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F87 BMW M2 (2015-2021) review ­– design

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

The BMW M2 covers its wider track with bloated arches, like rounded box arches that swell gradually down the sides and it looks very much like a junior version of the F82 M4. It’s a butch, purposeful looking machine, but doesn't quite have the stance or drama of the older 1M Coupe, that had abruptly flared arches.

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In the presence of an M240i, the M2 looks stocky and incredibly aggressive. The changes made over the standard car make it difficult to believe they’re even related. With the wide arches and all the cues of a modern M car; the quad tail pipes, diamond cut alloys and deep front bumper – it looks suitably pugnacious. 

M2 CS models build on this visual aggression with just enough bespoke elements from the lesser Competition, with a new carbonfibre bonnet and some fetching lightweight 19-inch wheels in either black or gold finishes. 

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