2016 BMW M2 Road Test and Review

BMW’s M2 occupies unusual territory in the automotive market. As the German automaker has evolved, filling its lineup with crossbred models, single-purpose performance vehicles mean nothing to the brand’s luxury buyer base. However, to the shrinking yet vocal group of BMW traditionalists, the M2 embodies hope for the future of driver-focused engineering.

As a successor to the acclaimed 1 Series M, BMW’s M2 is a no-frills 2-door, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with an emphasis on handling precision, driver control, and usable power. The M performance division has poured its heart into this attainable piece of motoring pleasure, and enthusiasts must decide (with their wallets) if the car is still a viable entry in the changing performance car landscape.

The M2 differentiates itself from the rest of BMW’s lineup with a “less is more” philosophy. Though it’s possible to add a number of safety and convenience features to the M car’s interior, the standard-issue M2 is relatively Spartan. Instead of a massive infotainment screen, massaging seats, and semi-autonomous technologies, drivers engage with a 6-speed manual transmission (or optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic), a thick-rimmed steering wheel, and sport driving modes.

The beauty of the M2 is in its agility, responsiveness, and precision. Extracting these elements requires driver finesse and attention; amenities only muddle the experience.

The 2016 BMW M2 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. M performance has tuned this particular engine to produce 365 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, a healthy 40-hp advantage over the M235i. As with other modern turbocharged engines, power delay is negligible in Sport driving modes, but a plunge of the throttle in Normal mode won’t trigger an immediate response.

When equipped with a manual gearbox, the M2 hustles to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the dual-clutch variant does it in 4 flat. Running the powertrain toward its 7000-rpm redline ushers a delightful snap of overrun as you change gears. Though BMW amplifies the whoosh of the M2’s turbos and throaty straight-6 engine through the cockpit's speakers, the aural delight is all natural.

Manual transmission sales in the US are at an all-time low. Just five percent of new vehicles in the US come equipped with a manual gearbox. The majority of BMW’s lineup has been hit by this harsh reality, restricting models with a manual option to a small handful. Fortunately, BMW’s M2 is one of those select few. Buyers can choose from either a 6-speed standard gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) for an additional $2900, but the full M experience is reserved for those who row their own gears.

The brilliance of BMW’s transmissions is in their fluidity. Short, smooth movements of the gear selector accompany a light clutch pedal and late release point. Though the manual gives up 0.2 seconds to the DCT in a sprint to 60 mph, it’s far more engaging. Aiding the transmission synchronizer is BMW’s rev-match feature, which automatically blips the throttle on downshifts.

Pushed to its limit in corners, the 2016 BMW M2 can generate 0.99g of grip, about the equivalent of being tackled by an NFL linebacker. In its element on a winding road, the M2 ushers its nimble body through corners with unending confidence. Its athletic handling stems from M’s suspension tuning mastery, plus the sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, which measure a meaty 265-width in the rear.

Though the M2’s Sport driving mode dials in a bit of tail-happy compliance, skilled drivers can choose to turn off the M2’s stability control system entirely. While some cars transform into unwieldy machines without ESC oversight, the M2 breaks away in calculable precision. Rear-end rotation can therefore be used as a tool rather than a scare tactic.

Although the dollar definitely doesn’t buy as much as it once did, especially in the automotive market, one might expect that $52,695 would buy a bit more luxury than what’s found in the M2. Leather seats, a short, wide infotainment screen, and automatic climate control are about all the standard niceties in the BMW M2.

The relatively affordable $1250 Executive package adds a heated steering wheel, rearview camera, and Park Distance Control. BMW's Active Driving Assistant add a touch of modernity, but the company's intent is obviously for the M2 driver to be consumed with, well, driving instead of comfort. Though recent M-car additions like the X5M and X6M blend luxury and performance worlds, the M2 is a true performance-oriented experience.

Those who appreciated the muscle-bound stance of the BMW 1 Series M will find a lot to love in the M2’s inflated bodywork. Though the M2 is mere 3.0 inches wider than the regular 2 Series, it appears far more squat and square. BMW’s traditional subtlety to its M design remains, but even the common man could easily spot the difference between the M2 and a 228i.

Deep front air inlets, a lowered ride height, quad exhaust ports, a trunk lip spoiler, and deep dish 19-inch wheels communicate the M2’s inner bulldog. While the 1 Series M’s beefier body looked a bit tacked on, the M2 manages to be dignified and handsome.

Its compact exterior may convince you otherwise, but the 2016 BMW M2 makes excellent use of space. The 14 cubic foot trunk is wide enough to swallow a month’s worth of groceries or a pair of large suitcases, and if you’re in need of more versatility, the rear seats can split/fold.

Once the rear passengers have clamored into position behind the front sport buckets, legroom is remarkably good. As a six-footer, I had no difficultly fitting behind my own driving position and wasn’t forced to crane my neck to fit my head under the sloping roof.

At present, the only direct rival to the BMW M2 is the redesigned Audi TT-S, and while that car is truly a magnificent blend of performance and technology, it simply can’t match the power and precision of the M2. BMW’s migration away from bare-bones performance machines raised doubt that its M division could still churn out a no-frills sports car, but the M2 has resolutely quieted the naysayers.

Analog driving experiences may be possible for only a short while longer, but enthusiasts will reflect fondly on the M2’s enthusiastic turbocharged powertrain, sweet-shifting manual gearbox, superb suspension setup, bullish brakes, and crisp steering.

Here we come to the only complaint: Try as the automaker might to inspire fond memories of past M cars through the M2, there’s still a small piece missing: unfiltered engagement. The M2’s gearbox and suspension are delightfully amusing to employ, but the electronic steering rack–despite its quick ratio–lacks a direct connection to the road. Additionally, you cannot disengage the rev-match function to perfect your own heel-toe downshifts. They’re minor splotches on an artistic marvel, but aficionados can spot the inconsistencies.

The term “future classic” is commonly used to refer to a vehicle that captures the essence of motoring. Sometimes a classic is founded on styling, or innovative engineering, or limited production numbers. In the case of BMW’s M2, its future worth is guaranteed not because it revolutionizes any aspect of driving, but rather because it embodies the beauty of the man-machine relationship.

Caveats have been made to forced induction and fuel-saving electronic steering systems, but the M2’s performance is still a product of driver manipulation, not computer-actuated maneuvers. The M2 doesn’t ask for driver co-operation, it demands focus, skill, and precision to yield the depths of its ability. That personality isn’t just hard to find these days, it’s all but a legend.