► BMW has revised the M2 Coupe
► Gains more power and tweaked tech
► Prices start from £63,360
BMW is on a roll with its model updates at the minute. In the past two months, we’ve seen refreshed versions of the 3 Series saloon, 4 Series coupe and 1 Series hatchback. Now, though, BMW has followed those launches up with a revised version of one of our favourite cars in its range – the M2 Coupe.
It’s important BMW gets this update right, too, because it hasn’t exactly bathed adulation for its most recent work. The facelifted 1 Series, for example, was mocked by enthusiasts for dropping its manual gearbox and aping the styling of a Kia Ceed.
The company’s designers should at least get an easier ride with the M2, though, mostly because they haven’t done very much. The biggest changes to the car’s exterior are some new black badges, a few new paint options and a fresh set of lightweight alloy wheels, measuring 19 inches on the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. That’s it.
Instead of fiddling about with cosmetics, BMW played to the M2’s strengths. So, rather than choking down its engine (like it did with the revised version M135 hot hatchback), BMW boosted its output by 20bhp. Plus, unlike the 1 Series, BMW will still offer the M2 with a manual ‘box. Praise be. Scroll down to learn everything we know about the car.
What’s different?
The M2’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine now produces 473bhp and 406lb ft of torque. That torque figure is the same as the previous version of the car, but the slight power increase is enough to shave 0.1 seconds off the manual model’s 0–62mph time, and 0.6 seconds off its 0–124mph time. Now, the sprints take 4.2 seconds and 13.7 seconds respectively.
If you go for the automatic gearbox (which we strongly advise you don’t), the M2’s peak torque figure climbs to 442lb ft. That trims the car’s 0–62mph time down to 4.0 seconds flat. You can also opt for the brand’s M Driver’s Package on both versions of the car, which raises the top speed limiter from 155mph to 177mph.
In addition to the extra poke, BMW also says it’s fiddled with the M2’s throttle map to try and improve response. Nothing else has changed about the car’s chassis or running gear but, given how sweet the old car was to drive, that’s fine by us.
Has anything changed inside?
Yes. BMW has fitted the revised M2 with a new flat-bottomed steering wheel. It’s trimmed in leather as standard, but you can have it finished in Alcantara as an optional extra. Both versions of the steering wheel are heated as standard.
The car’s infotainment system has also been loaded with BMW’s latest software. The biggest change is a new hot bar on the bottom of the central screen which BMW says makes it easier to adjust the cabin temperature and seat heating controls. Plus, you can also now adjust the settings using voice commands.
Lastly, the M2’s cabin trims are now finished in Dark Graphite matte as standard, although you can optionally swap the pieces out for carbon fibre or new brushed aluminium replacements. If you’re a particularly keen driver, you can also still specify BMW’s carbon-backed sports sears and carbon fibre roof as further options.
When can I buy one?
Right now – and we’re very pleased to report that, despite the upgrades, the new BMW M2 Coupe is cheaper than the old one. Prices for the previous version of the car started from £65,915, but this updated version is just £63,360. We’re not questioning it.
Unfortunately, that’s the price for the automatic M2. In a break from convention, the car’s manual gearbox is now offered as an optional extra – but ticking that box will only set you back an extra £545. First deliveries will arrive in autumn 2024.