Name: BMW M2 Review
Item: BMW M2
Author: Gumtree.com

The “M” in M2 stands for motorsport, indicating that this car is designed by BMW’s racing division. It’s the smallest of the M family, and is faster than a hot hatch, if not quite edging into the supercar zone. This petrol coupe has plenty of bite, though, and can hold its own when it comes to performance. There’s seating for four but only two doors, making it (unsurprisingly) an impractical choice if you’re looking to carry passengers. But, if you want to have a great time on the road or at the track, the M2 is a strong choice.

Visit the BMW M2 model page to browse available cars and learn more.

What we think about the BMW M2

This stylish sports car is capable and entertaining wherever you take it.

Pros

Classic sports car feel with modern tech

Fun and feisty behind the wheel

Great infotainment system

Cons

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Only one engine option

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No Euro NCAP safety rating

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Rear seats hard to access

All versions of the BMW M2 have a 3.0-litre petrol engine that values speed over efficiency, with ratings between 20 and 30 mpg. It can seat up to four, with three model options available – the M2, M2 Competition and M2 CS. The newer the model (Competition hit the road in 2018 and CS was released in 2020), the more engine power you get. There are no trim options for the M2, only these three variants.

Driving performance of the Bmw M2

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

Both manual and automatic versions of the BMW M2 are brilliant fun to drive. It’s feisty on the track and road, yet not too tricky to control thanks to responsive steering and powerful brakes. If you’re looking to race your M2, go for a CS or Competition model to get the best handling on the track. Road placement on all variants is good thanks to grippy rear types, though you’ll want to take it carefully in wet weather. Switch on Comfort mode when you’re not on the track and any passengers will be happy riding on all but the bumpiest roads.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw M2

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

As it’s a fairly niche sports car, there’s no Euro NCAP safety rating available for the BMW M2. However, all models come with electronic stability control and eight airbags to protect you in the event of a crash. More safety kit is available as add-ons, so be sure to check the specs carefully on any used model you’re considering. Options include adaptive headlights, speed limit display, and driver assistance for motorways. If you’re shopping for a newer model, be sure to ask whether the three-year unlimited warranty that comes as standard can be transferred.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw M2

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

All models of the M2 have a turbocharged six-cylinder 3.0-litre petrol engine, available with a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In 2016 M2s, this delivers 365 bhp and can do 0-60 in 4.3 seconds for the auto or 4.5 seconds for the manual. The M2 Competition is rated at 405 bhp, while the CS ups this to 444 bhp and does 0-60 in an impressive 4.0 seconds as an auto or 4.2 seconds as a manual. All have a top speed of 155 mph – unless they have the optional Driver’s Pack fitted, which ups this to 174 mph.

What you'll find in the Bmw M2

Our Design Rating7 / 10

This two-door coupe has sporty, muscular styling and a squat shape. You’ll find the M2 in five different colours, all with metallic paintwork as standard. CS models have a carbon fibre bonnet, and all versions have 19-inch alloy wheels. A meaty front bumper and oversized wheel arches finish off the aggressive look. Go for the CS version and the wheel arches may come with optional gold flashes, too.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw M2

Our Comfort Rating6 / 10

Inside, the M2 feels well-built and modern, and it has the smart looks you’d associate with BMW. While it doesn’t have the daring and dangerous feel of the outside of the car, or a fully executive feel, leather-trimmed sports seats are standard for the driver and all three passengers. Handily, the boot is a reasonable size for a sports coupe, so you can fit your long weekend luggage in there. Folding rear seats are an optional extra, so if flexible boot space is a concern, check whether the model you’re looking at has these. The M2’s two-door design means the backseats are a little tricky to access, but once you get in there, you’ll find room to stretch out. Taller passengers may find it tight on headroom, however.

What features you'll find in the Bmw M2

Our Features Rating7 / 10

There’s a good range of standard features on the M2, including DAB radio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control. You’ll also get BMW’s iDrive infotainment system; loved by owners and reviewers alike, it comprises a central dashboard displaying navigation information and audio and telephone settings. All of this is controlled via a handy rotary wheel found next to the gear lever. Optional extras include a rear camera, internet access and a speaker upgrade, so it’s a good idea to check what’s included in the model you’re considering.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw M2

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The BMW M2 and M2 Competition are both rated as doing 28.2 mpg (combined) with a manual gearbox – though you’re unlikely to average above the low 20s if you have fun while driving it. Newer models aren’t any more efficient, with the CS rated as doing 23 mpg. Automatic versions are a little more economical, but trips to the petrol station still won’t come cheap. These figures are about average compared to other cars with similar performance to the M2.

Running costs of the Bmw M2

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Some clever time- and use-based software built into the M2 means that it’ll let you know when it needs a service. This is likely to be a reasonably expensive experience. To lessen the blow, BMW does offer a five-year/50,000 mile service pack to new buyers, so get that transferred to you if it still applies. It sits squarely in insurance group 42 (the lack of trim or engine options means this doesn’t vary). This is what you’d expect for a powerful sports car, although it can make getting a good deal a challenge.

Our verdict of the Bmw M2

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

With muscular design and a classic rear-wheel-drive setup, the BMW M2 is a modern take on an old-school sports car. The result is eye-catching and great fun on the track or road.

BMW M2 Review