BMWs are usually not considered bargains. In fact, the badge has been a short form for premium prices as well as the premium performance for decades. But there is a model that breaks the shape: the BMW M2. It is the car that proves that you do not need six numbers to get a full-blooded M experience. We tested it on winding streets in Arizona and lived as a daily driver in Chicago. It is a real Swiss army knife – cheerfully when you are surprisingly sugively and easy to drive every day if you want to carve corners.
In fact, the M2 announced in 2015 has become the best-selling M model from BMW before the M3 and the M4. It has also won various prestigious awards, such as: Engine trend 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year, Evo Magazine 2020 car of the year and Autoexpress 2023 Performance Car of the year. The starting price of $ 68,200 seems to be a bit steep, but not if you look at the overall package it offers.
Performance with more expensive BMW M -cars
After all, the G87 is equipped with the award-winning S58-inline-Six engine, which in the basic variant is 473 hp and 523 hp in the CS variant. It is unnecessary to mention that the base M2 is from 0 to 60 km / h in 3.9 seconds, while the M2 CS completes the sprint in just 3.7 seconds. The M2 CS is also the fastest compact car around the Nürburgring racing route with a lap time of 7 minutes and 25 seconds.
In addition to the numbers, what distinguishes the M2 from almost all other cars in the BMW area is its handling of dealing with the drive quotient who is reminiscent of classics such as 1M, 2002 and E46 M3. As an editor at Engine trend said: “It may be the best BMW M -Auto that was developed in the 21st century.”
Of course, other BMW coupes such as M4 and M8 are extremely capable vehicles. You even produced Limited Edition Collector models such as the 3.0 CSL and Skytop. Both cars and especially their special task variants-sind significantly more than the M2. A typical example: The M4 begins at 81,300 US dollars, the M8 -Gran coupé for $ 140,000 and the 3.0 -CSL can cost over 1 million US dollars on the secondary market.
In fact, the Z4 M40i – with the hand switch package – is still more expensive than the M2 (71,900 US dollar).
BMW M2 against Porsche Cayman, Audi RS3 and AMG CLA45 S
The Audi 3 RS3 ($ 63,400) and the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S (67,550 USD) can undermine the M2, but most critics would argue that the G87 has a better overall package. Then there is the Porsche 718 Cayman, which probably has better handling. However, the basic Cayman with 300 hp and a time of 0 to 60 miles per hour of 4.7 second-hats, however, a RRP of $ 75,400. In the meantime, the Cayman GTS 4.0 begins with 394 hp and a time of 3.8 seconds 0 to 60 miles per hour at $ 103,300.
For these prices you will receive the M2 CS (98,600 USD) or a base M2 with the carbon package of $ 9,900, the carbon bucket and a carbon roof added.
In addition, the consistently high demand of the M2 means a five-year resale value of 59.4 percent of the highest of all BMWs. For comparison: the resale value of the Z4 is 51.5 percent and the M4 of 55.9 percent.
The Sweet Spot in BMW’s line -up
Sure, you may bring the 330i or M240i to the BMW door, and the M4 or M8 delivers more horsepower if you are ready to spend. But the M2 sits on this sweet spot, at the price, performance and pure driving fun. For this reason, critics compare it to icons such as the E46 M3 or even the legendary 2002 and why resale values are so strong after purchase. In a line -up full of luxurious heavy hinters, the M2 is a rare BMW, which is both a thrill and an intelligent purchase.
