BMW M2 Reviewed By Mat Watson Still A Pure Driver’s Machine

Mat Watson has taken the updated BMW M2 for a spin, and his verdict is clear: the formula was strong before, and BMW hasn’t needed to reinvent it. At first glance, the changes are subtle – keen-eyed enthusiasts will spot the new daytime running lights and fresh alloy wheel designs – but beneath the familiar body lies a sharper package.

Power comes from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six that now produces 480hp, an increase of 20hp over the previous model. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through either an eight-speed automatic or an optional six-speed manual, with 0–60mph dispatched in around four seconds. It’s only a tenth quicker than the old M2, but the car remains as focused as ever.

Watson highlights a few frustrations, such as fiddly driver assistance settings buried in menus and the shifting of some equipment into the options list. Yet on the road, those niggles fade into the background. With its shorter wheelbase compared to the M4, rear-wheel-drive layout and responsive steering, the M2 feels alive and agile, particularly on narrow country roads. It may not match a Porsche Cayman for pure feedback, but it runs it close.

Watson notes that the automatic transmission brings extra drama, with rapid shifts delivering a satisfying punch. Sitting close to the rear axle, drivers also gain excellent feedback, allowing them to sense traction limits and drive the car with real confidence.

In his final verdict, Watson describes the new BMW M2 as a sports car that remains true to its core values: compact, powerful, rear-driven and engaging. Familiar yet improved, it continues to deliver one of the most rewarding driving experiences in its class.