Coming off the back of one of BMW’s most beloved and successful ‘M’ cars, the new M2 was highly anticipated and had big shoes to fill. Finally, in 2022, images and details of the M2 were released and it’s safe to say it was controversial upon first viewing. A design overhaul gives the M2 large, squared-off front grilles, new modernised headlights, a deeper, more aggressive rear bumper as well as other more subtle updates. 

As with most BMW M cars, the M2 is all about performance. It demonstrates this in bundles, with the 3-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine producing a staggering 460bhp and an official 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds. This 0-62 time, however, has since been beaten by journalists, with some claiming the real-life figure to be roughly 3.9 seconds. Being rear-wheel drive, the M2 has a playful, twitchy character, but use of its widened stance and limited-slip differential keep it in check when you’re wanting to be slightly more sensible. To add to its personality, the M2 can be optioned with a 6-speed manual transmission – something scarcely found in performance cars today and something that will certainly appease the more traditional petrolheads.

The interior has had a dramatic update over the outgoing M2, with the introduction of a 12.3-inch digital cockpit alongside a 14.9-inch central display, a refresh to the overall layout and trim and a choice between sporty comfort seats, or the optional carbon fibre buckets which are included as part of the M Race Track Package. Alongside this comes carbon fibre interior trim, a carbon roof and the M Driver’s Pack which increases the top speed to 180mph. The rear of the cabin provides plenty of space for two adults, with the materials and quality being retained from the front and climate vents accessible to rear passengers.

The new M2 takes what was a fantastic formula for the original car and dials it up a notch in all aspects. Ludicrous power and performance result in a seriously fast, yet compact and playful 2-door coupe. The refresh to both the exterior and interior modernise the M2 and bring it up to date alongside other M cars in the range. The retention of the 6-speed manual box as an option proves BMW’s commitment to still make true drivers’ cars, leaving fans of the German manufacturer wanting for very little with this new M2.