By Otsile Kadiege

The current generation BMW M2 – code-named G87 – was revealed back in October 2022 and only made it to our shores in July 2023. Like its stablemates that received minor updates, BMW has given their tail-happy baby M car a midlife update. These updates include uprated power and torque, extensive standard equipment, and a refreshed interior with the latest technology.

Uprated power and torque

Underneath the bonnet of the updated M2 is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine that delivers 353 kW at 6,250 rpm, with revs topping out at 7,200 rpm. This represents a power increase of 15kW compared to the pre-facelift  model. Torque also sees an increase of 50Nm to 600Nm. However, the increased torque is reserved for M2s that are paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The 6-speed manual transmission delivers the same 550Nm.

The increased engine output shaves 0.1 seconds off its zero to 100 km/h acceleration time. The updated M2 records a figure of 4.0 seconds with the standard transmission or 4.2 seconds if specified with the optional six-speed manual gearbox. Top speed is 250 km/h, but can be increased to 285 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.

New wheels and exterior paint finishes

Customers can order their new BMW M2 in a choice of three solid colours, five metallic shades and six BMW Individual paint finishes. The significantly expanded range includes the new Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic variants. Plus, the selection of BMW Individual paint finishes for the new BMW M2 now also features Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto and Twilight Purple.

The new BMW M2 is fitted as standard with M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design and with a Jet Black finish. Dimensions are 19 inches at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear axle. A new addition to the options list are M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design and with the same dimensions, but finished in the colour Silver. They can be combined with track tyres if the optional M Race Track package is specified.

New steering wheels and seat surfaces

Inside, the updated M2 gets a flat-bottom style steering wheel with a 12 o’clock marker. Customers can opt for the same steering wheel that’s wrapped with Alcantara instead of leather. A heating function is offered as an option for both steering wheel variants. The LCI M2 also gets BMW’s Curved Display running on BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5 with M specific menus and optional Vernasca leather M Sport seats which can now also be ordered in a red/black bi-colour variant. 

Standard and optional equipment

Standard equipment for the new BMW M2 also includes two-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a HiFi speaker system, and the BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Maps navigation system. The likewise standard smartphone integration enables use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Semi-automated driving and parking systems that come as standard include front collision warning, Cruise Control with brake function, Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator, and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car. Among the optional items available are the Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.

Also on the options list are Comfort Access, an electrically operated slide/tilt sunroof and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. As well as the BMW Head-Up Display, the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the new BMW M2 now also includes Augmented View on the control display.

Availability

The facelifted BMW M2 will be built alongside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico. It will be available in South Africa from the fourth quarter of 2024.