2018 BMW M2 Review

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.

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.