The BMW M2 is by far the company’s naughtiest car you can buy, and arguably the best fun you can have on four wheels. The first-generation M2 was a compact, precise and tail-happy sports car that puts grins on anyone who drives it. If BMW sticks to formula, then the second-generation car will be as fun on road as it is on track.

But first, the looks.

 From the front, the BMW M2 features a distinctive and unframed kidney grille design with horizontal slats. Complementing the unmistakable look are a striking apron and large, nearly square shaped air intakes, that denote the high cooling requirements of the engine and brake system.

Alongside that are Adaptive LED headlights with High-beam Assistant, as well as front wings constructed with aluminium to functionally reduce the weight of the high-performance coupé. Completing the front section is a distinctive bonnet with a pronounced power dome.

On the flanks, the BMW M2 incorporates large surfaces and rectangular shapes into a classic three-box design. Underlined by widened side skirts and flared wheel arches, the the sports car presents a particularly extroverted appearance and an innovative take on classic BMW design. The BMW M2 features blue brake calipers and staggered Double-spoke style M light alloy wheels in 930 M Bicolour – 19-inch for the front and 20-inch for the rear.

At the back, the BMW M2 plugs in a spoiler lip to increase aerodynamic downforce, with rear diffuser and hallmark M twin tailpipes being the other defining features. Standard with the BMW M2 is the M High-gloss Shadowline.

As for dimensions, the New BMW M2 measures 4,580 mm in length, 1,877 mm in width and 1,403 mm in height, while its wheelbase measures 2,747 mm. Compared to its predecessor, this is an increase of 119 mm in length, 33 mm in width and 54 mm in wheelbase, while height has been reduced by 11 mm. As for the boot space, the New BMW M2 provides 390 litres of capacity – generous by coupé standards – which can be further increased with the 40/20/40-split folding rear backrest.

BMW Curved Display to go with a very clean dashboard

The driver-oriented cockpit of the BMW M2 does away with analogue dials and instead favours the BMW Curved Display with M specific displays, housing the latest-generation BMW M iDrive. With the BMW Curved Display, the Information Display and the Control Display have been merged into a single display unit, oriented towards the driver to optimise information delivery and touchscreen operation.

As standard, the New BMW M2 features fully-electric M Sport seats with specific side bolsters, providing optimum lateral support when cornering at speed. An illuminated M logo is featured on the front seat headrests. Other standard sporting complements are the M leather steering wheel with shift paddles and red M Mode buttons, M Anthracite headliner, Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite M Interior Trim, eight-speed M steptronic gearbox, Setup and M Mode buttons for the centre console, as well as the Head-Up Display – available for the first time in the BMW M2 – with M specific design and M font colours.

Besides that, the New BMW M2 also arrives as standard with ambient light, three-zone automatic air conditioning, storage compartment package, Interior and Exterior Mirror Package, as well as Interior Rear-view Mirror with Automatic Anti-dazzle Function.

Moving onto the rear, the two individually moulded seats are now complemented with noticeably greater legroom compared to the previous generation of the BMW M2, courtesy of an increased wheelbase.

Features that make this a driver’s car

The source of all powertrain joy in the BMW M2 is its high-revving 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine. With engineering roots in motor racing, it is capable of delivering an astounding 460hp and 550Nm of torque. The high power delivery comes courtesy of key optimisations, such as a new lightweight crankshaft, a racetrack-designed oil supply/cooling system and high-pressure injection at 350 bars.

Mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the engine is capable of propelling the New BMW M2 to 100kph from a complete standstill in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 250kph. Additionally, owners can opt to add-on the M Driver’s Package which increases the top speed of the vehicle to 285kph, and can be retrofitted at any authorised BMW dealership nationwide.

Alongside that, the BMW M2 also benefits from new axle kinematics, attributed to its newly designed chassis which has been largely redeveloped from scratch. In addition to an increased track width, the New BMW M2’s double-joint spring strut front axle and wishbone are now made of aluminium to decrease the vehicle weight. The five-link rear suspension of the BMW M2 has also been improved significantly from its predecessor.

Characteristic of a BMW M model, the BMW M2 features superior steering precision, complementing the responsive rear-wheel drive. Excellent agility and exceptional handling even at higher speeds are ensured – partially attributed to its increased wheelbase. Completing the truly outstanding high-performance driving experience is the Active M Differential on the driven rear axle, which delivers tremendous traction to ensure greater, yet secure propulsion in any driving condition.

Other standard equipment for the New BMW M2 are the six-piston fixed-caliper brakes at the front, Adaptive M Suspension and the M Drive Professional system.

BMW Operating System 8 runs the show

The BMW M2 features the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Curved Display as standard. This new display combination consists of the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and the 14.9-inch Control Display. Coupled with the latest BMW Operating System 8 with user-configurable widgets, the driver will always have information displayed in real time.

Additionally, the BMW Curved Display’s integrated multimedia system provides Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity as well as two USB ports for data transfers and charging mobile devices.

Meanwhile, the Remote Software Upgrade function ensures that the BMW M2 will always run the most up-to-date software. Other connectivity features in the BMW M2 include Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, ConnectedDrive Services, Connected Package Professional, Smartphone Integration and Wireless Charging Tray.

As for in-car entertainment, the BMW M2 comes standard with a HiFi loudspeaker system, while the BMW M2 Pro is equipped with the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. For added convenience, the BMW M2 also features the Comfort Access System.

Intelligent driver assistance systems help support the driver of the BMW M2, providing a more relaxed and safer driving experience. Equipped as standard is the Driving Assistant, comprising features such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention (collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function), Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention as well as Speed Limit Info with manual Speed Limit Assistant. Alongside that is the Parking Assistant, which includes features such as Park Assist function, Active Park Distance Control (PDC), Reversing Assistant, Lateral Parking Aid and Reversing Assist Camera. Also available as standard is the Cruise Control with Braking Function.

Exterior colour offerings for the two BMW M2 variants are Zandvoort Blue, Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Black Sapphire and Toronto Red, while interior upholstery is available in Leather Vernasca in Black with exclusive highlight, Leather Vernasca in Black with Blue contrast stitching and Leather Vernasca in Cognac with décor stitching.

The BMW M2 is estimated to be priced at RM598,800; on-the-road without insurance, complete with an Extended 5-Year Warranty & Service Package. Online pre-booking can be done on https://shop.bmw.com.my. Do that and you might just be one of the first who’ll tear up the roads.