2016 BMW M2 arrives in Malaysia, priced at RM499k



The BMW M2 is here! The meanest 2-Series of the lot has made its way to Malaysian shores just a few months after its debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.

This M2 coupe is currently the closest thing to keeping the spirit of the E30 M3 alive, but it’s much more powerful than its ancestor. The 3.0-litre straight-six turbo is good for 370 hp and up to 500 Nm of torque, and drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission; the former optional. For the Malaysian market though, the M2 will come with the self-shifting gearbox, but BMW Group Malaysia will be happy to assist you if you require your M2 with three foot pedals.

QUICK FACTS

Name BMW M2
Engine 2,979 cc Inline-6 TwinPower Turbo
Transmission 7-speed M DCT
Max Power 370 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque 465 Nm @ 1,400 – 5,560 rpm / 500 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,750 rpm (overboost)
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed 4.3 seconds; 250 km/h
Price RM498,800

EXTERIOR

The 2-Series has bulked up quite a lot in becoming the M2. The blistered arches are 55 mm wider at the front and 80 mm wider at the rear, giving the M2 a far more aggressive stance that any F22 220i Coupe owners can only dream of. They’re not just for show, because they house a set of 19-inch wheels mounted on M4-derived forged aluminium suspension components, hence the wider track.

Those aluminium 19-inch wheels are fitted with special Michelin Pilot Super Sports measuring 245/35 ZR19 at the front and 265/35 ZR19 at the rear. Behind, the twin spokes are cast iron M compound brakes, also lifted from the M4 parts bin, with 4-piston calipers grabbing the 380 mm front rotors while the rear 370 mm rotors are paired with 2-piston calipers.

Only the bonnet, roof, and doors are left untouched; everything else were given a M-akeover. Apart from the M badges on the twin-slatted kidney grille, side garnish and rear boot lid, BMW has reworked on the airflow over the entire car to reduce drag by five percent. The front bumper’s intakes are bigger and incorporate the drag-cutting trapezoidal blades and air curtains, while the back bumper comes with an integrated diffuser. In total they reduce lift by up to 35 percent. Oh and you might also notice those purposeful quad round tailpipes jutting out underneath the diffuser, which complete the total M look.

INTERIOR

As opposed to the exterior, the cabin receives just a subtle update. Nothing too showy on the inside, the sports seats with adjustable bolsters now have the M mark stamped on the leather, and there’s the M sports steering wheel as well as an M gear lever. Porous carbon fibre trim pieces adorn the sombre interior along with Alcantara on the door cards, and blue stitching features on the upholstery.2016-BMW-M2-Launch-014

The instrument cluster features M specific graphics, likewise the iDrive system with bonus M-related apps  such as the GoPro app and the M Laptimer app that records the car’s details including the speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine revs and which gear engaged, the steering angle, and the accelerator position.

PERFORMANCE

As mentioned, the M2 generates 370 hp and 465 Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre inline-six that’s fitted with M TwinPower Turbo technology. Additionally, a total of 500 Nm of torque can be summoned for a short period of time provided by the overboost function. The seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic enables the M2 to rocket from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and all the way to the electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.2016-BMW-M2-Launch-008

The gearbox also features Stability Clutch Control which disengages the clutch to stabilise the car in hairy moments by reducing oversteer, and the cheeky Smokey Burnout function which lets the rear wheels spin while traveling at low speeds. The M exhaust system also ensures the M2 to produce a matching soundtrack with the electronic flap control.

Here’s a little treat:

WHAT ELSE?

Only one colour is available for the M2, which is the Long Beach Blue Metallic, and for a princely sum of RM498,888.00 (sans insurance), the M2 is covered with BMW Group Malaysia’s 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty that also includes the Free Scheduled Service Program as well as BMW Tyre Warranty Programme.2016-BMW-M2-Launch-021

There’s a strong demand for this little beast worldwide, therefore very limited units are allocated for Malaysian market. BMW mentioned there’s only “a couple of units” now and there’s a high chance that they’re taken up for. To the new BMW M2 owners in Malaysia, we envy you.


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