Sheer Driving Pleasure defined by BMW M2

Cars are getting bigger. Engines are getting smaller. That’s true for the majority of cases but BMW’s new M2 bucks the trend with rebellious attitude. One of the most anticipated cars of the year, the BW M2 draws inspiration from the 2002 Turbo, and more recently the limited production 1M.

BMW M2 tested in South Africa

The BMW M2 exists because currently there’s no M-car priced under a million Rand and a few grumbles that the brand has pumped too many luxuries (read weight) into their new offerings are growing in volume. This model serves to anchor the brand’s model proliferation and reconnect with the purist.

Unlike the 1M, BMW has gained full M-Division membership and it shows in that straight six 3.0-litre (single) turbo charged engine. An amalgamation of N55 and S55 engine componentry reacts for an output of 272kW and 500Nm. Power increases of 32kW and 50Nm compared to the M235i mainly stem from adopting the M4’s crankshaft, cooling system and a stronger ignition system. Flexing that six-cylinder muscle instantly feels special. Although it has gone through considerable evolutions, the response is half raw, half grown up. After this, other engines seem unnatural or too dependent on software. We’d confidently say that BMW could extract more power from this engine – and that’s a possibility for the next one – but we like knowing it has a bit in reserve. Good traction should see a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.3 seconds which will certainly negate the argument for all-wheel drive off the line. The six-speed manual version will take slightly longer than the 7-speed DCT.

With the driver’s package, top speed can be raised to 270km/h and then quickly slowed back down by the identical brake system used on the M4. If you’ve ever wished for a styling balance between Audi RS3 and Mercedes A45 AMG, you get it with the BMW’s slightly dwarfed styling which consists of gaping bumpers and wider haunches. There’s no wing, no power bulge on the bonnet but like every M car it has four pipes, loud enough for most but can be upgraded with the Sports Package. Probably a sound investment. BMW took customers’ feedback and tried to simplify the driving experience by eschewing some of the buttons responsible for changing the driving modes. One still gets Comfort, Sport, Sport+ but the customizable M1 and M2 buttons no longer play a role and we’re quite saddened by that.

All the press material around BMW M2 makes it out to be the messiah of drifting. Indeed its rear-wheel drive layout is the car’s USP and an electronic differential distributes power for committed oversteer but on a short few laps with the driving aids on, such lairy behavior was frowned upon. How close is it to an M4? Those compact proportions and lighter body somewhat falsely carry less intimidation and you’re encouraged to treat it more like a M235i. As a symbol for what everything M Division has stood for in the past, BMW has thrown a bullseye with the M2. Now the challenge is keep it that way as technology and comfort features will try their best to erode this Sheer Driving Pleasure.  Read our launch drive of the BMW M2 in South Africa here: