BMW M2 Specs: Horsepower, Dimensions, Features & Full Review
The BMW M2 is a small but powerful sports car. It gives you great speed and fun driving. This car works well for daily use too. BMW made this car for people who love driving fast cars. The BMW M2 has a strong engine and good looks. Many car lovers choose this model. It costs less than bigger BMW M cars. But it still gives you the same excitement.

What Makes the BMW M2 Special
BMW created the BMW M2 to be different from other cars. This car is small but very fast. It has rear-wheel drive like old sports cars. The car feels more connected to the road. You can feel every turn and bump. This makes driving more fun and exciting.
Key Things about BMW M2
The BMW stands out because of these reasons:
- Small size makes it easy to park.
- Powerful engine gives quick speed.
- Rear-wheel drive for better control.
- Good for daily driving and racing.
- Costs less than other BMW M cars.
- Strong brakes for safe stopping.
- Nice interior with good seats.
- Modern tech features included.
BMW M2 through the Years
BMW first made the Bmw M2 in 2016. It replaced an older car called 1 Series M. The company wanted a small fast car again. People loved the original design. BMW kept making it better each year.
Important BMW M2 Dates
Here are the main years for BMW M2 development:
- 2016: First Bmw M2 came out
- 2018: Bmw m2 Competition was released
- 2020: Some updates were added
- 2023: New generation Bmw m2 launched
- 2024: More improvements were made
Each year brought new features. BMW listened to what drivers wanted. They made the car faster and more comfortable. The BMW got better technology too.
Engine Power and Speed
The M2 has a strong 3.0-liter engine. It uses two turbochargers for more power. This engine makes 453 horsepower. That is enough power to go very fast. The engine also makes 406 pound-feet of torque. This helps the car speed up quickly.
BMW M2 Engine Details
The engine in M2 has these specs:
- Type: 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine
- Power: 453 horsepower
- Torque: 406 lb-ft
- Turbo: Twin turbochargers
- Fuel: Direct injection system
- Material: Aluminum construction
- Cooling: Advanced cooling system
- Sound: Great exhaust note
How Fast Is the BMW M2
The BMW M2 can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. This is very quick for any car. The top speed is 155 mph with speed limiter. You can get 177 mph with special package. Quarter-mile time is 12.5 seconds. These numbers show how fast this car really is.
Speed test results for BMW M2:
- 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
- 0-100 mph: 9.6 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 12.5 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph (limited)
- Top speed: 177 mph (with package)
- 30-70 mph: 3.2 seconds
- 50-120 mph: 8.1 seconds
- Braking 60-0: 108 feet
Gearbox Options for BMW M2
You can get the M2 with two different gearboxes. One is a 6-speed manual transmission. The other is an 8-speed automatic. Both work well but feel different. Manual gives more control. Automatic is easier for city driving.
Manual Transmission Features
The 6-speed manual in Bmw m2 offers these benefits:
- Six forward gears.
- Short gear lever throw.
- Rev-matching technology.
- Clutch delay valve removed.
- Perfect gear spacing.
- Strong clutch system.
- Smooth shifting action.
- Driver engagement focus.
Automatic Transmission Benefits
The 8-speed automatic provides these advantages:
- Eight forward gears.
- Launch control feature.
- Paddle shifters included.
- Multiple driving modes.
- Quick gear changes.
- Smooth operation in traffic.
- Better fuel economy.
- Easy to use daily.
The BMW M2 only comes with rear-wheel drive. This means power goes to back wheels only. This setup gives better balance. It also makes the car more fun to drive. You can slide the rear end in corners safely.
BMW M2 Size and Shape
The BMW M2 is compact but looks aggressive. It measured 180 inches long. The width is 74.3inches. Height comes to 55.3 inches. Wheelbase spans 108.1 inches. These dimensions make it easy to park. But there is still room inside for people.
Outside Measurements
Here are the exact Bmw m2 exterior dimensions:
Measurement | Size |
Length | 180 inches |
Width | 74.3 inches |
Height | 55.3 inches |
Wheelbase | 108.1 inches |
Front track | 62.4 inches |
Rear track | 63.0 inches |
Ground clearance | 4.6 inches |
Curb weight | 3,745pounds |
BMW M2 Design Features
The BMW M2 has many special design parts. The front has large air intakes. These help cool the engine and brakes. Side vents sit behind front wheels. The rear has four exhaust pipes. A small spoiler sits on the trunk. Wide wheel arches hold bigger tires.
BMW M2 styling elements include:

- Large kidney grilles in front.
- Functional air intakes.
- M-specific side vents.
- Flared wheel arches.
- Quad exhaust outlets.
- Integrated rear spoiler.
- Aggressive front bumper.
- Special M mirrors.
Inside the BMW M2
The interior of BMW M2 focuses on the driver. Sport seats hold you tight during fast driving. The steering wheel has good grip. All controls are easy to reach. Materials feel high quality. There is decent space for two people up front. Back seats work for short trips only.
BMW M2 Interior Space
Interior room measurements for BMW :
- Front headroom: 38.5 inches
- Front legroom: 42.0 inches
- Front shoulder room: 54.8 inches
- Rear headroom: 35.1 inches
- Rear legroom: 32.5 inches
- Rear shoulder room: 50.5 inches
BMW M2 Seat Options
The M2 comes with special M sport seats. These seats have extra side support. They hold you in place during cornering. Seat materials include leather and fabric. You can get heated seats as option. Power adjustment is standard. Memory settings remember your position.
BMW M2 seat features:
- M sport bucket design.
- Enhanced side bolsters.
- Multiple adjustment options.
- Heating function available.
- Memory settings included.
- Premium material choices.
- Excellent support levels.
- Racing-inspired look.
Technology in BMW M2
The BMW M2 has modern technology features. A 12.3-inch screen controls most functions. The system works with Apple CarPlay. Android Auto also connects wirelessly. Sound system has good quality. Track apps help record lap times. All features are easy to use while driving.
BMW M2 tech features:

- 12.3-inch curved display.
- Wireless phone connection.
- Premium audio system.
- Track performance apps.
- Voice control system.
- Navigation included.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- USB charging ports.
BMW M2 Suspension Setup
The suspension in BMW M2 balances comfort and performance. Front uses MacPherson struts. Rear has multi-link design. Springs are progressive rate type. Dampers adjust electronically. Anti-roll bars reduce body lean. The setup works well on roads and tracks.
Front Suspension Details
BMW M2 front suspension components:
- MacPherson strut design.
- Aluminum construction used.
- Progressive rate springs.
- Electronic damper control.
- Hollow anti-roll bar.
- Performance rubber bushings.
- Precise steering geometry.
- Track-ready alignment.
Rear Suspension Design
BMW M2 rear suspension features:
- Multi-link independent design.
- Five separate links per side.
- Progressive spring rates.
- Electronic damper adjustment.
- Large anti-roll bar included.
- Performance bushing materials.
- Active differential mount.
- Optimized camber settings.
The BMW M2 also has adaptive suspension. This system changes damper stiffness. You can choose comfort or sport mode. Comfort works well for daily driving. Sport mode firms up for fast driving. The system adjusts automatically too.
BMW M2 Brake System
Strong brakes are important for the BMW M2. Front brakes are 15.0 inches across. Rear brakes measure 14.2 inches. All brakes are ventilated discs. Special M calipers provide strong stopping power. Brake pads handle high heat well. The system works great on track days.
Standard Brake Setup
BMW M2 comes with these brake parts:
- 15.0-inch front brake discs.
- 14.2-inch rear brake discs.
- Four-piston front calipers.
- Two-piston rear calipers.
- Ventilated disc design.
- Performance brake pads
- Stainless steel brake lines.
- Strong pedal feel.
Optional Carbon Brakes
You can upgrade to carbon ceramic brakes. These cost more but work better. Carbon brakes are much lighter. They also last longer than steel. Heat resistance is much better. These brakes are best for track use. Normal driving does not need them.
Carbon brake benefits:
- 15.6-inch front discs
- 15.0-inch rear discs
- Much lighter weight
- Better heat resistance
- Longer lasting life
- Less brake dust created
- Consistent performance
- Premium appearance
Wheels and Tires
The BMW M2 comes with 18-inch wheels as standard. You can upgrade to 19-inch wheels. Tire sizes are different front and rear. Front tires are narrower than rear ones. This setup helps with handling. Performance tires provide good grip. Different tire brands are available.
Standard Wheel Package
BMW M2 standard wheels include:
- 18-inch M light alloy wheels.
- 245/35R18 front tires.
- 265/35R18 rear tires.
- Performance summer tires.
- Lightweight wheel design.
- M-specific styling.
- Good balance of comfort.
- Reasonable replacement cost.
Upgrade Wheel Option
The 19-inch wheel upgrade offers:
- 19-inch M light alloy wheels.
- 245/35R19 front tires.
- 265/35R19 rear tires.
- Sharper steering response.
- Better visual appearance.
- Slightly firmer ride quality.
- Higher replacement costs.
- More road noise inside.
Different tire brands work with BMW M2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is common choice. Pirelli P Zero also works well. Continental Extreme Contact Sport performs great. Choose tires based on your driving style. Summer tires grip better. All-season tires work year-round.
BMW M2 Fuel Usage
The BMW M2 gets decent fuel economy for a fast car. Manual transmission gets 19 mpg city. Highway driving achieves 26 mpg. Combined rating is 22 mpg. Automatic transmission does slightly better. It gets 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Combined rating improves to 23 mpg.
Fuel Economy Numbers
BMW M2 EPA ratings by transmission:
Manual Transmission:
- City driving: 17 mpg
- Highway driving: 26 mpg
- Combined average: 22 mpg
- Fuel tank size: 13.7 gallons
- Driving range: 301 miles
- Fuel type: Premium required
- Octane rating: 91 minimum
- Real-world usage: 20-24 mpg
Automatic Transmission:
- City driving: 16 mpg
- Highway driving: 24 mpg
- Combined average: 19 mpg
- Fuel tank size: 13.7 gallons
- Driving range: 315 miles
- Fuel type: Premium required
- Octane rating: 91 minimum
- Real-world usage: 21-26 mpg
BMW M2 Storage Space
The BMW M2 has 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space. This is good for a sports car. Rear seats fold down for more room. Total cargo space becomes 35.0 cubic feet. The trunk opening is wide enough. Loading heavy items is not hard. Small storage spaces exist throughout cabin.
Cargo Area Details
BMW M2 storage specifications:
- Trunk capacity: 13.1 cubic feet
- Max cargo space: 35.0 cubic feet
- 50/50 split rear seats
- Wide trunk opening
- Low loading height
- Tie-down hooks included
- 12V power outlet
- Carpet floor covering
Interior Storage Options
Inside storage areas in BMW M2:
- Large center console bin
- Lockable glove compartment
- Door pocket storage
- Cup holders included
- Small item compartments
- Rear parcel shelf
- Sunglass holder
- Phone charging areas
The storage works well for weekend trips. Golf bags fit in trunk easily. Groceries have plenty of room. Daily items store throughout cabin. The BMW M2 is more practical than expected.
BMW M2 vs Other Fast Cars
The BMW M2 competes with several other performance cars. Audi RS3 has all-wheel drive. Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 uses a four-cylinder engine. Porsche 718 Cayman has mid-engine design. Each car has different strengths. BMW M2 offers good value and rear-wheel drive fun.
Main Competitors
Cars that compete with BMW M2:
- Audi RS3: All-wheel drive hatchback
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: AWD four-door coupe
- Porsche 718 Cayman: Mid-engine sports car
- Alpine A110: Lightweight European car
- Toyota GR Supra: Rear-drive sports coupe
- Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: American sedan
- Genesis G70 3.3T: Luxury sports sedan
- Jaguar F-Type: British sports car
Why Choose BMW M2
BMW M2 has advantages over competitors:
- Inline-six engine sounds better
- Rear-wheel drive is more fun
- Better daily usability
- Strong build quality
- Proven reliability record
- Good dealer network
- Strong resale values
- Classic sports car feel
The BMW M2 costs less than Porsche 718. It has more power than Audi RS3. Interior quality beats most competitors. The inline-six engine is smoother than four-cylinders. Rear-wheel drive provides more driving excitement.
Conclusion
The BMW M2 gives you real sports car thrills in a practical package. Its powerful engine and rear-wheel drive create pure driving joy. Daily comfort and modern features make it usable every day. Strong brakes and precise handling inspire confidence. The BMW costs less than bigger M cars but delivers similar excitement. Good build quality and dealer support add peace of mind. Whether for weekend fun or daily driving, the Bmw m2 succeeds brilliantly as an affordable performance car.