BMW's 2024 M2 Facelift: A 473bhp Beast You Can't Ignore
BMW’s M division has taken the already impressive M2 sports coupé and turned it into an even more formidable performer. Set to hit UK streets in August with a starting price of £63,360, the 2024 M2 boasts a series of upgrades that would make any car enthusiast's heart race.
Power-packed Performance
Synonymous with power and precision, BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine is now more potent than ever. The 2024 M2 churns out an exhilarating 473bhp, an increase of 20bhp from its predecessor. Torque isn't sidelined either; it now delivers a robust 443lb ft, up by 37lb ft, between 2650 and 6130rpm. This leap in performance aligns the M2 with its bigger siblings, the manual M3 and M4, which the UK market, interestingly, doesn’t offer.
These enhancements translate into minor but notable improvements in speed. The automatic M2 with its eight-speed M Steptronic torque-converter gearbox now accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 4.0 seconds, shaving off 0.1 seconds from the previous version. The six-speed manual variant is close behind, achieving the same in 4.2 seconds. Where the additional power truly shines is in higher-speed sprints, with both models slashing their 0-124mph times by 0.6 seconds—12.9 seconds for the automatic and 13.7 seconds for the manual.
Distinctive Aesthetics
While the core design of the M2 remains untouched, the 2024 model introduces a vivid palette of new colors to choose from, including the eye-popping Sao Paulo Yellow, Fire Red, Portimao Blue, and Skyscraper Grey. The standard M wheels, sporting a double-spoke design with a black finish, also come in a striking silver option, giving owners a touch of personalization.
Inside, the M2 Coupé has been enhanced with a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, which can be optionally wrapped in Alcantara for a sportier feel. High-tech touches include an updated digital operating system, complete with BMW’s latest-generation iDrive system, ensuring that the driving experience is as connected as it is thrilling.
Comprehensive Refresh for the 2 Series
The 2024 M2's enhancements come as part of a broader update for the entire 2 Series lineup. While the external and internal updates to the standard 2 Series might be subtle, they are significant in how they consolidate the range’s shift towards petrol power, following the likes of the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, and 5 Series in abandoning diesel engines. This petrol-only approach signifies BMW's continuous adaptation to changing market trends and regulatory landscapes.
For ardent fans and potential new buyers alike, the reworked M2 offers an invigorating blend of enhanced power, refined aesthetics, and cutting-edge technology. Whether it's for spirited drives on winding roads or making a statement in the city, the 2024 BMW M2 stands out as a compelling choice.