2016 BMW M2: Stuff you need to know

It’s always a special day when BMW launches a new ‘M’ car. The latest addition to the ‘M’ car line up is the 2016 BMW M2. It is the successor to the 1M Coupe- a limited-run project initiated to study the possibility of a compact ‘M’ car under the M3. It used all the best bits from other M-models and served them in the body of a 1 Series. It was an instant hit.

Now, the 2016 BMW M2 takes over from where the 1M Coupe left out. The demise of the 1M Coupe was a sad day for the motoring community, however the new M2 should put a smile back on your face. As all BMW ‘M’ cars, the 2016 M2 is not a half-arse job. Yes, it uses parts from the M4 and apart from the roof, boot and doors, rest of the panels are completely new.

The 2016 BMW M2 is based on the 2 Series and will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant. The styling of the M2 is like a typical ‘M’ car. It sits low and has a wider footprint compared to the M235i. The front end is designed for maximum performance with wide air intakes for additional cooling.

The front track is 60 mm wider than the standard 2 Series, while the rear sits 100 mm wider giving it a rather sporty appearance. The wider profile was necessary to accommodate axles and other gubbins from the M4. The rear end further accentuates the wider profile of the car, thanks to the inset quad tailpipes. The M2 rides on special 19-inch M-wheels similar to the M3 and M4.

Along with the axles come a limited-slip differential which allows it drift like a proper ‘M’ car. The engine is a gem too. The 3.0-liter, in-line 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo makes a healthy 370 hp @ 6500 rpm and 343 lb-ft of torque which increases to 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) under overboost. With these figures, the BMW M2 sits right in the firing line of the new Audi RS3 that has 367 hp from a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. But, come on, what would you have?

The M-DCT gearbox is surprisingly an option on the 2016 M2, which means driving enthusiasts and BMW purists can have a six-speed manual transmission on their M2. With a stick shift, the M2 is 0.2 sec slower to 62 mph compared to the dual-clutch unit that allows the car to sprint from 0-62 mph  in just 4.3 sec.

One of the reasons for such great performance figures is the fact that the 2016 BMW M2 weighs just under 1500 kg. The lightweight aluminium monocoque makes proper use of the BMW M Sport suspension gubbins from the M3/M4. Combine that with a wider front track and rear-wheel drive, you have a car that has all the characteristics of a great ‘M’ car.

The 2016 BMW M2 is a perfect example of what BMW M stands for- Precision, unmatched dynamics and the pure job of driving. The M2 goes on sale early next year priced at around $51,000 and we just can’t wait to sample it.

2016 BMW M2 Coupe: Official Launchfilm

The new BMW M2 Coupe: Behind the Scenes

2016 BMW M2 Image gallery: