2024 BMW M2: Pure Performance In A Compact Package

The 2024 BMW M2 is a direct synonym of pocket-rocket that will not burn your pocket 

The BMW 2 Series Coupe has always been a favorite amongst auto enthusiasts because it has a big engine and a compact body. And that is especially true with the 2024 BMW M2 that I’ll be reviewing today. Before I move on with the review, I do want to talk about the pricing. As you might think, the 2024 BMW M2 price starts at $64,195 and the same is available in a single trim configuration. 

Compared to the previous model year, that's not too much of a price increase. The last thing that we need to talk about is the warranty. The M2 is going to have a BMW signature warranty, a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty for your basic and powertrain. Additionally, you do get three years of complimentary maintenance. 

Polarizing Aesthetics Unlike Other BMWs

Now, when it comes to the M2, it actually has quite a bit of change from the standard version of the 2-Series coupe, and it is really quite a bit different than the outgoing generation. The 2024 M2 has kind of a boxier look when it comes to this new generation. The boxy shape of the M2 is even noticeable from the side. With the M2, you're setting it 2 inches wider. 

It has kind of a squared-off design for all of the kidney grills as well as the extra air inlets. The M2 has a new design for the LED cluster. You have this kind of squiggle-shaped daytime running light and turn signal indicator, which is reflected in the rear as well. The new M2 has some nice-looking alloy wheels with a staggered setup. 

So it's going to be 19 inches on the front and 20 inches in the rear. Obviously, you're also going to have performance tires—Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires in this case. You're going to have beefier brakes, which are colored blue and look great. I seriously like the idea as colored calipers make it stand out.

As far as the rear design is concerned for this BMW M2, it does have a very unique design, just like the front. I think the rear design is a little polarizing. I think it looks better in person than it does in photos. You do have a pretty cool overall shape to it. The tail lights also look pretty cool. The M2 really spices things up when it comes to the lower diffuser. It has a quad exhaust outlet and the most aggressive diffuser area of any 2-Series model.

Adrenaline-Inducing Interior With Enough Tech

The interior has a combination of the latest BMW design language and the 2-Series design language. I'll first start off by talking about our seats because we do have the M2, after all, so that means we're going to have the performance bucket seats. The seats have a really unique and cool design with the M color. 

So you have both red and blue accents throughout the seat itself. It is going to be an aggressive bucket, like I was mentioning, and this is finished in Vernasca leather. Now, as far as your adjustments, you have a ton of them. We also have adjustable bolsters and a manual thigh extension. 

Interestingly, there are lit up M logos on the front seats as well. When it comes to material choice, areas like your armrests are covered in leather. Most of the door panel and the top of the dashboard are made of soft-touch plastic. You also have bits of actual carbon fiber trim in the center of the dash and the center console.

Adding the carbon fiber package saves weight and adds even more style 

The optional package adds carbon fiber elements across the cabin. However, the weight reduction comes on account of more aggressive bucket seats with bolstering. BMW claims 24 pounds of weight reduction with this package, and it costs $9,900. I totally recommend the optional package for a more authentic feel. 

You also get a nice, custom steering wheel. You are going to have additional carbon fiber on the steering. Even the paddle shifters are made of carbon fiber. Overall, as soon as you get inside, the 2024 BMW M2's interior encourages you to have a thrilling driving experience. However, its recommended to hold those emotions and drive safe. 

Dual-Screen Setup Adds To The Tech-Quotient 

One of the things that BMW has been doing on a lot of their models is kind of making dedicated graphics depending on the level of performance to match everything else. Since this is an M model, you have the little M logo on the screen and the M fonts running throughout with these aggressive-looking gauges on the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. 

Additionally, you have a nice and large head-up display at the top. The second screen in the M2 is your typical BMW Affair, a 14.9-inch display. This is going to have your climate controls built into the bottom panel, so you can just make those adjustments towards the bottom of the screen. 

Otherwise, you can access the climate menu for additional functions, including the three-stage heated seats that this model does have.

In terms of the rest of the system, again, it is going to be styled for M2 Duty with some different graphics on board, and you do have wireless Android auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and built-in navigation. 

In terms of the audio system, I do have an available Harmon Kardon sound system on the model I’m reviewing. Overall, this is a great-sounding sound system. You might not want to listen to it all that much because you are driving sportily and listening to the engine. But if you do, you've got a good sound system behind you. 

Rear Seats Are Quite Good 

Yes, the M2 actually does have rear seats. It's relatively easy to get into the rear seats. You lift a tab on the front seats, and then they automatically slide out. When it comes to the seats themselves, it's actually not nearly as bad as you would think. I honestly thought this would be a horrible rear seat, but I'm 5'9 for reference, and I have just enough space for my legs. My feet can easily slide up underneath the seat, too. 

BMW does actually provide space, with 32 inches of rear legroom and 35 inches of headroom. So 5'9 is probably the upper limit of how much headroom space you're going to have in this M2. I would say that the comfort was decent for its size and segment. Additionally, adding to my level of comfort, I actually have my own climate vents. 

I also have my own temperature adjustment with a three-zone climate. You also have a leather-padded armrest back here, along with a little storage cubby in the middle. So overall, I'm pretty darn impressed with the rear seat of this M2. In my opinion BMW nailed it with the M2 coupe. 

Surprisingly, Even The Cargo Capacity Is Good 

Just like how the rear seats were more comfortable than I thought, the cargo space in the M2 is more practical than I thought. You get 13.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity as a maximum in the M2. That's actually, ironically, more space than a BMW 330e has. and as far as the seats, they still fold 40/20/40 split. so you have the additional versatility of being able to fold the seats. So really, if you ask me, this M2 is a very practical vehicle.

Just Like Other M Cars, The M2 Is Fun To Drive

The M2, although it is, you know, one of their “affordable” products, is crazy when it comes to performance. It's just as fast as the X5M, a car that I drove recently. The 2024 BMW M2 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds is quick, and if you don't keep track, that really puts it in the upper echelon of 0-60s. Again, it's not a cheap car by any means, but relative to its performance, it has a very reasonable price tag.

When it comes to the engine, the 2024 BMW M2 comes with an enhanced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, which puts out 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The traditional BMW 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 is one of my favorite engines ever, and then they enhanced it for the M2 duty to get you this lovely, lovely setup. And it sounds phenomenal as well. 

As far as the transmission is concerned, the model I’m reviewing has an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is an option. So that's one of the other things that really makes this vehicle an enthusiast's dream because the standard transmission is a 6-speed manual transmission. 

I wasn’t able to test drive that one, unfortunately, but I’m not too sad about it because this dual clutch is also a fantastic transmission. It snaps off the shift so fast. It is also worth noting that all versions of the M2 are rear-wheel-drive. This is a little bit of a difference between the regular 2-Series and the M2.

If you're familiar with the 2-Series Coupe lineup, you’ll know that the M240i can get all-wheel drive, which is a unique advantage over something like the Supra, with which it shares a lot of parts. All versions of the M2, though, are going to be rear-drive for that more traditional drive experience. 

I do want to talk about ride quality as well. While the M2 was in Comfort mode, I noticed that the ride quality was very good. Now you do have adaptability, though, when it comes to ride quality. So can you change it to sports mode, which makes the ride more firm and it's more fun around the corners. 

The M2 is a car that really just puts a smile on the enthusiast's face because it just feels so balanced and sharp. You put the smallest input into the steering wheel, and you just get that immediate response. You also have enough grip for track days. Overall, it's a blast to drive and you won't regret any moment with it. 

Not Many Would Care, But Here Are The MPG Ratings 

Fast Can Be Safe Too

As far as your safety systems are concerned, of course, that's not your main priority with an M2. But BMW is going to throw in just a handful of them as standard equipment, which includes a forward emergency braking system and lane-keeping warning system. Additionally, you can opt for adaptive cruise control and auto-high beams.

Should You Get One? 

My favorite part about the M2 is quite easily the fun driving experience. The 2024 BMW M2 specs make it a joy to drive, honestly. The one thing that I think is the weak part of the M2 is the exterior design. It’s a very controversial part of the car. During my time with the car, I asked my friends or even just random people in the street what they thought about the car, and only a few people liked the design. However, like most other cars, I think the design will grow upon you with time. Overall, a must-recommended buy for performance and rush.