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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.

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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.

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