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

De Tomaso Pantera (1971-1992) review – the forgotten 1980s supercar
De Tomaso Pantera
Reviews

De Tomaso Pantera (1971-1992) review – the forgotten 1980s supercar

The Pantera is an oft-forgotten, much-misunderstood supercar. Driving the rare GT5-S version shows it deserves its place among the greats
15 Sep 2026
Dodge Charger review – it’s fun, but is it still a Ford Mustang rival?
Dodge Charger Sixpack
Reviews

Dodge Charger review – it’s fun, but is it still a Ford Mustang rival?

One of the last muscle cars standing hedges its bets with a choice of pure ICE and pure electric power. We drive both
17 Sep 2026
BMW M5 (F90, 2017 - 2023) review – a 600bhp saloon for £35k
BMW M5 Competition F90
In-depth reviews

BMW M5 (F90, 2017 - 2023) review – a 600bhp saloon for £35k

The F90 BMW M5 added polish and all-wheel drive to Munich’s super saloon formula, making it quicker than even its 2026 successor
15 Sep 2026