MUNICH: Here's the new BMW M2, arriving to set a new standard with enhanced power and cutting-edge features.
The compact yet powerful vehicle promises a compelling driving experience, boasting a high-revving six-cylinder inline petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, now producing 353 kW (480hp), up from its predecessor by 15kW (20hp).
The M2’s engine, a key highlight, offers 550Nm of torque in the six-speed manual variant and 600Nm with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
The engine’s peak power is reached at 6,250 rpm, with revs maxing out at 7,200 rpm.
The car accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 4.0 seconds with the M Steptronic transmission and 4.2 seconds with the manual gearbox.
The top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, extendable to 285kph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
The M2's powertrain is complemented by advanced technologies like High Precision Injection, Valvetronic variable valve timing, and Double-Vanos fully variable camshaft timing.
The engine benefits from racing-inspired features, including a rigid crankcase, forged crankshaft, and 3D-printed cylinder head cores, enhancing its performance and durability.
Built at BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, the new M2 will be globally launched starting August 2024.
Key markets include the US, Germany, China, Great Britain, and Japan, with Europe expected to account for over 40% of total sales.
Visually, the M2 sports a powerful design with a large, horizontal kidney grille and a three-section lower air intake to optimise cooling.
The distinctive LED headlights, inspired by the BMW 02 models, feature U-shaped light guides for daytime driving and turn indicators. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam and M lights Shadowline are optional.
The M2’s profile is defined by elegant lines, side sill extensions, and muscular wheel arches. An optional M Carbon roof reduces weight by around six kilograms and lowers the centre of gravity, enhancing agility.
At the rear, a sculpted diffuser and black-finished twin tailpipes accentuate the sporty look.
Customers can choose from a variety of paint finishes, including three solid colors, five metallic shades, and six BMW Individual options.
New colours include Sao Paulo Yellow, Fire Red, Portimao Blue, and Skyscraper Grey, with BMW Individual options like Java Green and Voodoo Blue.
The M2’s interior features a newly designed M leather steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim, red center marker, and M buttons for customized setups. An optional M Alcantara steering wheel is also available.
The standard M Sport seats in Vernasca leather now offer a red/black bi-color variant, and weight-optimised M Carbon bucket seats are available as an individual option.
The cockpit is dominated by the BMW Curved Display, comprising a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display, powered by BMW Operating System 8.5.
Climate functions are digitally controlled via the control display or voice commands, reducing the number of physical buttons and controls.
Interior trim options include Dark Graphite matt, Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite, M Carbon Fibre, and Fine Brushed Aluminium.
The M-specific operating concept includes a Setup button for direct access to engine settings, adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic steering, and the integrated braking system.
Standard equipment features three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a HiFi speaker system, wireless charging, and BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Maps navigation. Smartphone integration supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard driving aids include front collision warning, Cruise Control with brake function, Speed Limit Info, Lane Departure Warning, and Park Distance Control.
Optional features include Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, Comfort Access, an electrically operated sunroof, and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes Augmented View on the control display.
