The little M that could
9
The little M that could
What if you could draw a line between clinical precision and on-the-edge chaos? What if you could create a car that handles with accuracy and feel on the track, yet conducts its business with confidence, engagement, and sideways flair when asked? This is where the BMW M2 lives.
No, it’s not the biggest, meanest, or boldest car in the current BMW lineup, but it perfectly embodies all of M’s best qualities in a smaller package. Compact, purposeful, and unapologetically focused, the M2 achieves a rare balance between sharpness and accessibility. It feels like a car built to be driven hard, yet uncomplicated to live with.
Our first introduction to the M2 left an indelible impression, and this latest version feels like a make-or-break moment. With a subtly updated look and a 15kW power increase, expectations were high. What wasn’t expected was just how dialled in the M2 now feels across every environment.
My story with the M2 began on the open road, where its character proved to be surprisingly relaxed. Its legs are long, and overtaking is a mere breeze, but what really stood out was its calm and almost senior-citizen level of comfort. The soft yet supportive seats, the smooth, composed ride quality, and the overall cruising experience are impressively refined – a stark contrast to what its aggressive stance might suggest. Although housing BMW’s famously wild S58 engine, it frugally lapped up the miles at 6.0l/100km. Frugal consumption isn’t the point of an M car, but it speaks volumes about the M2’s versatility. This sense of civility lulls you into thinking it might always behave this way. That misconception doesn’t last long.
I found a twisty road, and the M2 came alive. If you’ve spent any time behind the wheel of a newer M car, you’ll probably know that the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel are used to poke the bear. Two presses on the M2 configuration, and all of a sudden, the car’s behavioural pattern changes. It becomes tightly wound, the throttle becomes highly responsive, the steering firms up with real feel, and the revs stay planted well into the turbo’s boost range.
It’s almost laughable that this is often considered an entry-level M or the baby M. It’s a precision weapon in a smaller package with a big presence. And when turning the traction control off, it allows for sideways satisfaction with a granular level of control.
It has balance, stretching its long legs on the straights, while navigating corners is met with a heavy and precise turn-in. The grip is seemingly physics-defying, and the braking feel is intuitive. Add to that sticky rubber and clever electronics that allow for quick corner exits with minimal step-outs when precision is required.
The front feels sharper than before, and the power bump shows. In fact, I do think this is another example of BMW sandbagging, with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre’s 353kW making for modest reading relative to the intensity that it delivers. It’s a missile that can be dialled back to an ever-so-pleasant highway cruiser that sips delicately at 95 octane.
For most M fanboys, the carbon bucket seat option is the seat of choice, but the standard seats shouldn’t be overlooked. They are comfortable for extended periods, with enough support to really wind it through the corners.
The cabin is aesthetically gorgeous with carbon fibre worked into the centre console. There are touches of red, white, and blue accents woven into the space, and the 14.9-inch screen that blends into the 12.3-inch information display is responsive and modern, adding to the interior’s modern aesthetic.
At R1,597,988, the M2 has a steep but understandable price tag. For the money, it competes with the likes of the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45, but both hyper-hatchbacks pale in comparison when it comes to performance, despite being AWD. The RS3 comes in at R1,498,200 and is slightly more affordable but lacks comparable performance and comfort. The A45 also isn’t as well-rounded, with firmer seats and a thirsty 4-pot under the bonnet, but, in all fairness, it is mighty fast and comes in at around R1.4m. Having had substantial seat time in each, the M2 is the clear winner.
The BMW M2 came back with more – more power, more flair, more ready-to-race tomfoolery. It’s pinpoint accurate when pushed, with clinical sideways chaos when called upon. Be gentle on the loud pedal, though, and it’s comfortable and easy to live with. I loved the last one, but I love the facelift even more. M2, you are an absolute stunner.
Get TopGear SA news and reviews in your inbox
