BMW M2 from under $90K

BMW Group Australia has confirmed it will offer not one but two versions of the all-new compact M2 Coupe locally from the second quarter of 2016, priced from under $90,000.

The six-speed manual-only M2 Pre will cost $89,900 plus on-road costs, while the flagship M2 with seven-speed M DCT automatic will command a $9000 premium at $98,900 plus ORCs.

Both rear-wheel drive models will come standard with an Active M differential, M compound brakes, Tyre Pressure Monitor, Driving Assistant, rear Park Distance Control, Rear View Camera, Carbon fibre interior trim and Dakota leather upholstery.

In addition, the top-shelf M2 auto – in which a manual transmission is a no-cost option -- comes with Comfort Access System, adaptive headlights, BMW Selective Beam, powered and heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, alarm and harman/kardon surround sound system.

As we've happily reported, BMW's first M2 is powered by a 272kW/465Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol 'M TwinPower Turbo' engine and can hit 100km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds in manual form.

It's even quicker as an auto (0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds), thanks to transmission features including Launch Control, Stability Clutch Control, Creep on Demand and slight rear-wheel slip function.

Those statistics make it a fearsome new rival for the Audi RS 3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A 45 premium hot hatches, as well as a spiritual successor for the similarly sized BMW 2002 turbo and the E30 M3 sold between 1985 and 1992.

Naturally, the M2 come with trademark BMW M design cues including an M double-spoke kidney grille and integrated rear diffuser, quad exhausts and aggressive front spoiler apron.

Apart from M TwinPower Turbo technology, unique M Sport suspension is another highlight over and above the M235i Coupe on which it's based, along with 19-inch M alloy wheels and black Dakota leather-trimmed sports seats with blue contrast stitching, embossed head restraints and adjustable side bolsters.

Other standard equipment includes open-pored carbon-fibre trim, an M three-spoke steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning, bi-xenon headlights, DAB+ digital radio, navigation system Professional with Real Time Traffic Information, interior and exterior mirrors with anti-dazzle, interior lights package and HiFi sound system.

“The M2 follows BMW’s long tradition of producing high-performance compact sports cars,” said BMW Group Australia Head of Product and Market Planning, Shawn Ticehurst.

“With impressive performance, powerful styling, extensive standard equipment and an attractive price point, the M2 presents a compelling value proposition.

“Australia is already one of the leading markets per capita for BMW M vehicles, and given dealers are already reporting significant levels of interest, we are confident this status will only be enhanced with the M2.”

2016 BMW M2 pricing (plus ORCs):
M2 Pure — $89,900
M2 M DCT — $98,900