The updated BMW M2 has landed in South Africa, boasting a power boost, a higher top speed, and a few subtle styling tweaks. But this performance upgrade comes at a cost.
BMW SA has slapped a R1 570 988 price tag on the 8-speed automatic derivative, a R65 000 increase over the outgoing model. For those who prefer to row their own gears, the 6-speed manual gearbox will set you back an additional R8 500, bringing the total to R1 579 488.
So, what do you get for the extra cash?
Under the hood, the M2's twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine now delivers a punchier 353 kW and 600 Nm of torque (550 Nm for the manual). This translates to a 0-100 kph sprint time of just 4.0 seconds for the automatic and 4.1 seconds for the manual. Thanks to the standard inclusion of the M Driver's Package, the top speed has been bumped up to a heady 285 kph.
Styling updates are minimal, with black tailpipe trim, black model lettering with silver borders, and new paint colours like Sao Paulo Yellow and Fire Red metallic. The M2 also rides on new 19-inch front and 20-inch rear M light-alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin features a redesigned steering wheel, M Sport seats as standard (with M Carbon Bucket seats as an option), and the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 displayed on a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display.
While the price hike might sting a little, the performance enhancements and updated features make the new BMW M2 a compelling package for those seeking a thrilling driving experience. Whether the extra oomph justifies the extra cost is a question only your right foot can answer.
BMW M2 Coupé 8AT – R1 570 988
BMW M2 Coupé 6MT – R1 579 488
BMW backs the M2 with a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan included in the price.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW M2 cost in South Africa?
The BMW M2 costs R1,570,988 for the 8-speed automatic and R1,579,488 for the 6-speed manual in South Africa, representing a R65,000 increase over the previous model.
Q: How much power does the new BMW M2 have?
The updated BMW M2 produces 353 kW and 600 Nm of torque from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine, with manual models getting 550 Nm of torque.
Q: How fast is the BMW M2 from 0-100 kph?
The BMW M2 sprints from 0-100 kph in 4.0 seconds with the automatic transmission and 4.1 seconds with the manual gearbox.
Q: What warranty does BMW offer with the M2?
BMW backs the M2 with a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and includes a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan in the purchase price.
Q: Is the BMW M2 worth buying in South Africa?
The BMW M2 offers exceptional performance with 353 kW and a 4.0-second 0-100 kph time, but at R1.57 million, it's a serious financial commitment that's only justified if you genuinely need this level of performance and can afford the premium.
Should You Buy It?
The BMW M2 at R1,570,988 is a phenomenal driver's car that delivers genuine supercar performance, but it's priced firmly in enthusiast territory rather than practical purchase land. If you've got the budget and genuinely appreciate track-focused performance, the M2's 353 kW punch and razor-sharp handling make it one of the best compact performance cars money can buy in South Africa. However, for most buyers, that R1.57 million price tag puts it squarely in "want not need" territory, especially when brilliant alternatives like the M240i offer 90% of the thrills for considerably less cash. Buy it if you're serious about performance and have money to burn, but think twice if you're stretching financially.
