2018 BMW M2 gains tech, price hike

AUSTRALIA’S favourite M-car – the diminutive but mighty BMW M2 – has been given a mid-life refresh with sharp new-look lights front and rear and an iDrive6 upgrade, for an increased price of up to $99,900 before on-road costs.

As before, the M2 is available as the ‘standard’ Coupe which has crept up in price by $1000, while driving purists are still offered the more stripped-back M2 Pure Coupe which now costs $93,300, representing a $3400 increase over the pre-updated version.

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At the front end, the facelifted M2 now has Bi-LED headlights in place of the previous xenon units, bringing a new design and hexagonal fibre optic sidelights. When fitted to the more generously-equipped M2, its adaptive lights incorporate Selective Beam and High-Beam Assistant for improved light projection.

BMW M2: 2017 Car of the Year contender

A new light design also features at the tail end with all-LED clusters arranged in an L-shaped design, which is said to have the effect of lowering and widening the appearance of the M2’s rear.

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On the inside, both versions of the updated M2 now have the latest iDrive6 version of BMW’s information and entertainment system. With the update, the central screen has grown to 8.8-inches and offers easier operation with touchscreen function in addition to the main rotary controller and touchpad.

The system graphics now feature a tiled design for a clearer layout that’s more akin to a smartphone’s operation.

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BMW’s star M-performer needs little enhancing from a sales perspective, with 730 of the pocket rockets sold since the model launched and 340 registrations year-to-date to the end of July. With the more potent M3 clocking up 258 year-to-date sales and its M4 coupe sibling managing 139 in the same period, the M2 is the clear favourite in the M-family.

Fans keen to put an updated M2 on their driveway will be excited to hear the initial waiting list that followed the introduction demand has now been dissolved, thanks in part to a supply increase last month.

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Beyond the M2 updates, its drivetrain is unchanged with a turbo in-line six engine that produces 272kW and 500Nm of torque, sending power to the rear wheels as standard. Performance is also unchanged with the zero to 100km/h dash dispatched in 4.3 seconds or 4.5sec for manual versions.

Customers opting for the more expensive M2 get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that’s included in the price, or they can opt for a six-speed manual at no extra cost. The Pure is available with the manual box only.

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Above the standard specification of the M2 Pure, the M2 Coupe has keyless access, electric front seat adjustment, and a more premium Harman/Kardon stereo with 12 speakers, in addition to the more advanced headlights that arrive with the update.