2019 BMW M2 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJonathan ElfalanDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　

What's new

Updated M2 now called the M2 CompetitionNew engine with 405 horsepowerUpgraded brakes and front seatsRestyled grillePart of the first 2 Series generation introduced for 2014

　　The M2 is the highest-performing variant of the BMW 2 Series, and it's designed especially for people who love to drive. It's smaller and nimbler than the more well-known BMW M3 and M4, helping it deliver a lot of the classic BMW magic. The one thing last year's M2 was not, however, was outrageously fast. Well, consider that issue fixed. For the 2019 BMW M2, the company has significantly stepped up the power, among other things. BMW has even given it a new name: the M2 Competition.

　　The M2's new engine is borrowed from the larger M3 and M4. Although it appears similar to the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder in last year's car, it's fundamentally different with a stronger internal structure. It receives a lightweight forged crankshaft, stronger pistons and two turbochargers in lieu of one. These upgrades amount to a healthy 405 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, a gain of 40 hp and 63 lb-ft over the 2018 M2.

　　Compared to the other 2 Series models, the M2 benefits from the typical M division upgrades, including a sportier suspension, larger brakes, and bigger wheels with stickier tires. This year's M2 Competition also gets a new engine bay brace, upgraded brakes (six-piston front, four-piston rear), a new exhaust with active exhaust flaps, a new grille and lower front splitter, and sportier front seats. This much more responsive and entertaining sport coupe is capable of incredible speeds without sacrificing too much in the way of comfort.

　　In terms of price, the M2 runs in a highly competitive group. You might look at other small high-performance luxury cars such as the Audi RS 3 or the Porsche Cayman, or you might like top-end V8-powered muscle cars such as the Ford Shelby GT350. With the M2's higher performance level this year, it's become an even more enticing combination of speed, luxury and daily usability.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2019 BMW M2 Competition (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 6-speed manual | RWD).

　　

Driving

　　Thanks to its broadly powerful engine, sweet-shifting manual transmission and enjoyable handling balance, the M2 Competition delivers the driving satisfaction you'd expect from a vehicle with an M in the name. This car is equally happy on a winding road or a racetrack.

　　

Comfort

　　It may be a high-performance sport coupe, but the M2 doesn't make needless sacrifices to daily usability. You'll feel and hear more of the road, but you won't be punished for using the M2 Competition to commute. New M sport seats with thick lateral bolsters keep you in place when you're exploring the car's capabilities.

　　

Interior

　　A tall roof and seemingly high seat position help make the M2 feel spacious for its size and easy to see out of. As it's the least expensive performance BMW, the interior isn't as complicated as other models, so most features are simpler to use.

　　

Utility

　　Because the M2 is based on a subcompact car, it benefits from a bit more interior and trunk space than a purpose-built sports car. Its 13.8-cubic-foot trunk is larger than those of most competitors as well as the bigger and more expensive BMW M4.

　　

Technology

　　The latest BMW infotainment system is powerful and generally easy to use. Android Auto is not supported, but Apple CarPlay is (on a one-year trial basis), along with wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The standard ConnectedDrive service integrates select phone apps into the entertainment system.

　　

Which M2 does zzdcar recommend?

　　The 2019 BMW M2 comes in the new Competition variant only this year, so the main decision will be between the standard six-speed manual transmission and the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The automatic provides quicker acceleration and effortless cruising — ideal if you sit in traffic often — while the manual provides a more engaging and rewarding driving experience. If you want the M2 in its purest form, get the manual. None of the available options is a must, but we would recommend the M Driver's package.

　　

2019 BMW M2 models

　　The 2019 BMW M2 is a high-performance rear-wheel-drive coupe that's available in one trim level: the Competition. Most of the features you'd want come standard, and there are only a few packages and options to choose from. Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (405 horsepower, 406 pound-feet of torque) that's connected to a six-speed manual. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional.

　　Standard equipment includes lightweight 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, carbon-fiber interior trim, and power-adjustable M sport front seats with heating. The infotainment system includes an 8.8-inch central display, navigation, satellite radio, a USB input, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a one-year subscription to Apple CarPlay and BMW's ConnectedDrive phone integration. On the safety front, forward collision warning and mitigation (with automatic emergency braking), lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and driver alert are all standard.

　　After that, the options list is pretty short. An Executive package adds a heated steering wheel, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, speed limit info, wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The M Driver's package increases the M2's speed limiter from 155 mph to 174 mph and provides one day of training at a BMW high-performance driving school. A sunroof is offered as a stand-alone option.

　　

2019 M2 Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$58,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$223/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles