Car enthusiasts can be a passionate, fickle bunch. Some demand manual transmissions and then don’t buy them, preferring the convenience of an automatic for daily use. Some ask for rear-drive coupes, only to moan about a lack of space for passengers. Some want more power, but not if it means bigger gas bills. Some want affordable, stylish sports cars only to debate design cues on social media. Yes, we enthusiasts are nitpickers, complainers, and passionate individuals. We know what we want out of a performance car, and we are sure to let everyone know it.
Our 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year should satisfy all enthusiasts. It boasts a powerful yet efficient twin-turbo engine, a standard manual transmission or no-cost automatic, room for four (and their belongings), and world-beating performance at a bargain price for the segment. No vehicle is more deserving of being named our latest Performance Vehicle of the Year than the BMW M2—it’s everything enthusiasts say they want out of a sports car.
However, you might be a little confused. You’re likely aware that the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, like the M2, was a finalist this year. Yet just a few months ago, the Dark Horse outperformed the M2 in a comparison test. What gives? This isn’t a comparison test. Each contender competes against our criteria: Advancement in Design, Engineering Excellence, Performance of Intended Function, Value, Efficiency, and Driver Confidence and Engagement. Each vehicle is assessed against those criteria by a full team of judges. The BMW M2 not only exceeded the standards in its base form better than the fully loaded top-spec Mustang but also outperformed a field comprising everything from the Mazda Miata to the half-million-dollar Ferrari 296 GTB.
Design and Engineering
Looking at past winners—the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3—the BMW M2 might appear somewhat pedestrian. Its classic-leaning design, created in the company’s Mexico City studio, successfully pays homage to the legendary 2002 in a blockier contemporary format underpinned by intelligent engineering.
It all starts with its platform. Utilizing BMW’s modular CLAR architecture for its G87 iteration, the M2 team leaned heavily on the work already done for the larger M3 and M4. By taking advantage of the additional structural enhancements in the existing M4, BMW’s engineers shortened its wheelbase by 4.3 inches while keeping the track width intact. This results in a car slightly larger than its predecessor, yet nearly a foot stubbier than its larger sibling, offering better straight-line stability, ride comfort, and interior space while maintaining the point-and-squirt feel adored in the previous M2 and the 1M before it.
Chassis tuning used off-the-shelf parts, drawing from the M3 and M4’s variable ratio electric power steering system and an electronically adapting suspension, featuring slightly firmer front springs and a softer rear suspension tune.
The M2 is powered by an almost certainly underrated 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6, delivering 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque—up 9 horsepower from the top-end previous-generation M2 CS and down 20 ponies from the M4 for model hierarchy. This engine drives an active rear differential through either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
No matter the transmission, the new M2 is quicker than both the old M2 CS and the current M4, with the automatic sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and completing the quarter mile in 11.8 at 120.2 mph. The manual trails slightly at 3.8 seconds and 12.2 at 118.7 mph. Figure-eight times are equally impressive, with the automatic completing the course in just 23.2 seconds while averaging 0.89 g.
Performance of Intended Function, Driver Confidence and Engagement
Of course, BMW’s innovative engineering and retro-inspired design would mean little if the M2 didn’t deliver on the road. Fortunately, it excels in this area.
Judges found the M2 singularly enjoyable, noting its torque-rich, quick-revving twin-turbo inline-six engine operates smoothly, providing a thrilling driving experience. The M2 feels like a high-performance hot rod, eager to take on challenging turns and maneuvers.
The M2’s sublime steering and chassis control contribute significantly to its driving pleasure. Its helm is responsive and well-weighted across all drive modes, ensuring a joyful experience whether on track or savoring every corner on public roads. The car is also surprisingly practical for a coupe, offering a cabin that is richly appointed, comfortable, quiet, and modern.
Efficiency, Value, and Verdict
The 2024 BMW M2 starts at $64,195, a competitive price considering the performance features included, such as a modern infotainment system, premium audio, heated leather seats, and a sunroof. When compared to equivalent models like the Chevrolet Corvette Z51 or Mustang Dark Horse, which price at least $10,000 more, the M2 provides incredible value.
Moreover, the M2’s fuel economy is impressive for its class, with the manual version achieving an EPA-rated 16/24/19 mpg city/highway/combined.
Ultimately, the 2024 BMW M2 embodies everything enthusiasts desire: small, well-balanced, engaging, and undeniably fun. It’s a serious performance car that requires little to no compromises, potentially making it the best BMW M car developed in the 21st century. All these factors culminate in its recognition as our 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year.
