Updated BMW M2 gets 480hp, much better colours

Almost 500hp, a six-speed manual still, and silver wheels? Sign us up

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 13 June 2024 / Loading comments

Nothing stays still for long at BMW M. It was only April 2023 that we drove the G87 M2 for the very first time, and already there’s an updated version. Not just cosmetically, either, though well done if you’ve already noticed the silver wheels (instead of bicolour) and the BMW Individual Grigio Telesto paint. Not only does the M2 now boast 480hp from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six, BMW is also promising ‘improved chassis technology’ and quicker throttle response thanks to changes to the accelerator map.

The new look is described as ‘visually impactful’ with ‘strong accents’; certainly the new M2 won’t be for shy and retiring types any more than the old one was. That being said, how much better does it look for a silver wheel option? Much as with the larger M3 and M4, it seems mad that this wasn’t available to begin with. Still, better late than never.

More exciting is the substantially increased range of colours, given the M2 launched with just white, black, grey, red and the very light Zandvoort Blue. Now there will be 14 paint finishes available: three solid (which we’ll guess are the existing Zandvoort and Alpine Blue), five metallics (expect Brooklyn Grey, Toronto Red and Black Sapphire to continue) and then half a dozen Individual hues. Which, for some bizarre reason, BMW has decided to show off with another grey - sigh. Safe to say that Java Green, Voodoo Blue and Twilight Purple sound much more interesting. Might as well lean into not being shy and retiring, eh?

With the extra 20hp (torque remains at 406lb ft), a tenth of a second is said to be shaved from the 0-62mph sprint, now 4.0 seconds for the eight-speed auto or 4.2 for the six-speed manual. There’s a bit more of a difference at double that speed, with 12.9 and 13.7 seconds respectively taking 0.6 seconds off the previous time. And we now have the most junior BMW M car reaching 124mph in less than 13 seconds. The 155mph can still be raised to 177mph if desired with the M Driver’s Package. Speaking of options, a Race Track Package brings stickier tyres and carbon seats.

Revisions inside include Dark Graphite matt trim (with M Carbon Fibre, Fine Brushed Aluminium or Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite), flat-bottomed wheel and BMW Operating System 8.5. There’s Augmented View in the head-up display now as well. The OS can be found in the new, standard 2 Series as well, which has been updated alongside the M2. Its interior gets heated sports seats in M PerformTex and even more trim options than the M car: buyers can even get wood trim and the CraftedClarity glass if so desired.

Pleasingly, the M240i xDrive continues in the new 2 Series range, always a highlight thanks to its 374hp straight six and engaging all-wheel drive chassis. It continues unchanged, in fact, with the eight-speed auto, M sport passive suspension (or optional, Adaptive M chassis) and M Sport brakes. Zandvoort Blue will be an M240i colour now, with Skyscraper Grey, Fire Red, Frozen Portimao Blue and Frozen Grey also available.

The 184hp 220i and 245hp 230i complete the revised range, both in M Sport spec only for the UK with suspension that promises ‘a noticeable increase in agility and cornering dynamics with its firm suspension set-up and stroke-dependent shock absorbers.’ An M Sport Pro pack will likely be a popular option with black accents, red calipers and M seatbelts. As per the M2, the regular 2s get a mild styling tweak (bravo if you can spot the differences) and the updated interior complete with flat bottom wheel, heated sports seats, Intelligent Personal Assistant and ambient lighting. If you’ve seen the new 3 Series interior, this will look very familiar.

All of the new 2 Series models are available to order now, priced from £36,865 for the 220i. The 230i is £40,320, the M240i xDrive is £46,045 and M2 from £63,360. Note those are RRP prices, excluding on-the-road costs, but it’s nice to know a new car doesn’t come with a huge price hike. Deliveries are expected later in 2024, and the configurator should be live with the M2 in all its silver-wheeled glory very soon. As for used ones, there’s not a great deal to save because this 2 Series hasn’t been around for ages, though you’d be willing to forego the Curved Display for a £38k M240i. As for the M2, they can be picked up for a little less than £55,000. But that won’t be in one of the funky new colours…