In the heart of this crossroad sits the 2024 BMW M2 six-speed manual, making its presence felt with a roaring drift around the edges. This remarkable vehicle could be BMW’s final salute to the internal-combustion M car lovers.
In the realm of high-performance enthusiast cars, we stand at an intriguing intersection. From one end, we witness the rise of electric vehicles and a slow decline in the production of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. From the other, we observe the increase in factory horsepower over the years, with the future trajectory still uncertain.
I recently had the chance to take this compact M car for a spin through some of the most fun mountain roads in Southern California, as well as the Willow Springs International Raceway’s Streets of Willow circuit. A blend of these terrains provided an ideal setting to thoroughly understand the powertrain and chassis of this enthusiast coupe.
While looks can be subjective, especially when it comes to BMW, the M2’s exterior is quite impressive. With its kidney grilles, headlights, fender flares, exhaust tips, and wide fenders — especially in the rear quarter panels — the M2 is undeniably attractive.
The vehicle’s front end is adorned with massive intakes that house a heat exchanger for the engine’s air-to-water intercooling, along with several other forms of water and oil cooling mechanisms. These ensure consistent peak performance throughout the car’s lifetime.
The interior is quite spacious for a coupe and offers excellent visibility all around. The test car I drove came with the $9,900 Carbon Package, which includes comfortable, near-race-bucket carbon fiber seats and a sleek carbon roof.
In terms of technology, a clear 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen dominate the dashboard. The BMW’s iDrive 8 software is user-friendly and operates seamlessly with good haptic feedback. The quality of the materials used is commendable; all buttons and dials feel substantial, and the Carbon Package includes stylish carbon fiber trim.
The 2024 BMW M2 might be the last of the manual M cars, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression. With its robust features and high-performance capabilities, it serves as a fitting tribute to the internal-combustion era. Whether you’re a BMW enthusiast or a general car lover, the M2 is a vehicle that deserves attention and admiration.
As we stand on the brink of the electric vehicle revolution, the M2 reminds us of the joy and thrill that traditional manual cars have provided us over the years. It may be the end of an era, but it’s an era that ends on a high note, thanks to the 2024 BMW M2.