Despite its entry-level status, the 2016 BMW M2 is undoubtedly among the brand's highly anticipated models and one of the most hyped cars of 2016.
Just an introduction about the BMW M2: the car is the successor to the much-loved 1M, comes with a 3.0-liter engine and its chassis is tuned by the automaker's M Division.
Back in October, the automaker unveiled the BMW M2 sporting a 370 horsepower, a torque of 465 Nm / 343 pound-feet along with other impressive features.
"With its high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, the new BMW M2 Coupe has all the ingredients to deliver the last word in driving pleasure," said BMW in a press release during the time.
The car, which rocks a muscular yet not overdone design, features 19-inch aluminum wheels in M double-spoke design, a twin-tailpipe exhaust system, an impressive three-dimensional design of its grill, a sporty steering wheel and twin circular headlights, to name a few.
BMW touts the M2 has the capacity to sprint from 0 to 62 miles per hour in only 4.3 seconds.
What Experts Are Saying
Without further ado, here are what the experts in the auto industry have to say about the M2.
In a review of this car, Auto Express is convinced that the M2 is worthy of high expectations. It says comparisons with other BMW icons, such as the E30 M3 and 2002 Turbo, are justified and inevitable.
"[M2] is sensational to drive, yet, accessible, too," reads Auto Express' blog. "It eclipses its rivals from Audi and Mercedes, instead drawing comparison with cars like the Porsche Cayman."
In a test drive review of the 2016 BMW M2, the BMW Blog gives a score of 9.9 out of 10 points in terms of exterior appeal, interior quality, steering feedback, handling, performance, BMWness/ultimate driving machine and price point.
"Overall, the BMW M2 is an amazing car," says BMW Blog. "It's very fast, far faster than anyone will ever need on the street, has incredible performance and is possibly the most fun car to wear a blue and white roundel."
It adds that the BMW M2 is the "most fun BMW since the 1 Series M."
GTspirit.com thinks the M2 is the one to have. It says, it is "the perfect balance of a fantastic engine, drivetrain and chassis." It's overall score is 8.8 out of 10, based on handling, performance, comfort, design, sound and fun.
The review also highlights that M2 is a crowd pleaser as reactions from a number of locals and tourists in the place where the test drive was held were positive.
However, as with every other cars, the M2 also has its drawbacks. GTspirit.com says the ride may be somewhat more taxing over longer travels. Also, it says the car's interior is one thing that deserved more attention.
Motor Authority seems also impressed with M2. In its first drive, its test team appreciates the car's seamless shifts.
"[W]e found the M2's firm suspension to allow just the right amount of predictable weight transfer through tight corners – and the always-tricky corkscrew – without fancy adaptive dampers or expensive air-suspension components," it adds.
Outside the ride and cabin noise, Motor Authority believes the 2016 BMW M2 defines perfection.
In its BMW M2 Review, PistonHeads, in the meantime, thinks that the car's engine "doesn't shine quite – quite – as brightly." However, in its overall verdict, it calls M2 as "simply magnificent."
For those who are planning to buy the 2016 BMW M2, the car is currently available in the United States carrying a starting price of $52,695.
