BMW M2

A design that leaves no one indifferent

BMW has never been afraid to be bold, and this M2 is proof of that. The Java Green colour, inherited from the BMW Individual catalogue, enhances every curve of the bodywork. Bright and vivid, it transforms the compact sports car into a true mechanical sculpture. The widened wings, massive air intakes and deliberately angular front bumper immediately set the tone.

The domed bonnet stretches to a black double-nose grille, typical of the M range. At the rear, the four exhaust pipes show that this car belongs to the Motorsport division, while the glossy black diffuser completes the look. The black 19‘ front and 20’ rear wheels, fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, perfectly fill the widened wheel arches. Every detail, from the discreet spoiler and carbon roof to the aerodynamic mirror caps, exudes performance.

The balance of proportions remains true to the M philosophy: a short wheelbase, wide track, low centre of gravity and compact stance. The result is a car that is both elegant and muscular. The latest M2 is 4.58m long, 1.90m wide and 1.4m high.

A driver-focused cockpit

Inside, the M2 remains true to its sporting DNA while maintaining genuine comfort. The interior combines modern BMW technology with a fully-fledged motorsport ambience. The large Curved Display, oriented towards the driver, combines digital gauges on the left and the smooth and intuitive 12.3-inch BMW iOS 8.5 infotainment system on the right.

The M Sport seats provide exemplary lateral support, with well-designed bolsters and full electric adjustment. Contrasting blue stitching, carbon fibre inserts and the thick, flat-bottomed M steering wheel in Alcantara complete the intensely sporty atmosphere.

BMW has managed to preserve welcome physical ergonomics: the essential controls remain accessible without having to navigate through menus, thanks to the central iDrive Controller. As for the gear lever, still present on the centre console even in the automatic version, it is a symbolic nod to purists. A detail, certainly, but one that carries meaning.

The heart of the beast: an anthology six-cylinder

Under the bonnet is the fabulous S58 inline six-cylinder engine, taken directly from the M3 and M4. This 3-litre twin-turbo engine develops 480 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 600 Nm of torque available from 2,700 rpm. All this power is transmitted to the rear wheels.

The two twin-scroll turbochargers ensure instant response, while the Double VANOS and Valvetronic systems optimise valve timing and lift management. The result is constant, linear and furious acceleration right up to the red zone.

Combined with ZF’s 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, this engine offers the perfect balance between brutality and precision. Gear changes are lightning fast, whether you’re driving in comfort mode or attacking winding roads. The paddles on the steering wheel provide real tactile pleasure, while the electronic management system is intelligent: never intrusive, always effective.

On the road: between rigour and wildness

It is on the road that the M2 reveals its full complexity. Despite its beastly power, it remains manageable. The chassis is based on a shortened version of the M4, with adaptive M suspension and controlled damping. Three operating modes allow you to adjust the handling to suit your mood: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. The optional carbon roof on our test model lowers the centre of gravity and lightens the M2 by around 6 kg, directly benefiting its agility.

In Comfort mode, the M2 surprises with its relative suppleness. Road irregularities are absorbed with a certain elegance, without ever losing rigour. Switch to Sport Plus, and the coupé transforms into a true precision machine. The front axle, with its formidable precision, throws itself into the corner with impeccable grip, while the rear, perfectly anchored, takes advantage of the M active differential to distribute torque with surgical efficiency.

The M Compound brakes deliver remarkable endurance, even after several hard braking manoeuvres. The weight of 1.8 tonnes is almost forgotten, as the 50/50 weight distribution and calibrated steering provide excellent feedback.

Purists may regret the loss of the charm of the manual gearbox, but the eight-speed automatic transmission compensates with excellent responsiveness.

Two fully customisable driving modes, M1 and M2, are directly accessible from the steering wheel, allowing you to adapt the car to your preferences in an instant.

Conclusion: the last true M?

Brutal, demanding, sometimes excessive, the BMW M2 fully embraces its character. Every acceleration, every downshift, every turn reminds us that BMW has lost none of its DNA: that of a brand that still puts mechanical emotion at the heart of the game. Its non-hybrid inline six-cylinder engine roars, screams and vibrates, while its pure rear-wheel drive and mechanical differential offer sensations that have become rare.

In Java Green, it attracts everyone’s attention, but it is above all its silhouette and authenticity that make it stand out. In a world that is rapidly becoming electrified, the M2 seems like a contradiction. A tribute to automotive passion.