Summary
The BMW M2 was a compact sports coupé and the entry-level model in the BMW ‘M’ division range, sitting below the larger M3 saloon and M4 coupé.
This is the original M2, which first arrived on UK roads in early 2016. This initial model was then replaced by the more powerful M2 Competition in 2018, before the range-topping M2 CS coupé joined the line-up in 2020. This range came to the end of its production cycle in 2021, and the brand-new second-generation M2 is set to arrive in 2023.
Described by Evo as “one of the most entertaining coupés money can buy”, the BMW M2 range received universal praise from the British motoring media during its time on sale – praised for retaining the practical sensibilities of the first-generation 2 Series Coupé it is based on, while offering the impressive pace and acceleration of an ‘M’ car.
“It’s probably the best sports coupé I have driven”, The Telegraph’s Andrew English explained, commending the M2 for its “thoroughly entertaining” driving dynamics and well-built interior.
That said, Carbuyer‘s Ben Custard pointed out that the M2’s interior was almost identical to the cabin design of the standard 2 Series, and thus concluded that the inside of the M2 is a bit bland by sports car standards as a result.
A few reviewers also noted the M2 is rather expensive, but as the cheapest model in the ‘M’ division family, Carwow‘s Mat Watson argued that the BMW is worth its high price tag. “The BMW M2 takes plenty of the M4’s high-tech components and squeezes them into a smaller yet still seriously rapid package to make one of the best driver’s cars you can buy.”
No longer on sale, the first-generation BMW M2 holds an outstanding used car Expert Rating of 87%, based on 16 reviews published by UK media sources.
M2 highlights
- Serious pace and acceleration
- More practical than the average sports car
- Entertaining on the road
- Comfortable and well-built interior
- Attractive exterior styling
M2 lowlights
- Expensive, base price and up
- Interior is rather bland considering price
- Manual gearbox could be smoother
- Not very spacious in the rear
Key specifications
Body style: Coupé
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £51,425 on-road
Launched: Spring 2016
Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: Spring 2023
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: M2 Competition
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW M2 Competition is the entry point to high-performance BMW ownership, but some would argue it’s the best.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: M2 CS
“As soon as you get in the cockpit, you feel like you’re in a driver’s car. The driving position is perfect, the thick steering wheel gives a solid sense of ownership when driving, and the seats support you in a way that makes you feel fully integrated into the driving experience.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“As a flagship, the BMW M2 fits the billing.”
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Model reviewed: M2 Competition
Score: 9 / 10
“Vastly more composed and better-controlled on a challenging road than a regular M2, with a markedly improved power delivery, the M2 Competition is a huge leap forward for BMW M’s affordable coupé.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Competition
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW M2 Competition is faster, sportier and purer.”
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Car Keys
Score: 9 / 10
“With the rear-wheel drive setup combined with ample power, an excellent chassis and plenty of equipment, the M2 is more than deserving of your consideration.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The BMW M2 has all the virtues of the 2 Series coupe, but with added performance from a fantastic 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and pumped-up looks.”
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Carwow
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW M2 is a hard-core version of the 2 Series but it’s still a very approachable sports car.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The last of its generation, the BMW M2 is a throwback to a golden age of small, rear-wheel-drive performance models from Munich.”
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Model reviewed: M2 Competition
Score: 9 / 10
“Competition upgrades unlock the latent potential of the BMW M2, making it one of the most entertaining coupes money can buy.”
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Model reviewed: M2 M Performance
Score: 9 / 10
“Despite a new, louder exhaust and adjustable suspension BMW’s smallest M-car retains its loveable character.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“Blue touchpaper version of already quick M235i.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Yes, it is as good as everyone says.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW M2 Competition is probably the best sports coupé I have driven”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: M2 Competition
Score: 9 / 10
“It really does tick a whole lot of boxes. You know you want one.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: CS 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW M2 CS feels greater than the sum of its parts – it’s a proper little road racer that works well both on road and track.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The BMW 2 Series coupé family was not crash tested by Euro NCAP during its production life. Although it was based on the 1 Series hatchback, there were enough structural alterations to the 2 Series that it did not inherit the 1 Series rating.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The BMW M2 was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BMW M2 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the M2, we’ll publish the score here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW M2 has received.
2020
- Evo Awards – Car of the Year (M2 CS)
2016
- Autocar Awards – Game Changer Award
- iF Design Award
- Top Gear Awards – Best Coupé
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW M2, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Alpine A110 | Audi TT RS | BMW M4 | Jaguar F-Type | Lotus Elise | Mercedes-AMG A 45 | Porsche 718 Cayman | Toyota GR Supra
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BMW M2 at The Car Expert
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