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Bruce Newton3 Apr 2018
REVIEW

BMW M2 2018 Review

Don’t mess with success! BMW plays it safe with M2
Model Tested
BMW M2 2018 Review
Review Type
Road Test

The BMW M2 has been an unqualified success since its 2016 launch. The more mature, better-sorted successor to the 1 Series M is a mini-M4 with maxi attitude and sporting prowess. For 2018 BMW has made some minor changes, but nothing fans should be worried about.

Love that car

Here at motoring.com.au global headquarters we officially love the BMW M2.

The two-door four-seater’s review scores have always been high and it was even declared the 2016 Australia’s Best Driver’s Car, beating a Porsche 911 along the way.

And we’re not the only people the BMW M2 is popular with in Australia. It’s the top selling M model Down Under where we rank third, globally, as an M2 market.

So, come update time, BMW has elected to not mess with success. Smart thinking really.

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What’s new?

The devil's in the detail when it comes to the updates on the 2018 BMW M2. There’s a new sixth generation iDrive infotainment system which includes M-specific info on the 8.8-inch screen. There’s also some interior trim fiddles and wipers and indicators that now ‘snap’ into position. Yep, that minor.

Outside, the BMW M2 Pure gets Bi-LED headlights that replace bi-xenon headlights and the LED tail-lights are re-designed.

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And that’s it. Still no autonomous emergency braking (the BMW M2 will slow but not stop), no apple carplay standard (that’ll be $623 extra thanks) or android auto, no powered seat adjustment. And no spare tyre. A few big misses there, BMW!

The M2 Pure has six airbags, cruise control, a tyre pressure monitor, approach control warning, lane departure warning, a reversing camera and reversing distance control.

Rolling on 19-inch alloys (fitted with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres in the case of our test car), it gets 2x2 exhausts, a small rear spoiler, BMW’s entry-level Dakota leather trim, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker stereo system.

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/171019_bmw_m2_mperformance_08.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-239746" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/171019_bmw_m2_mperformance_08.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>Technically speaking

Thankfully, nothing intrinsic changes about the way the BMW M2 drives. The Twinpower (yes it’s a single turbo despite the name!) 272kW/465Nm (500Nm on overboost) N55 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine is exactly the same as before.

It still powers the rear-wheels via a six-speed manual, in the case of our test car, or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The manual version zips from 0-100km/h in 4.5sec, while the auto takes a couple of tenths off that with the assistance of launch control.

With stop/start chiming in, the manual averages 8.5L/100km and CO2 emissions of 199g/km. The dual clutch is again that little bit more efficient.

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But you pay more for the auto box, lots more. That’s because the $93,300 BMW M2 Pure (up $3400 from its 2016 launch price) is offered only with the manual, while the $99,900 M2 (yep no badge addendums for the top model) gets the dual-clutch auto standard.

You pays your money, you takes your choice. The manual is a sweetie of a shifter, but if you have to contend with traffic snarls then maybe the dual clutch makes more sense…

The M2 Pure retains its computer-controlled Active M limited slip differential. It has passive suspension, so changing the Driving Experience Control from Comfort to Sport and so on doesn’t change ride quality. The stability control system can also be dialed back to allow more lateral freedom (on the race track of course!).

The two rear seats continue to be foldable 60:40 creating a decent amount of hauling space. Certainly, it’s a more comfortable car carrying two people and their luggage than four…

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The good bit

You’ve heard all this before. The BMW M2 has a firecracker engine that revs from the teens all the way to its 7000rpm redline. Or you can just let it torque its way around, using the extra pulling power that attaching a turbo to this smooth engine produces.

And what a noise this thing makes! Growling down low and howling up high, then crackling on the over-run in the most aggressive Sport+ mode.

The M2 Pure’s chassis is awesome. The front-end burrows deep into a corner via electric-assist steering that offers oodles of feel. The rear-end can follow faithfully or slew wildly -- it’s all up to your right foot. If it’s time to shut it all down, then hit the brake pedal and those internally vented 380mm front discs clamp everything down right quick.

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More than once the point has been made that the M2 is pretty close to an M4 in performance and perhaps even more enjoyable to drive, for much less cost. I’m not arguing.

The downside is the BMW M2 simply rides too hard. Stiff suspension and low profile rubber don’t add up to a pillowy ride. There’s too much tyre noise too. No, it’s all about response and sports capability.

Do we still love the BMW M2? Too right. On the right (read smooth) road it is a brilliantly communicative car to drive, but also one that demands your full attention. Just as it should be.

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The upshot

Life Cycle Impulse. That’s what BMW calls minor model updates like this one. The term is meaningless and just about sums the situation up.

There is no important change to the 2018 BMW M2, but because BMW did such a great job first time round this is one car that can get away with such little attention.

The M2 remains a great drive and still rates extremely high in our estimations.

Pricing and Features
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2018 BMW M2 Pure pricing and specifications:
Price: $93,300 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 272kW/465Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 8.5L/100km
CO2: 199g/km
Safety rating: N/A

Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
77/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
18/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
15/20
Safety & Technology
13/20
Behind The Wheel
15/20
X-Factor
16/20
Pros
  • Fiesty yet co-operative engine
  • Engaging chassis dynamics
  • Great soundtrack
Cons
  • Harsh ride on crap Aussie roads
  • No AEB
  • No spare tyre
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