Living With the 2024 BMW M2: The Ultimate Daily Driver or Weekend Warrior?
The 2024 BMW M2, a revered gem among sports cars, has sent waves of excitement through the automotive community. Scoring four and a half stars in road tests and topping group tests against other manual-shift, rear-driven sports cars, it’s clear that BMW’s engineers have nailed it. But how does it fare when tasked with the less glamorous day-to-day grind? That's what we’re here to find out over an extended period with this machine.
The Day-to-Day Charm
In many ways, the M2 is a sports car that doubles as a reliable daily driver. Its size has grown just enough to make the rear seats genuinely usable, complemented by ample boot space for your everyday hauling needs. That practicality comes at a cost, though. The base price is a stiff £62,420, and as with many premium vehicles, there’s a myriad of additional packages and options to consider. I settled on the £730 Comfort Pack, the £1,100 Driving Assistant package, the £2,305 M Driver's Pack, and a stylish set of M alloy wheels for £330.
Personal Touch with Brooklyn Grey
Brooklyn Grey paint might come off as a whimsical choice, devoid of any real connection to New York’s borough, but it's stunning nonetheless. In a somewhat controversial move, I opted for the automatic gearbox. While the manual is an endangered gem, previous experiences with the M2 in manual and the general popularity of the automatic persuaded me. Besides, a daily driver benefits from the ease of an auto shift.
Styling That Divides
The M2 stands out visually from a regular 2 Series Coupé—no chance of mistaking it for even an M240i in M Sport guise. The aggressive aesthetics have polarized opinions among my peers. Some adore the bold stance, while others find it a bit too much. The kidney grille, in particular, has stirred controversy—its audacity not universally appreciated even among BMW aficionados.
Yet, inside, there's little to fault. The interior is where BMW truly showcases its craftsmanship. The sports seats offer comfort and depth, the driving position is a low, cozy embrace, and BMW’s infotainment system remains intuitive, notably with its retaining rotary dial.
Initial Impressions
First impressions, especially after transitioning from months driving Honda SUVs, are hard to forget. The UK’s pothole-laden roads felt much more pronounced in the M2, owing to its firm suspension. However, the unrefined roads quickly melt away on a smoother track, where the M2’s prowess truly shines. The rear-wheel drive brings a visceral thrill that’s hard to beat, reaffirming the appeal of a true sports car even as the petrol receipts pile up.
Despite the initial jostling at slower speeds, the performance on better roads makes up for it. The joys of a turbocharged, rear-driven, two-door sports coupé are increasingly rare, adding a layer of appreciation for what BMW has continued to offer. There's a genuine concern about these models becoming a relic of the past, making each drive a treasured experience.
Looking Ahead
While this initial report focuses on first impressions and daily usability, future updates will delve into the finances and running costs associated with the M2. Expect a deep dive into performance capabilities and an honest look at what it's like to live with this car over an extended period. Kudos to BMW for keeping the spirit of the traditional sports car alive in an era that seems to be speeding towards electrification.
Let’s see if the excitement of driving the M2 remains as the novelty wears off and it becomes just another part of the daily routine. Will love for this petrol-powered marvel endure? Stay tuned to find out.
Second Opinion
The new platform has rendered the M2 larger and more cumbersome compared to its predecessor. Jonathan Bryce points out that this might make navigating the narrow, congested streets of London, with its many width restrictors and one-way systems, a bit more challenging. Keeping those diamond-cut alloys pristine could turn into a constant battle on the city's infamous streets.
Jonathan Bryce