2017 BMW M2

BMW's M2 may be the smallest and least powerful car of the BMW M family, but it's one of the most sought after for its unique blend of performance and grin-inducing handling. Roughly the size of the original E30-generation M3, the M2 is the current-day version of the popular 1M Coupe from earlier in the decade.

The M2 is by far and away the most potent 2 Series to be built this side of a racecar and shares a lot of its performance components with its bigger brother, the M4. The suspension, brakes, 19-inch wheels, and even the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential are courtesy of the halo 4 Series, giving the little 2 the chops to hold up on track day outings.

The M2 also gets bespoke bodywork to deal with the wider front track, quad-tip performance exhaust, plus lift-defeating aero kit and rear spoiler. The M2's suspension tune is firmer than the M240i, and its steering even sharper.

The M2 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six good for 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque which increases to 369 lb-ft on overboost. While it's not significantly more powerful than the Benz CLA 45, it's an entirely different machine to drive thanks to its larger displacement engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, though a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, similar to the M3 and M4, is available. Unlike its direct competition, the M2 is only offered with rear-wheel drive.

As the M2 was launched just last year, there are no major changes for 2017. The only new feature is the availability of wireless device charging and on-board wi-fi as a part of the Smartphone Connectivity Package, which also includes Apple CarPlay and a Bluetooth setup that allows two phones to be connected simultaneously.

The M2 uses the latest version of iDrive, which also includes revised graphics and standard navigation, plus two track-oriented apps: a lap timer and accelerometer function, plus a nifty GoPro app which allows drivers to control the GoPro from inside the car.

The interior of the M2 is similar to that of the 2 Series, but features more standard equipment, plus standard sports seats with plenty of bolstering. Exclusive blue contrast stitching, M2-specific instruments, and glossy carbon fibre interior trim livens the cabin up.

Though its coupe body style isn't the most practical configuration around, the M2 offers a surprisingly usable cabin with more rear-seat headroom than the CLA 45 AMG and a decently sized trunk with a split-folding rear seat.

The M2 also comes standard with forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and emergency autonomous braking, lane departure warning, and a rear-view parking camera.

Certain to be a collector's car soon, the M2 is priced at $63,000 for model year 2017, an increase of $2,000 over last year's model.