2017 BMW M2
Pros
- Impressive power from the turbocharged engine
- Exceptional handling that rewards enthusiastic driving
- Relatively affordable compared to other luxury sport coupes with its level of performance
Cons
- Road noise can be intrusive at times
- Some might find the ride quality too stiff for everyday driving
- Limited selection of exterior and interior colors
2017 BMW M2 pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich M2 does Edmunds recommend?
The 2017 BMW M2 is a four-passenger, two-door coupe that comes in a single, well-equipped trim level. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic wipers, auto-dimming driver and interior mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front sport seats (with four-way power lumbar), heated seats, driver memory settings, BMW's iDrive infotainment system, an 8.8-inch display screen, a navigation system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio and a USB port.
The optional Executive package adds a heated steering wheel, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlight control, forward collision warning and mitigation, a lane departure warning system, a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hot spot and speed limit information. The M Driver's package increases top speed from 155 mph to 168 mph and gives new owners a day of driving instruction at one of the BMW Performance Centers. Apple CarPlay is available as a stand-alone option.
Under the hood of the 2017 BMW M2 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that produces 365 hp and 343 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission that includes an automatic rev-matching feature for downshifts. Alternately, you can choose the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). BMW estimates the M2 will reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with the DCT.
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway) for the manual and 22 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway) for the DCT.
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
For decades, BMW's M cars have defined luxury sports cars. The formula was simple. Take an already strong vehicle platform and give it more power and better handling. It could be argued that over time some M cars have gotten a little soft. With the introduction of the M2 last year, however, the edge has been sharpened.
The 2017 BMW M2 packs 365 horsepower, compared to the base 228i's 240 hp and the already impressive M235i's 320 hp. Cornering prowess has been improved thanks to a wider footprint that accommodates fatter tires and more performance-oriented suspension tuning. The end result is one of the most engaging and entertaining cars you can buy.
All of this newfound athleticism does affect comfort somewhat, though. The ride is rather stiff and the road noise emanating from the sticky sport tires can sometimes be intrusive. None of these drawbacks are what we'd consider deal breakers, though, and for those special shoppers who place a greater emphasis on agility over luxury, it's a perfect match.
Naturally, the 2017 BMW M2 isn't the only choice in the class, and some of its closest competitors come from within BMW's own ranks. The similar M235i and more upmarket M4 both deliver potent performance with fewer sacrifices to comfort. The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 has an abundance of power, but it leans a bit more toward the luxury spectrum. Then there's the Audi TTS that combines agility with a more intriguing and modern design.
Standard safety features for the 2017 BMW M2 include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, side airbags for the front seats and full-length side curtain airbags. Optional equipment includes a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking.
Crash test results are not available for the M2, but the 2016 BMW 2 Series on which it is based received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest score of Good in the small-overlap and moderate-overlap front-impact crash tests as well as a Good score in the side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.
Driving
Performance cars typically force drivers to sacrifice comfort and everyday drivability in the name of handling and engagement. The 2017 BMW M2 is no different. The suspension is on the stiff side, and road noise is ever-present, especially on coarse asphalt. Unlike on some other rival models, you can't get the M2 with an adaptive suspension.
None of these drawbacks should deter the core M2 audience, though. There's a torrent of power from just off idle all the way to redline, and the transmission ratios are well spaced to keep that power on tap. The engine and exhaust emit a burly growl at idle that grows to a mechanical howl as revs climb. It sounds great, and it's all real (some other M cars enhance it with synthesized noise through the speakers). The manual transmission isn't the easiest to operate smoothly, but you can always go with the excellent dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Handling is very responsive yet forgiving when pushed to (or just past) the limit. It's an excellent car for drivers who want to sharpen their skills and poses enough of a challenge for them to grow into it. Drivers of any skill level, however, will be able to appreciate how undeniably entertaining it is to drive on a racetrack or a winding mountain road.
Interior
Using BMW's 2 Series as a starting point, the M2's interior gets several upgrades. Materials quality is respectable for the entry-level luxury class, with appropriate padding for passenger comfort and well-grained but hard plastics everywhere else. The M2 dresses things up slightly with racy faux-suede inserts, blue contrasting stitching and the subtle use of "M" badges.
It takes a little effort to familiarize yourself with BMW's iDrive infotainment system, but overall it's pretty easy to use, and the large 8.8-inch display is notable for its crisp graphics. The addition of Apple CarPlay capability this year further enhances usability.
The front seats feature aggressive side bolstering for excellent support when cornering hard, but they remain fairly comfortable after several hours behind the wheel. As with the regular 2 Series, the rear seats are best for smaller passengers due to the low-mounted cushions and lack of headroom.
The M2's 13.8-cubic-foot cargo capacity is generous for the class, and the low, wide opening makes loading heavier objects easier. Remote seatback releases further simplify the loading of bulkier cargo. Interior storage is adequate, with moderately sized bins, pockets and cupholders.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 BMW M2.
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See your car's valueThe 2017 BMW M2 two-door coupe is a good choice for shoppers hoping to get into the Bavarian automaker's legendary M performance line at a lower price. They won't be disappointed. The M2 might be the smallest and least expensive M model, but it is not lacking when it comes to style, features and, most of all, fun. On a winding road or at a track day, enthusiasts will enjoy the M2's unique combination of power, handling, tactile sensations and aural excitement.
New to the lineup last year — a successor to the BMW 1M Coupe of 2011-'12 — the M2 is largely unchanged for 2017. There's a new Executive Package that includes a rearview camera, Wi-Fi hotspot and updated Bluetooth and USB functionality. Apple CarPlay is now available as a separate option. Buyers choosing the new M Driver's package get both a software enhancement that increases top speed from 155 mph to 168 mph and a full-day driving session at a BMW Performance Center.
The rear-wheel-drive M2 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that generates 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available as an extra-cost option.
Lightweight components and a host of performance equipment contribute to the M2's lively on-road behavior. Drivers willing to sacrifice a bit of creature comfort in exchange for power and handling will be rewarded with a driving experience equal to that of many of the BMW's more pricey competitors. The sport suspension, though a bit stiff for potholed city streets, is perfectly set up for a smooth twisty road or the tight turns of a racetrack. The rev-matching feature of the manual gearbox helps make shifting a bit more fluid. Finally, BMW says the snarling six-cylinder engine will propel the M2 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
All of this is not to say that the M2 is totally lacking in refinement. Inside, the driver and three passengers are treated to such appointments as leather seats, automatic climate control, ambient lighting and a premium audio system, as well as tech features such as the BMW iDrive infotainment system and adaptive cruise control. Up front, there's a good amount of legroom and seats that are well-bolstered for aggressive cornering. Anyone riding in the backseat might find the accommodations a bit cramped, which is not unusual for this class of performance coupe.
Fuel economy for the BMW M2 with the automatic transmission is EPA rated at 22 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway). The manual transmission drops the rating to 21 mpg (18 city/26 highway).
The M2 is available in only one very well-equipped trim level, although a number of add-on packages and standalone options are available to allow buyers to personalize the coupe to their taste. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2017 BMW M2 that best meets your needs.
2017 BMW M2 Overview
The 2017 BMW M2 is offered in the following submodels: M2 Coupe. Available styles include 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M).
What do people think of the 2017 BMW M2?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 BMW M2 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 M2 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 M2.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 BMW M2 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 M2 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
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Should I lease or buy a 2017 BMW M2?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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