2018 BMW M2 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCarlos Lago
Carlos Lago has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. Along with an extensive background in performance testing and evaluation, he has produced hundreds of car-related articles and videos.
Pros
- Loads of fun to drive thanks to precision handling and steering
- Simple options list keeps the price reasonable
- Impressive acceleration provided by broadly powerful engine
Cons
- Road noise can be intrusive at times
- Lack of interior and exterior customization options
What’s new
The BMW M2 enters 2018 without any significant changes.
Vehicle overview
Think of the M2 as a hot-rodded variant of the BMW 2 Series that's built to satisfy driving enthusiasts. To that end, the M2 features typical M division upgrades that include a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine good for 365 horsepower, sport-focused chassis and suspension changes, wider and stickier tires, and bigger brakes.
The result is one exceedingly agile and entertaining sport coupe that accomplishes its goal without sacrificing too much in the way of comfort. Sure, it's a little bit louder inside and rides a bit firmer, but not enough to restrict its use to a weekend-only toy.
The M2 might be our favorite BMW when it comes to driving quick, but it runs in a highly competitive group with coupes that can offer even higher performance levels and more exotic engines. Nevertheless, the M2's combination of luxury and daily usability makes it an easy car to love.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2017 BMW M2 (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 6-speed manual | RWD).
Driving
Thanks to its broadly powerful engine, sweet-shifting manual transmission and enjoyable handling balance, the M2 delivers the driving satisfaction you'd expect from a vehicle with an M in the name. This car is equally happy on a winding road or a racetrack.
Comfort
It may be a high-performance sport coupe, but the M2 doesn't make needless sacrifices to daily usability. You'll feel and hear more of the road, but you won't be punished for using the M2 to commute. Thick side bolsters on the seat keep you in place when you're exploring the car's capabilities.
Interior
A tall roof and seemingly high seat position help make the M2 feel spacious for its size and easy to see out of. Being the least expensive performance BMW means the interior isn't as complicated as other models, so most features are easier to use.
Utility
Because the M2 is based on a compact car, it benefits from a bit more interior and trunk space than a purpose-built sports car. Its trunk is larger than not only those of most competitors but also the more expensive that of the BMW M4.
Technology
The latest BMW entertainment system is powerful and generally easy to use. Android Auto is not supported, and Apple CarPlay is optional along with wireless charging. The standard ConnectedDrive service integrates select phone apps into the entertainment system.
Which M2 does Edmunds recommend?
Because the 2018 BMW M2 is available in one trim level and with only a few options, you can't really go wrong. Your biggest decision will be between the standard six-speed manual and the optional seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. Rowing your own gears provides a more rewarding driving experience, but you'll be quicker with the automatic. Either way, we highly recommend the M Driver's package to get the day of driver training since increasing your skill will make the biggest improvement to your experience behind the wheel.
2018 BMW M2 models
The 2018 BMW M2 is a high-performance rear-wheel-drive coupe that's available in one trim level. Most of the features you'd want come standard, and there are only a few options and one package to choose from. Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (365 horsepower, 343 pound-feet of torque) that's connected to a six-speed manual. A seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional.
