually a more advanced sports version of the usual BMW 2-Series. Up to 80% of the M2’s parts were either modified or replaced. Such changes touched not only the engine and transmission, but also the suspension, brakes, interior and exterior. Just look at the predatory “jaws” of air intakes on the front bumper and diffusers on the rear! The dual exhaust pipes are also eye-catching! All the M-series cars are easy to recognize and hard to confuse with their “civilian” counterparts.
The first M2 was equipped with a 370-horsepower engine coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, which allowed the M2 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, whereas a version with a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission did it in 4.3 seconds.
2017–2019 restyling
In 2018, the manufacturer introduced a new version of the coupe, the BMW M2 Competition, with a more powerful engine. It can be purchased in Israel since 2019. A delightful 2-door coupe was designed for thrill-seekers and is capable of completely redefining driving pleasure. The car is powerful and has an aggressive exterior. It is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with a return of 410 hp and 560 Nm, complemented by a 7-speed robotic gearbox (option), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and developing the maximum speed of 280 km/h (with M Driver’s Package). The entry-level version with a 6-speed manual transmission accelerates in 4.4 seconds, developing the maximum speed of 250 km/h. Both models are rear-wheel drive.
The exterior of the M2 Competition has undergone certain changes. It acquired a more massive bumper with vertical reflectors, and a small spoiler on the trunk lid. Brutal air exchangers and diffusers make the car look eye-catching and bold, as befits sports supercars. The hood has become more embossed, and the nostrils of the radiator grille have increased significantly. The wheel arches have become larger, featuring 19-inch wheel rims. The novelty is equipped with twin turbochargers and a carbon shock absorber, which allows the supercar to easily cope with steep turns.
Second generation
The new BMW M2 coupe was released in 2022. The second generation has become 11 cm longer, 3 cm wider and 1 cm lower. The shape of the headlights has changed due to black plugs in the corners. The model has received a new front bumper, almost rectangular brake air intakes and frameless radiator grille slots. The branded exhaust with a pair of twin round pipes is the same, but the rear bumper is more developed, with vertical reflectors. All coupes get a digital display with a 12.3-inch virtual instrument screen, a 14.9-inch multimedia touchscreen and a built-in navigation system. Sports racing seats, a projection screen, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging for gadgets and eSIM 5G support are offered. There are more opportunities for customizing driving parameters.
The 2022/2023 BMW M2 coupe comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six cylinder engine producing 460 hp at 6,250 rpm and 550 Nm in the range from 2,650 to 5,870 rpm. The entry-level version features an 8-speed automatic transmission, which has replaced the 7-speed robotic gearbox. A 6-speed manual transmission is optional. All the M2 models offer an active rear differential and adaptive suspension. It takes 4.3 seconds for the version with a manual gearbox to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (the automatic transmission accelerates 0.2 seconds faster). The maximum speed with the M Driver`s package is 285 km/h, whereas the version without the package offers 250 km/h.
