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

Living with the Toyota GR Yaris, a homologation hot hatch for £20k
evo Fast Fleet Toyota GR Yaris
Long term tests

Living with the Toyota GR Yaris, a homologation hot hatch for £20k

As the mystery of the GR’s true fuel tank capacity is solved, a new enigma emerges
27 Jan 2026
Caterham Project V is delayed, but a running prototype is finally here
Caterham Project V
News

Caterham Project V is delayed, but a running prototype is finally here

Caterham’s new age electric coupe is now officially behind schedule, but the first running prototype has now been unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon
13 Jan 2026
Cupra Leon VZ review – is this now the best hot hatch you can buy?
Cupra Leon VZ
Reviews

Cupra Leon VZ review – is this now the best hot hatch you can buy?

The choice of full-sized front-drive hot hatches now doesn’t include the Civic Type R. Can the Cupra Leon VZ take the top spot?
26 Jan 2026