2018 BMW M2

The M2 coupe comes with upgraded tires, bigger brakes and cutting-edge sport chassis which makes it more agile and thrilling than ever but at the cost of some ride jitters and louder cabin. However, that's not something which would restrict one to take this beast out for daily commutes.

BMW doesn't offer many choices with the M2. The rear-wheel driven Coupe features a 3-Liter inline-6 turbocharged engine. However, BMW offers a choice between 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmissions.

Trims	BMW M2 Coupe
MSRP	$54,500
Features	Standard equipment includes LED headlights keyless ignition and entry Auto-dimming mirrors Leather upholstery Carbon-fiber interior trim Power-adjustable sport front seats with heating 8.8-inch central display Navigation System Satellite Radio USB input 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and BMW's ConnectedDrive phone integration service.

In addition to this, there are just two add-on packages available with the M2.

The executive package includes :

• Forward collision warning and mitigation
• Lane departure warning
• Heated steering wheel
• Rear parking sensor
• Wireless charging and Wifi Hotspot

The Driver's package extends the speed limit from 155mph to 168 mph and offers one-day training at BMW's high-performance driving school. Other add-ons for the M2 include Apple CarPlay and smartphone integration.

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The only decision, to make would be between the two transmissions; an engaging 6-speed manual, or a precise 7-speed automatic. While shifting on your will increases the driving pleasure, the dual-clutch automatic drivetrain offers much easier drivability and hassle-free shifting.

While BMW has strayed from its driver-first philosophy, it continues to build brilliant engines such as the M2’s snorty turbocharged mill. (BMW does stand for Bavarian Motor Works, after all.) - CarandDriver

Engine and Transmission

Like its siblings in M division, the M2 is also a real performer. powered by the 3-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine which produces a maximum power of 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. However, one can choose between the 6-speed manual and a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Models	BMW M2 Coupe	Porsche 718 Cayman	Jaguar F-type Coupe	Audi TT RS
MSRP	$54,500	$55,300	$59,900	$64,900
Engine	3.0L M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder	2.0L Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder	2.0L i4 Turbocharged	2.5L TFSI 5-Cylinder
Transmission	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Manual	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic
Power	365 hp	300 hp	296 hp	400 hp
Torque	343 lb-ft	280 lb-ft	295 lb-ft	354 lb-ft

While the RS Quattro beats M2 in torque on papers, but when the cars compete on the track at high revs, M2 tops the segment with a raised torque of 369 lb-ft which comes with the over-boost function hidden in the direct-injected turbocharged engine.

Acceleration

Being one of the most powerful cars, the M2 coupe is also one of the quickest in the flock. With the 6-speed manual transmission, the Coupe pulls from 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. The computer is surely quicker than humans; the dual-clutch 7-speed auto transmission takes M2 from 0 to 60 in just 4.1 seconds with its perfect gear ratios and tunings.

Models	BMW M2 Coupe	Porsche 718 Cayman	Jaguar F-type Coupe	Audi TT RS
0-60 MPH	4.1 sec	4.9 sec	5.4 sec	3.6 sec
Quarter mile	12.8 sec	12.0 sec	14.1 sec	13.6 sec
Engine	3.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.5L
Emission(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	8.4	7.3	6.8	8.0

The M2 follows closely behind the Audi TT with the segment topping acceleration which takes it from 0 to 60 in 3.6 sec. However, when it comes to a longer benchmark, the Porsche 718 Cayman takes the baton in its hand and leads the flock, hitting the quarter-mile mark in just 12 seconds.

Handling and Ride quality

The M2 seems like a 2-series loaded with M series performance. This lightweight body makes this coupe exceedingly agile and snappy on tracks. With wider tires, the 2018 M2 now sticks to the road even better on harsh turns and hence maintains composure. The electric-assisted steering, however, lacks communication and feedback which we expect from a BMW but is still better from the competitors.

Along with handling, BMW balances comfort quite effortlessly. The suspensions seem to adapt themselves well to the terrain and takes a major impact without much vertical movement. However, the cabin space fails to completely insulate the engine whir and is louder than usual. Also, passengers may experience jitters when riding on undulated roads which constantly tests this beasts' intentions.

Braking

With bigger brakes than its predecessor, the 2018 M2 coupe does better than itself but fails to challenge the competitors. The coupe comes to a halt from 60 mph in 108 feet, very impressive even in this segment.

Model	BMW M2 Coupe	Porsche 718 Cayman	Jaguar F-type Coupe	Audi TT RS
Brake Front(in)	15.0	13.0	14.0	14.6
Brake Rear(in)	14.5	11.8	12.8	12.2
Curb Weight(lbs)	3505	2944	3360	3306
60-0 MPH (ft.)	108	99.8	112.0	96.0

The 718 Cayman is the lightest car here, which helps it post the best braking figures. Jaguar F-type is the heaviest here, and as such takes the longest to come to a halt.

The BMW M2 coupe quite thirsty in the long run with a combined mileage of 21 mpg as a result of 18/26 mpg on city/highway. Taking its 300 horsepower into consideration, one can understand why the tank empties so fast. BMW recommends 95RON or higher which will further increase fuel costs if you choose to follow their advice.

Model	BMW M2 Coupe	Porsche 718 Cayman	Jaguar F-type Coupe	Audi TT RS
MPG (City)	18	21	23	19
MPG (Highway)	26	28	30	29
MPG (Combined)	21	24	26	22

The F-type is the most fuel efficient car here, with a claimed efficiency of 26 mpg. Porsche endows the Cayman with an extremely powerful, yet surprisingly efficient engine, rated at 26 mpg overall.

"With its sophisticated yet subdued styling, the 2018 BMW 2 Series exudes German refinement. Its technology is similarly refined, and though the infotainment system is user-friendly, it does take some time to get used to it. The 2 Series has more trunk space than most vehicles this size."- cars.usnews

Seating and comfort

Being a BMW, the M2 flaunts a high-quality interior as standard. However, high-quality doesn't mean fancy or plush like the Audi RS here; the aesthetics of the interior are rather plain and simple which goes with the sporty intentions of the car. The front seats provide excellent comfort and are perfect for performance driving, however, the driver seat is unnaturally oriented towards the left-front wheel instead of pointing straight, which is weird, but not really noticeable.

Coming to cabin space, the 2018 BMW M2 coupe has plenty headroom and fair legroom in the front cabin. The rear is pretty cramped, and fitting in adults back there isn't a good idea. The middle rear seat is replaced by a plastic tray and legroom is tight thus making it uncomfortable for anyone but small children. But being a coupe, BMW gets marks for at least trying, unlike Porsche and Jaguar where rear cabin itself is inexistent.

Model	BMW M2 Coupe	Porsche 718 Cayman	Jaguar F-type Coupe	Audi TT RS
Passenger capacity	4	2	2	4
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	89.7	84.0	N/A	N/A
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.1/54.4/41.5	38.3/51.5/41.6	36.8/56.5/42.8	37.1/53.6/41.1
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.5/53.4/33	N/A	N/A	33.8/47.9/28.9

Coming to cabin space, the 2018 BMW M2 coupe offers ample headroom and fair legroom in the front cabin. However, the rear is pretty cramped for an average person. The middle rear seat is replaced by a plastic tray and legroom is tight thus making it uncomfortable for anyone but small children. But being a coupe, BMW gets marks for at least trying, unlike Porsche and Jaguar where rear cabin itself is inexistent.

Cargo Volume

Despite having a congested rear, the 2018 BMW M2 still manages to offer a fair cargo space. With a volume of 13.8 ft cube, the BMW provides enough space to stow small luggage, picnic baskets, etc, which increases the practicality factor.

Model	BMW M2 Coupe	Porsche 718 Cayman	Jaguar F-type Coupe	Audi TT RS
Volume (ft cube)	13.8	9.7	14.4	12.0

Infotainment System

The 2018 BMW M2 comes pre-installed with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with navigation and BMW's iDrive. The infotainment features include:

• a touchpad controller with gesture control
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• a wireless Qi charging station
• a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• a number of Internet-connected features that work online or with special BMW apps.

BMW doesn't support Apple CarPlay by default and it costs around $300 as an add-on.

The M2 looks like a 2-series on steroids with the same lightweight-agile body but gaudy fenders, bigger wheels, and bolder cooling ducts. The coupe carries almost the same look as its predecessor with a slight change in the air-intake vent which now rests at the bottom beneath the traditional dual-kidney chrome grille. - The Car Connection

Dimensions and Weight

The 2018 BMW M2 is highest in the segment like a real coupe giving ample headroom in the cabin. The car comes with the longest wheelbase and ground clearance and hence all its competitors fall far behind when it comes to legroom in front.

Model	BMW M2 Coupe	Porsche 718 Cayman	Jaguar F-type Coupe	Audi TT RS
Curb weight(lbs)	3505	2944	3360	3306
Length(in)	176.2	172.4	176	165.0
Width(in)	73.0	70.9	74.2	72.1
Height(in)	55.5	51.0	51.6	52.9
Ground clearance(in)	4.8	4.3	3.9	4.3
Wheelbase(in)	106.0	97.4	103.6	98.6
Track width(in) F/R	62.2/63.0	59.6/60.3	63.0/65.0	61.6/60.8

The coupe sports a high-strength aluminum chassis which not only sheds off unnecessary weight but also improve its stability and safety. The cut-down of weight results in higher performance and more agile handling at sharper turns.

Exterior Features

The 2018 M2 comes with a few external features as well. Some standard features are:

• Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams
• Automatic windshield wipers
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Power-closing doors
• Panoramic Moonroof
• Auto-dimming electric rear-view mirror

 

The 2018 BMW M2 Coupe comes with all the essential safety features as per standards. The features include:

• Driver and front passenger advanced airbags, knee airbags and front head/thorax side airbags
• Front passenger occupant detection for airbags
• Power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger
• Lower anchors for child seats in rear seats
• Electromechanical parking brake

IIHS and NHSTA ratings are unavailable for the car.

BMW M2 Coupe VS Porsche 718 Cayman

Despite having just two seats, the Porsche Cayman makes a tough competitor to the BMW M2 because of its responsive handling and impressive styling. However, BMW proves to be a slightly better choice for having a more powerful engine and costing at least 1 grand less.

BMW M2 Coupe VS Jaguar F-type

The F-type carries a whole different policy than the BMW. While the M2 focuses on driving thrills and snappy performance, the Jaguar takes forward the luxurious and plush image of the brand. Jaguar F-type seems to lag when it comes to performance, handling, and aggressive styling and also, being $2000 more expensive than BMW.

However, F-type flaunts a much better, fancier and extravagant interior than the M2 coupe. Buyer may choose its ride, depending on his preference between performance and luxury.

BMW M2 Coupe VS Audi TT RS

The Audi TT RS priced at $64000 is the greatest competitor of the 2018 BMW M2 for it produces better power and torque with better interior and cabin. However, BMW manages to be more fun to drive with better handling. Also, BMW provides more usability with more trunk space and rear space at 10 grand less than Audi.

 

The BMW M2 coupe makes a great car for both driving enthusiasts and commuters looking for some fun in their ride. The light and compact car are more thrilling and equally agile as any other Coupe from BMW despite being the most affordable one in the M line-up. However, this isn't a family car if your members exceed 2 adults because of the luxury and comfort behind the front cabin. So, if you're looking for affordable fun in the mid-range sports-coupe segment, the M2 awaits you.