BMW has launched the second-generation M2 in India as a CBU model priced at Rs. 98 Lakh to take on the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster. The M2 is the first BMW in India to be available with a manual gearbox, and it comes standard with a turbo six-cylinder engine and the superb Adaptive M Suspension.
The M2 is powered by the same 3-litre straight-six engine that is found in the M3 and M4. In this application, the twin-turbo engine makes 453bhp of power, which is nearly 50bhp more than the previous M2 Competition. It also makes a stout 550Nm of peak torque between 2650 and 5870rpm, which it puts down to the road via the rear wheels. During our review, we noted that the M2s is smooth all the way to the redline while emitting a rich, big-chested bellow from the engine. The M2 comes standard with the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission; however, we are excited about the fact that it can be optioned with a proper 6-speed manual. The automatic goes from 0 to 100kph in 4.1 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the manual, but the slick manual is definitely more involving. The manual also gets a gear shift assistant, which blips the throttle to match the revs for you while you downshift. The top speed is limited to 250kph, but the M-drivers package will increase that to an absurd 285kph. Keeping the performance in check are the M2's M-specific adaptive suspension, M sport differential, and M high-performance brakes.
From a design standpoint, the M2 is compact with a wide stance thanks to the flared wheel arches that house 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. The front features a relatively restrained frameless grill flanked by aggressive adaptive headlights. The bumper gets large rectangular air intakes to cool the engine as well as the brakes. The flared side skirts add to the visual drama and complement the wheel arches. At the back, you find BMW's signature quad exhaust system with electronically controlled flaps to adjust the volume. Also at the rear is the M2's least successful design element — the rear bumper, which seems a tad too chunky. There is an option for a carbon roof as well, which will lower the car's centre of gravity.
The M2 gets BMW's latest iDrive system, which controls the vehicle's functions via a curved 14.9-inch central information display. The driver's cockpit features a multifunction steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display. Electrically adjustable M Sport seats come standard and feature an easy entry function to aid entry to the rear compartment. Practicality has not been compromised, as the rear seat has a 40:20:40 split and can be folded down to augment the 390-litre boot space.
Prices for the M2 start at Rs. 98 lakh ex-showroom. In terms of performance, the M2 competes with the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster, which are significantly more expensive and less practical. The front-engined M2 makes a particularly strong case for itself as a practical everyday performance car at this price point.
Watch our video review of the BMW M2 here.