Skip advert
Advertisement

F87 BMW M2 (2015-2021) review ­– interior and tech

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

If you’re familiar with the BMW 2-series Coupe’s insides, you’ll be familiar with the M2’s as well because not a lot is different within the cabin. That’s not, in itself, a bad thing, as the interior of the 2-series is an all right place; it’s functional, well put together with nice materials but not the last word in luxury or sportiness.

Advertisement - Article continues below

To make it feel slightly more special, there’s M tricolour stitching on the steering wheel, while the high-backed sports seats (complete with illuminated M2 badge in the backrest) are now standard. As is de rigueur for a performance car, there is carbonfibre trim inside; the M2 has ‘raw’ carbonfibre, not set in any resin, around the door pulls and centre console. It’s a nice departure from the usual, shiny carbon and looks pleasantly understated.

If you opt for the DCT ’box then, rather than the tall shifter used in ordinary BMW’s equipped with automatic transmissions, you get the short, teardrop-like M stick. It is smaller and neater, but makes it awkward to engage park – it isn’t a mere press of a button marked P, you need to turn the car off while it’s still in gear rather than neutral.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) review – the best car we’ve ever driven? Possibly
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)
Reviews

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) review – the best car we’ve ever driven? Possibly

In 2014 we set out to find the best car we had driven during the first 200 issues of the magazine, and Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS was it.
31 Mar 2026
Aston Martin Valhalla review – a new era for Aston, and the supercar genre
Aston Martin Valhalla front
In-depth reviews

Aston Martin Valhalla review – a new era for Aston, and the supercar genre

Aston’s mid-engined supercar is finally here. Can it bridge the gap between the lunacy of Valkyrie and usability of Vantage?
29 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