CARS.COM — BMW sees the 2016 M2 as the successor to the 1 Series M, but it feels more like a close cousin of the M3 sedan and M4 coupe. We got a closer look at it during the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The M2 rides on a shortened M3 platform, according to BMW. The suspension components, steering, dual-clutch automatic transmission and torque vectoring system are lifted straight from the larger sedan. Even the aluminum front and rear axles are identical, which adds more than 3 inches of width to the M2 compared to the 2 Series coupe. That means that the M2 has all-new body panels; only the doors remain the same.
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Add it all up and the M2 is in essence a lighter, slightly less powerful version of the M3. It's said to have the same sharp handling and superb dynamics of the original, but in a smaller package and a (presumably) lower price point. As far as comparisons go, that's excellent company to be in. For anyone who thinks that the M3 or M4 have suffered from too much bloat during the past couple generations, the M2 will be a breath of fresh air.
2017 BMW M2 Cars.com photo by Angela Conners
The front and rear axles' added width also gives the M2 a more muscular stance than the 228i or the M235i, which is an improvement to our eyes. The fenders peek out a little bit more and plant the car, making it appear low and aggressive. Front styling is also menacing, with a pair of "air curtains" on the side portions of the lower air intakes providing further visual differentiation. They look just as prominent in person as the photos suggest.
2017 BMW M2 Cars.com photo by Angela Conners
Though the body has been widened, it won't pay any dividends on interior room: The greenhouse dimensions are untouched, which means you can fit two people comfortably and then put two friends you don't like in the medieval torture chamber known as the backseat.
2017 BMW M2 Cars.com photo by Angela Conners
Inside, you'll also find the expected interior touches that come on all M cars: M logos liberally placed throughout the cabin, including some nice detailing at the top of the sport bucket seats; premium materials; and a steering wheel that feels incredible in your hands.
BMW is mum on pricing and fuel-economy specifics, but we will share details when they are available closer to the M2's scheduled arrival at dealerships this April.
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