Should you buy one?

If you’re looking for a compact performance car with enthusiast appeal and impressive performance credentials, the new BMW M2 is an excellent choice. It’s quick, it handles superbly, and it feels engaging and exciting to drive. And, pleasingly, you can still couple its slick straight-six engine to a manual transmission, if that’s what you’d ultimately prefer.

There’s more to it than just its handling and straight-line speed, though; BMW’s compact performance coupe manages to be quiet and comfortable when you’re not pushing on, meaning it can do double duty as both a cruiser and a bruiser. It is admittedly not quite as evocative or raw as the previous M2, though, and its high price will be a stumbling block for some.

What we like

BMW’s new M2 is unquestionably a serious piece of machinery, and it serves up remarkable performance – both in a straight line, and in corners. It’s also great fun to drive, loaded with kit, and it feels like a high-quality product. The latest M2 also feels more polished and refined than its predecessor, so it’s easier to live with and driver for longer distances.

What we don’t like

That the new M2 is bigger and heavier than its predecessor is no surprise, given the way of the modern world. However, for such a high-end performance product, the additional heft and footprint will disappoint some, as will its slightly cantankerous manual gear shifter. These points are particularly salient when you factor in its cost, which is significantly higher than several impressive alternatives, such as the Porsche Cayman and Alpine A110. The BMW’s less raw nature, compared to its predecessor, may also be unappealing to some buyers.