2018 BMW M2 Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
The 2018 BMW M2 gets standard LED headlights, replacing the HID units.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2018 M2 coupe comes in a single trim with standard features including 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, 14-way power adjustable front sports seats, leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon audio system, Bluetooth, the iDrive interface with an 8.8-inch screen, navigation, a rearview camera, keyless entry and start, and a rear spoiler.
Options include Apple CarPlay, a moonroof, and the Executive package, which adds adaptive headlights, a wireless charger, rear parking sensor, and a heated steering wheel.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2018 M2 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo I-6 with 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque paired to a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy ratings are 18/26 mpg city/highway for the manual and 20/26 mpg with the automatic.
Safety
The 2018 M2 hasn't been rated by the NHTSA and IIHS. The 2018 BMW 2 Series, the car on which the M2 is based, received a Good score on all crashworthiness tests except for the passenger side front overlap test where it hasn't been tested yet and the headlights test where it received an Acceptable rating (Good is the highest possible score). On the IIHS' front crash prevention test, the 2018 2 Series received an Advanced rating after it reduced the severity of a 12-mph impact by 10 mph and a 25-mph impact by 7 mph (Superior is the highest rating on the front crash prevention test). As a result, the 2018 2 Series received the 2018 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.
Utility
The 2018 M2 has a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk that can be expanded via the standard split-folding rear seats.
What We Think
In a 2016 First Test, we were impressed with the M2's performance, which nearly matches the larger, more powerful M4 in acceleration and grip. Despite being on the heavier side, the M2 is fun to drive with excellent steering feel, a playful chassis, and surprisingly precise manual transmission. The stiff suspension does mean ride quality suffers and there's no adaptive suspension option that lets you soften it.
