Skip advert
Advertisement

F87 BMW M2 (2015-2021) review ­– mpg and running costs

The last of its generation, the M2 is a throwback to a golden age of small, rear-wheel-drive performance models from Munich

Evo rating
  • Controllable, well balanced chassis, cracking engine
  • Ride can still get agitated, standard brakes suffer on track

Despite being the baby M car, the M2 Competition is hardly what you’d call frugal. While the adoption of the F82 M4’s engine has done wonders for the performance and sound track, its drilled a figurative hole in the fuel tank, with the DCT equipped car managing a claimed 30.7mpg, compared to 35.8mg for the old car. The six-speed manual achieves 28.2mpg.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Like an A45 AMG and Audi RS3, the M2 is designed to give younger buyers, or those who wouldn’t usually consider a full blown M-car, an entry point into the market. As such the running costs of an M2 won’t considerably exceed that of an M240i, but expect to replace the chunky rear tyres relatively frequently if driven with ‘intent’.

If the M2’s predecessor, the 1M Coupe, is anything to go by it’s likely to hold it value well. The 1-series M-car has been growing in value over the last few years due to its cult following and limited build numbers. The M2 won’t be as exclusive, but second-hand cars haven’t dropped much below the asking price of a new car.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Kia K4 2026 review – can it fill the gap left by the Ford Focus?
Kia K4 – front
Reviews

Kia K4 2026 review – can it fill the gap left by the Ford Focus?

With Ford killing the Focus, there’s space in the market for a semi-premium family hatch to take on the Volkswagen Golf. Kia hopes to fill it with the…
23 Mar 2026
The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally
Defender D7XR
Features

The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally

The Defender D7X-R is tackling the world’s most gruelling off-road race, and unlike many competition cars, this one has strong ties to a car we know w…
24 Mar 2026
Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more

From Audi to Volkswagen and all in between, Germany has created some outstanding performance cars over the years, and these are some the best
27 Mar 2026