BMW M2: my first driving impressions review

///M-pressed · 02-11-2016, 02:29 AM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Hey guys, here is my review that annoyingly I had to take down from the website. Still it bemuses me as to why I had to take it down.

A lucky few of us here in Australia were invited to Australia's official launch of the M2 and we allowed to drive the M2 around Australia's Mt Panorama circuit. It was an epic day and a very well planned event by BMW and much credit goes to them.

The day went like this:

We did 2-3 laps in the M2, followed by 2-3 laps in the M3 and then 2-3 laps in the M4 which was brilliant as we got to compare all three.

Here are my impressions on the M2. I'll try and break it down by each aspect of the car.

Steering & Handing
It feels very direct and weighty and loads up nicely on the corners. It doesn't have all the sport settings that the M4 does, but it's fine as it is.

It feels beautifully planted and very nimble and changes direction quite easily. It didn't want to break traction as much as the M4 did, but I also put that down to the more power that the M4 has.

Engine
There is plenty of pull and the DCT shifts were amazing. I myself have ordered a manual, but the DCT was tempting. Brilliant gearbox and it did 'blap' the exhaust on upshifts like the M4 does.

Styling
They had a Mineral Grey, Long Beach Blue and Black Sapphire Mettalic at the event. I hate to be a sour puss, but the grey doesn't do much for this car. The Long Beach Blue is a really nice colour and the black is very attractive as well. There was no Alpine white. The flared rear wheel arches are simply a sight to behold and make the car very aggressive. The M2 is definitely a looker and looks a lot better in real life than the photos suggest.

Now for the comparison against its big brother the M4. I had never driven an M4 before today, and I got to really see what it could do on a track. I have a lot of respect for this car and anyone who buys one, take it to the track because it is a brilliant track tool.

My thoughts compared to the M2, as briefly as possible.

Handling
The M2 changes direction better and you can feel its more compact chassis holds the road a little better through corners. Definitely that little bit of weight saving makes a difference.

Engine
M4 is quicker and has more pull than the M2. The M2 is no slouch, but you can feel the M4 is quicker, but not by much.

Braking
Much of a muchness really as they both use the same braking set-up.

Feel
The M2 felt like a more direct and raw car than the M4, but that was to be expected considering its smaller dimensions.

Sound
I think the M4 sounds good, but I preferred the sound of the M2. More raspy and less farty than the M4

Styling
Those flared wheel arches did it for me. The M4 is much more toned down in the styling.

My conclusion is, the M4 is an amazing car and the M2 is not better than the M4 (BMW were never trying to do this). It is very close to its performance for a lot less and BMW have done a fantastic job in creating this car. Anyone who has ordered an M2 will not be disappointed and now I can't wait till mine arrives!

Prodigy. · 02-11-2016, 03:23 AM

Thanks for the detailed review mate, great to hear from someone who has finally driven it.
So glad to hear it's as good as we all hoped.

Makes me even more excited, can't wait to receive mine.

Nine Lives · 02-11-2016, 03:43 AM

Thanks for sharing,it's all looking good

MR. · 02-11-2016, 03:50 AM

Thanks for sharing

MR

///M2-PILOT · 02-11-2016, 03:57 AM

Thanks for the write-up. Makes me even more pleased I'm going M2!

Benzima · 02-11-2016, 07:20 AM

Great review. The M2 will soon be an "Icon"!

JustChris · 02-11-2016, 07:25 AM

Whoop Whoop.

Hazey82 · 02-11-2016, 08:05 AM

How would you compare it look wise in the presence of the M3?

-JLT- · 02-11-2016, 08:16 AM

ur assessment confirms why I'm getting an M2 after my M3

Jady Pham · 02-11-2016, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -JLT-

ur assessment confirms why I'm getting an M2 after my M3

Will you be keeping the m3?

Jady Pham · 02-11-2016, 08:27 AM

Awesome review! Can't wait to get mine!

King_Slayer · 02-11-2016, 08:38 AM

Thanks for the write up and review Attuale

You just confirmed what most people were probably figuring out was going to be the case in terms of performance vs its bigger brother.

Curious to know what color your going with after seeing all 3?

Verbiage · 02-11-2016, 08:44 AM

This was excellent. This reminded me of all the reviews I read when I was considering a 2016 Ford Focus RS, and everyone confirmed all of the initial glamour once they were actually able to drive the car. *flamesuit thrown on for considering RS on an M2 forum*

Andycc · 02-11-2016, 09:02 AM

Great review! I'm curious how was the ride quality compared to the M4?

Benzima · 02-11-2016, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attuale

My conclusion is, the M4 is an amazing car and the M2 is not better than the M4 (BMW were never trying to do this). It is very close to its performance for a lot less and BMW have done a fantastic job in creating this car. Anyone who has ordered an M2 will not be disappointed and now I can't wait till mine arrives!

F1zbo · 02-11-2016, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Verbiage

This was excellent. This reminded me of all the reviews I read when I was considering a 2016 Ford Focus RS, and everyone confirmed all of the initial glamour once they were actually able to drive the car. *flamesuit thrown on for considering RS on an M2 forum*

Hehe, so did I actually but the fact that Ford in Sweden did not provide any discounts on the RS but BMW did for the M2 the price premium ended up being only 10%(base price differences are 25% between the two) to get the M2.
Not a difficult choice TBH.

-JLT- · 02-11-2016, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jady Pham

Quote:

Originally Posted by -JLT-

ur assessment confirms why I'm getting an M2 after my M3

Will you be keeping the m3?

nope. 2-1/2 yrs is long enough, time for something else (new)

F1zbo · 02-11-2016, 09:18 AM

Thanks for the review Attuale

Sounds like the M2 will be exactly what I think most people expect it to be.

A smaller, little slower car than the bigger brothers but at a great price point

Adem1534 · 02-11-2016, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1zbo

Thanks for the review Attuale

Sounds like the M2 will be exactly what I think most people expect it to be.

A smaller, little slower car than the bigger brothers but at a great price point

I love right by the rocky mountain, tossability is what I want! M2 is perfect for me.

RoninX · 02-11-2016, 09:49 AM

Great review, Attuale!

Have you ever driven either a Cayman S or a C7 Corvette? And if so, could you compare the driving experience to the M2?

W/// · 02-11-2016, 10:16 AM

Great review. You're very lucky to get to drive them back to back like that, not many people will be able to.

I was able to drive the M235i back to back with an M3, and came away with a very very similar conclusion to yours. It's just that the M2 will take it up a notch.

PrematureApex · 02-11-2016, 10:18 AM

What's the chassis balance like?

A lot of understeer? Less than the M4?

Or were you not allowed to drive the tires up to their limits?

02-11-2016, 02:29 AM	#1
///M-pressed Lieutenant 276 Rep 417 Posts Drives: E46 M3, F82 M4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sydney & Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	BMW M2: my first driving impressions review Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Hey guys, here is my review that annoyingly I had to take down from the website. Still it bemuses me as to why I had to take it down. A lucky few of us here in Australia were invited to Australia's official launch of the M2 and we allowed to drive the M2 around Australia's Mt Panorama circuit. It was an epic day and a very well planned event by BMW and much credit goes to them. The day went like this: We did 2-3 laps in the M2, followed by 2-3 laps in the M3 and then 2-3 laps in the M4 which was brilliant as we got to compare all three. Here are my impressions on the M2. I'll try and break it down by each aspect of the car. Steering & Handing It feels very direct and weighty and loads up nicely on the corners. It doesn't have all the sport settings that the M4 does, but it's fine as it is. It feels beautifully planted and very nimble and changes direction quite easily. It didn't want to break traction as much as the M4 did, but I also put that down to the more power that the M4 has. Engine There is plenty of pull and the DCT shifts were amazing. I myself have ordered a manual, but the DCT was tempting. Brilliant gearbox and it did 'blap' the exhaust on upshifts like the M4 does. Styling They had a Mineral Grey, Long Beach Blue and Black Sapphire Mettalic at the event. I hate to be a sour puss, but the grey doesn't do much for this car. The Long Beach Blue is a really nice colour and the black is very attractive as well. There was no Alpine white. The flared rear wheel arches are simply a sight to behold and make the car very aggressive. The M2 is definitely a looker and looks a lot better in real life than the photos suggest. Now for the comparison against its big brother the M4. I had never driven an M4 before today, and I got to really see what it could do on a track. I have a lot of respect for this car and anyone who buys one, take it to the track because it is a brilliant track tool. My thoughts compared to the M2, as briefly as possible. Handling The M2 changes direction better and you can feel its more compact chassis holds the road a little better through corners. Definitely that little bit of weight saving makes a difference. Engine M4 is quicker and has more pull than the M2. The M2 is no slouch, but you can feel the M4 is quicker, but not by much. Braking Much of a muchness really as they both use the same braking set-up. Feel The M2 felt like a more direct and raw car than the M4, but that was to be expected considering its smaller dimensions. Sound I think the M4 sounds good, but I preferred the sound of the M2. More raspy and less farty than the M4 Styling Those flared wheel arches did it for me. The M4 is much more toned down in the styling. My conclusion is, the M4 is an amazing car and the M2 is not better than the M4 (BMW were never trying to do this). It is very close to its performance for a lot less and BMW have done a fantastic job in creating this car. Anyone who has ordered an M2 will not be disappointed and now I can't wait till mine arrives! __________________ F82 M4 \| 6-speed manual \| PP performance Stage 2 tune \| Re-valved Bilstein B16s \| VRSF midpipe \| OEM CS front splitter \| OEM GTS hood \| OEM M-performance rear diffuser\| Evolve tuning catless downpipes \| 310rwkw (415rwhp) Last edited by ///M-pressed; 02-17-2016 at 02:57 AM.. Reason: Back up!
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02-11-2016, 03:23 AM	#2
Prodigy. Lieutenant Colonel 698 Rep 1,514 Posts Drives: ///M2 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the detailed review mate, great to hear from someone who has finally driven it. So glad to hear it's as good as we all hoped. Makes me even more excited, can't wait to receive mine.
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02-11-2016, 03:43 AM	#3
Nine Lives Captain 602 Rep 886 Posts Drives: Austin Maxi Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks for sharing,it's all looking good
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02-11-2016, 03:50 AM	#4
MR. Colonel 4398 Rep 2,856 Posts Drives: BMW M2 CSL Turbomeister Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Travelling / Managing / Writing iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 MINI GP3 [0.00] 2013 MINI GP2.5 [8.50] 2018 BMW M2 Competi ... [10.00]	Thanks for sharing MR
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02-11-2016, 03:57 AM	#5
///M2-PILOT M2 PILOT 311 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2016 ///M2 HEA LBB M-DCT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: In the cockpit iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the write-up. Makes me even more pleased I'm going M2! __________________ ///M2 - LBB - EXEC - M-DCT
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02-11-2016, 07:20 AM	#6
Benzima Colonel 1324 Rep 2,924 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW M2 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Montreal, CANADA iTrader: (0)	Great review. The M2 will soon be an "Icon"!
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02-11-2016, 07:25 AM	#7
JustChris General 17488 Rep 25,113 Posts Drives: Tesla MYRWD Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Whoop Whoop. Attached Images __________________ My car made front page of Bimmerpost
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02-11-2016, 08:05 AM	#8
Hazey82 Lieutenant 277 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Comp Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Oz iTrader: (0)	How would you compare it look wise in the presence of the M3?
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02-11-2016, 08:16 AM	#9
-JLT- Brigadier General 3446 Rep 4,186 Posts Drives: '22 X4M COMP, '23 iX xDrive50 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CHITOWN iTrader: (1)	ur assessment confirms why I'm getting an M2 after my M3 __________________ -JLT-
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02-11-2016, 08:27 AM	#11
Jady Pham Private First Class 196 Rep 163 Posts Drives: AW F87 M2 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	Awesome review! Can't wait to get mine! __________________ Alpine White F87 M2 - DCT - Executive Pkg Subscribe to my Youtube Channel, I will be making videos on the M2 Instagram: Tuphamous Youtube: The Anatomy of Cars
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02-11-2016, 08:38 AM	#12
King_Slayer Second Lieutenant 130 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW M2 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the write up and review Attuale You just confirmed what most people were probably figuring out was going to be the case in terms of performance vs its bigger brother. Curious to know what color your going with after seeing all 3?
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02-11-2016, 08:44 AM	#13
Verbiage Dismembered Member 3583 Rep 9,213 Posts Drives: F80 ZCP 6MT, R55 Clubman S 6MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: DMV iTrader: (6)	This was excellent. This reminded me of all the reviews I read when I was considering a 2016 Ford Focus RS, and everyone confirmed all of the initial glamour once they were actually able to drive the car. flamesuit thrown on for considering RS on an M2 forum __________________ My delivery experience and beach photoshoot here.
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02-11-2016, 09:02 AM	#14
Andycc Private 21 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 AW 6MT Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Great review! I'm curious how was the ride quality compared to the M4?
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02-11-2016, 09:18 AM	#18
F1zbo Second Lieutenant 199 Rep 209 Posts Drives: M3 G80 xDrive Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Stockholm iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the review Attuale Sounds like the M2 will be exactly what I think most people expect it to be. A smaller, little slower car than the bigger brothers but at a great price point
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02-11-2016, 09:49 AM	#20
RoninX Private 41 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2016 Corvette Z51 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Boston, Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Great review, Attuale! Have you ever driven either a Cayman S or a C7 Corvette? And if so, could you compare the driving experience to the M2?
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02-11-2016, 10:16 AM	#21
W/// Lieutenant General 7487 Rep 12,309 Posts Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (13)	Great review. You're very lucky to get to drive them back to back like that, not many people will be able to. I was able to drive the M235i back to back with an M3, and came away with a very very similar conclusion to yours. It's just that the M2 will take it up a notch. __________________ Current: 16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT 08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT 07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT 99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
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02-11-2016, 10:18 AM	#22
PrematureApex Colonel 840 Rep 2,402 Posts Drives: N55 X1, N54 135, s54 m3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	What's the chassis balance like? A lot of understeer? Less than the M4? Or were you not allowed to drive the tires up to their limits? __________________ '02 S54 M3 (500/500 GC/Koni) '08 N54 135 (JB4, DCI, BMW PS/Bilstein B6s, H&R M3 FSB, Strongflex FCABs) '14 N55 X1 (JB4, BMS DP, BMS Intake, Alpina TCU reflash, H&R Sports, Bilstein B6s, E93 M3 RSB, Strongflex FCABs, baby seat) '08 N54 535xi touring (Bilstein B6s, Downpipes, MHD tune, baby seat)
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