2018 BMW M2

2018 BMW M2 Review

Agile, fast and endlessly fun to drive, the M2 is our favorite M division BMW.
star edmunds overall rating
author
by Carlos Lago
Edmunds Editor

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.

See what consumers say

what's new

The BMW M2 enters 2018 without any significant changes.
Go to other years

we 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.
See pricing
For sale near you
Incentives & deals

trim levels & features

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.

Standard equipment includes lightweight 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, carbon-fiber interior trim, and power-adjustable sport front seats with heating. The infotainment system includes a 8.8-inch central display, navigation, satellite radio, a USB input, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and BMW's ConnectedDrive phone integration service.

After that, the options list is pretty short. An Executive package adds forward collision warning and mitigation (with automatic emergency braking), lane departure warning, a heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The M Driver's package increases the M2's speed limiter from 155 mph to 168 mph and provides one day of training at a BMW high-performance driving school.

Stand-alone options include a sunroof and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

See all features & specs

Standard equipment includes lightweight 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, carbon-fiber interior trim, and power-adjustable sport front seats with heating. The infotainment system includes a 8.8-inch central display, navigation, satellite radio, a USB input, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and BMW's ConnectedDrive phone integration service.

After that, the options list is pretty short. An Executive package adds forward collision warning and mitigation (with automatic emergency braking), lane departure warning, a heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The M Driver's package increases the M2's speed limiter from 155 mph to 168 mph and provides one day of training at a BMW high-performance driving school.

Stand-alone options include a sunroof and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

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.

edmunds expert 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.

related vehicle information

  1. Home
  2. BMW
  3. BMW M2
  4. 2018 BMW M2
  5. 2018 BMW M2 Review