First Look: 2016 BMW M2 Coupe Review by Henny Hemmes

Inspired by the iconic M3

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

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2016 BMW M2

THE HAGUE - October 13, 2015: The BMW M2 is ready to meet its fans. This weekend, October 14/15, it's expected to appear at the final race for the DTM, the German Touring Car Championship at the Hockenheim Ring. Its first show debut will likely be at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

2016 BMW M2

The heart of the M2 is the new I6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that debuted in the X4 M40i earlier this year, but with 10 more hp. In the M2 the 3.0-liter engine delivers 272 kW//370 hp with the same amount of torque (465 Nm/343 lb-ft). Provided the engine is teamed to the optional 7-speed M DTC (double clutch transmission) and Launch Control, it should enable the M2 to sprint in 4.3 seconds from 0-62 mph. With the standard 6-speed manual it only takes 0.2 seconds extra. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h /155 mph, with the M Driver’s Package to 270 km/h /168 mph. And for those who are interested in fuel consumption, BMW mentions a combined 8.5 l/100 km, or 33/2 mpg mp with 199 grams/km CO2 in standard trim and 7.9 l/100km (35.8 mpg with 185 g CO2 with the double clutch transmission.

2016 BMW M2

M GmbH has developed the M2 focusing on lightweight construction and used the aluminum front and rear axles from the M3/M4. But also with respect to engine technology, the M2 has components that are used in the motor of the M3/M4, such as pistons with optimized top rings, the crankshaft’s main bearing shells, as well as the high performance spark plugs with elevated heat rating. An additional oil sump guarantees constant lubrication during full acceleration and heavy braking.

Furthermore the M engineers applied a special suction system for the oil supply to the turbocharger under higher acceleration. This ensures a secure oil supply to the engine under all circumstances, be it on the road or on the track. To deal with extreme cooling requirements under hard driving, the BMW M2 engine benefits from an additional oil cooler for the transmission oil (only applies to cars fitted with M DCT) and a further water cooler for the engine.

2016 BMW M2

The BMW M2 is equipped with M Servotronic steering with two settings, M compound brakes, and the electronically controlled Active M Differential for optimal traction and stability. It speaks for itself that the M2 is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control system, that we already have seen in other models with M Dynamic Mode (MDM). The latter allows for controlled drifts on the race track.

The youngest M-model should not be regarded solely as the successor of the 1 Series M Coupe, which in its time set the bench mark in the class of the compact high-performance cars. The new M model also bears the sporty tradition of the original M3 from 1986 (E30) and some of the DNA of the first true BMW sports car, the 2002 turbo of 1973.

The compact road racer can be easily recognized as a member of the M family thanks to the large air intakes in the lower front apron, the muscular fenders with M gills, the large 19-inch wheels with clearly visible brake calipers and at low and wide rear end with double exhaust tailpipes.

2016 BMW M2

Inside we see Alcantara door trim and a combination with carbon fiber details. Also sport seats with contrast stitching and M embossing, as well as an M sports steering wheel and M gearshift lever.

Production of the M2 is expected to start in November. In the meantime BMW North America has confirmed the base price for the street legal race car to be $ 51,000 (MSRP)

We are already looking forward to test the new BMW M2, not only on the road but also on the race track. This will probably occur soon after its world premiere in Detroit and I think that this could well be at the Circuito de Jerez in the south of Spain….