The brand new BMW M2 is manner larger and fatter than earlier than, a lot so it’s nearly on a par with the big-brother M4. So, is it nonetheless enjoyable to drive? That’s what MotorWeek’s Greg Carloss needed to seek out out, so he took the G87 to Virginia on the Dominion Raceway. Shot from a helmet-mounted digicam, the immersive video places you behind the wheel of the second-generation M2. It will get a bit bouncy at occasions, however that’s how it’s out on the observe in actual life.
Forward of July 7 when episode 4244 of MotorWeek will air and we’ll discover out the complete verdict concerning the new M compact-ish automobile, early impressions are the M2 nonetheless feels mild on its ft. That’s regardless of the very fact it now weighs 1,725 kilograms in European specification and three,814 kilos for the North American model. These numbers discuss with the model geared up with the six-speed handbook gearbox because it’s the case right here. The model fitted with the eight-speed automated transmission is barely heavier, by roughly 24 kg (53 lbs).
Greg Carloss finds the M2 tossable and a little bit of a hooligan because the rear finish likes to bounce round. There are some rumors of an xDrive variant arriving additional down the road, however so far as we all know, a remaining choice has but to be taken. The spicy CS model arriving in 2025 with a yet-to-be-confirmed 518 horsepower is anticipated to maintain the rear-wheel-drive structure however lose the clutch pedal by going auto-only.
The M2 was pushed on the observe with the rev-matching perform on however previous to capturing this video, the reviewer discovered the pedals to be completely spaced for heel and toe downshifts. Eagle-eyed viewers will discover the automobile’s gasoline tank was practically empty, with the motive force’s show exhibiting an estimated remaining vary of simply 16 miles. That’s one approach to eliminate that extra weight…
Later within the video, the brand new M2 effortlessly hits 140 mph (225 km/h) on the straight line, with extra pace to spare as BMW quotes an electronically capped 155 mph (250 km/h). Go for the non-obligatory M Driver’s Bundle and the limiter is loosened to 177 mph (285 km/h).
Like it or detest it, the M2 is prone to go down in historical past because the final BMW M manufacturing automobile with a handbook gearbox earlier than plug-in hybrids and EVs take over. You continue to have loads of time to resolve whether or not it’s value your hard-earned cash because the G87 is rumored to stay in manufacturing till July 2029.
Supply: MotorWeek / YouTube
