Souped up 2 series, or perfect 3 series?

This isn’t really an M2, rather it’s an M3 or what the M3 should have been. In this fascinating, rubber-burning filled video of Chris Harris thrashing around a new BMW M2, Chris explains all the joys that come of this little machine. As you’ll see in the conclusion of the video he explains why this car is really just a proper M3.

Smaller (perfect) Size

The current F8x M3/M4s have gotten too large for real precision control and agility. At 184.5″ long, the M4 is over 13 inches longer than the 171.1″ long E30 M3 which debuted in 1985. The M2 is just 4.5 inches longer than the E30 at 176.2″. This makes the car easier to control with the rear swung out and creates a more driver focused interior. To put this into perspective, the Lamborghini Huracan is 176″ long (14 feet, 8 inches).

Power

With twin-turbos on the 3.0 liter straight 6 the M2 gets to 60mph in 4.5 seconds. The 365 horsepower is helpful in that regard, but even more so is the full 343lb-ft of torque coming in at just 1500rpm. That power is sent to the rear wheels with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT transmission. The rear’s are 265/35R19 and come standard with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Street Performance

Chris’ review does little in terms of describing the car’s performance on city streets or back roads but it’s easy to envision that in typical BMW fashion it’ll provide a smooth ride from point A to point B with some fun along the way. 23mpg combined isn’t bad at all for this type of performance on with a 13.7-gallon tank going on long drives and rallies is a breeze.

We’re looking forward to spending time with an M2 in 2017, if we add one to the collection it will be equipped with a 3-pedal setup but the 7 speed dual clutch is rather impressive if it’s anything like the one in our BMW M4 or M5.