The 2017 BMW M2: Cheaper than comparable premium coupes

Four persons may fit in the two-door coupe of the 2017 BMW M2. It is available in a single, luxurious trim level. Many top-notch amenities are included with the BMW X5 as standard equipment.

These include heated seats, leather upholstery, 10-way power front sport seats (with four-way power lumbar), automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, xenon headlights, automatic wipers, automatic-dimming driver and interior mirrors, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, an 8.8-inch display screen, and leather upholstery.

An upgrade called the Executive package comes with a heated steering wheel, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, automated high beam headlamp management, forward collision detection and mitigation, lane departure warning, a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and speed limit information.

The M Driver’s Package raises the top speed from 155 to 168 mph, and new buyers also get a day of driving instruction at a BMW Performance Center. If desired, an additional purchase of Apple CarPlay can be done.

The 2017 BMW M2 models

In 2016, the first generation M2 debuted and was offered in just a coupe body variant. The M2 has a more powerful turbocharged inline-six engine, a limited-slip differential, and sportier suspension and brakes than the standard 2-series.

Wi-Fi and wireless smartphone charging are among the new optional amenities for the 2017 Executive Package. With the new M Driver’s Package, you may go from 155 mph to 168 mph at peak speed and take a one-day performance driving school.

Both the M235i and the M4, which are in the same price range, offer powerful performance with few compromises to comfort. The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 has plenty of muscle but skews more toward the premium end of the market. The Audi TTS, on the other hand, combines nimbleness with a more fascinating and contemporary appearance.

Antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard on the 2017 BMW M2. Rearview cameras, lane departure warning systems, and forward collision detection and mitigation systems that include automated braking are all available as add-ons.

Although crash test results for the M2 are not yet available, the 2016 BMW 2 Series, from which it is derived, received the highest possible score in all four crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: good in the small-overlap and moderate-overlap front-impact crash tests; good in the roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests; and good in the side-impact crash tests.

The 2017 BMW M2 Overview

BMW’s M series has set the standard for high-end sports vehicles for many years. Add extra muscle and improved handling to a tried-and-true automobile base. Certain M vehicles may have become too mellow over the years. But the M2’s arrival the previous year heightened the competition.

When compared to the 228i’s 240 horsepower and the M235i’s 320 horsepower, the 2017 BMW M2 is a powerhouse. Increased cornering abilities can be attributed to the wider track width that allows for larger tires and a more sportily tuned suspension. The outcome is an automobile that is just as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at.

But all this increased physical activity does have an impact on how relaxed one feels. Sticky sport tires provide for a pretty unforgiving ride, and their noise on the road may be distracting.

Nonetheless, none of these issues are deal breakers, and the product is a wonderful fit for the type of shopper who values speed and responsiveness over comfort and refinement.

The 2017 BMW M2: Expert Review

The 2017 BMW M2 is a little coupe with big performance and handling. This two-door rarely disappoints in performance, although it does come at the expense of ride comfort and passenger volume.

The 2017 BMW M2: Performance

The M2’s 3.0L inline-six engine has been fine-tuned to produce 365 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission transmit the power to the rear wheels.

Regardless of transmission, the M2’s acceleration is unrestrained and accompanied by a growling exhaust noise. The linear power output is maintained over the entire rpm range thanks to the responsive twin-scroll turbo. The stick-shift M2 can keep up with the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE in a drag race to 60 mph, but it lags behind by the end of the quarter-mile because of its slower acceleration.

Those who are ready to put up with the M2’s harsh ride on conventional roads will experience sheer bliss when they hit the track. With its joyously furious push and intuitive handling, the M2 seems like an extension of its driver. The M2 is a fantastic driver’s vehicle, despite the harsh ride.

The 2017 BMW M2: Safety

The 2017 BMW M2 is, of course, not alone in the market; in fact, some of its main competitors are also from BMW. Both the M235i and the M4, which are in the same price range, offer powerful performance with few compromises to comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 has plenty of muscle but skews more toward the premium end of the market. The Audi TTS, on the other hand, combines nimbleness with a more fascinating and contemporary appearance.

Anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard on the 2017 BMW M2. Rearview cameras, lane departure warning systems, and forward collision detection and mitigation systems that include automated braking are all available as add-ons.

Although crash test results for the M2 are not yet available, the 2016 BMW 2 Series, from which it is derived, received the highest possible score in all four crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: good in the small-overlap and moderate-overlap front-impact crash tests; good in the roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests; and good in the side-impact crash tests.

The 2017 BMW M2: Interior

The M2’s interior is based on BMW’s 2 Series, although it has a number of enhancements. With sufficient cushioning for passenger comfort and well-grain but firm plastics everywhere else, the quality of the materials is commendable for the entry-level luxury class. The M2 takes it up a notch by using discreet “M” emblems and sexy faux-suede inserts with blue contrast stitching.

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system requires a little time and effort to learn, but once you do, it’s quite simple to operate, and the huge 8.8-inch display stands out for its clear graphics. This year’s update adding Apple CarPlay support is a great step forward in usefulness.

The front seats have substantial side bolstering, making them extremely supportive when cornering at high speeds while still being tolerable after long periods of time spent in the driver’s seat. Backseat occupants in the standard 2 Series will find the low-mounted cushions and lack of headroom to be uncomfortable.

The M2’s 13.8-cubic-foot cargo capacity is above average for the segment, and the vehicle’s low, broad aperture facilitates the loading of bulkier items. The ability to remotely detach the seatbacks aids in the loading of larger items. There are sufficient compartments, pockets, and cupholders inside.

The 2017 BMW M2: Comfort and Driving

Often, with performance automobiles, the handling and engagement benefits come at the expense of comfort and convenience. The BMW M2 from 2017 is the same. Especially on rough pavement, the suspension is rather firm, and road noise is constant. Unlike some of its competitors, the M2 does not provide an adaptable suspension option.

The true believers in M2 won’t be put off by any of these flaws. The gearbox gears are carefully spaced to maintain this avalanche of power available from just off idle all the way to redline.

At low RPM, the engine and exhaust generate a deep rumble that builds to a metallic scream at higher speeds. It’s awesome, and everything you hear is true (some other M cars enhance it with synthesized noise through the speakers). A better option than the cumbersome manual transmission is the outstanding dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The quick but forgiving handling makes it fun to push it to (or past) the limit. It’s a great vehicle for experienced drivers who want more of a challenge, and newer drivers will be able to work up to it as they gain experience. Nonetheless, every motorist, regardless of experience, will agree that driving on a racetrack or a winding mountain road is an exhilarating experience.

Conclusion

A 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine makes 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque in the 2017 BMW M2. A six-speed manual transmission with an automated downshift rev-matching capability is standard, and it’s this transmission that sends power to the back wheels.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) is another option. With the DCT, BMW says the M2 can hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

The EPA rates the combined fuel efficiency of the manual transmission at 21 mpg (18 city/26 highway) and the DCT at 22 mpg (20 city/26 highway).