The 2 Series Coupe is perhaps the purest BMW available today. Small and purposeful, this lithe two-door delivers loads of driving fun in a package that’s plenty manageable and not outrageously expensive. But for drivers that want even more, the high-performance M2 takes things to a whole new level thanks to its potent, turbocharged inline-six and available manual gearbox. TV host and racing driver Tiff Needell finally got to experience the new M2, and he wasted no time getting sideways as much as possible.
It’s unexpectedly entertaining watching this famous British driver flog the latest and greatest BMW M2 around a track, specifically the Llandow Circuit in southern Wales. The video, posted to the Drivetrive YouTube channel, shows how effortlessly Needell can handle a high-powered car, yet the man is also a talented host, his somewhat gravelly voice adding a sense of authenticity to the presentation.
And what does this famous Brit think of the G87 M2? Well, he owned a previous-generation model, which he greatly enjoyed, so he’s intimately familiar with this nameplate. As for the new model, he seems to enjoy the car’s 75 extra horsepower, which is enough to rocket this two-door to 62 mph (100 km/h) in around 4.1 seconds, a blistering performance.
Unfortunately, the latest M2 is around 4 inches longer than its predecessor, which is part of the reason this car has gained around 110 pounds (50 kg). Still, BMW engineers were able to achieve nearly perfect 50-50 weight distribution, something Needell explains is great for drifting and other tomfoolery, but perhaps not ideal for setting the quickest lap times.
For the most part, it seems Needell thoroughly enjoys the new M2, but there are a few aspects of the car that he is not too enthusiastic about. And one of the most annoying is the steering wheel.
One of the first things Needell complained about in this video is the car’s flat-bottom tiller. This piece of hardware looks sporty and can, in certain vehicles, make it easier to get in and out, but he does not like this while drifting because as you’re winding the wheel you suddenly grab hold of a flat spot, which is unexpected and can throw off your concentration.
The M2’s available sport seats are another aspect of the interior he does not seem to care for. They’re a tight fit, and the strip of carbon fiber trim on the lower cushion is such an unusual – and, frankly, unnecessary – addition.
BMW design over the last decade or two has been pretty controversial, and some aspects of the M2, notably the squared-off sections of the front end, aren’t particularly pleasing to Needell’s eyes. Fortunately, you don’t see any of that from behind the wheel.
For his complete – and plenty entertaining – commentary, make sure to check out the video embedded above, but to sum up the new M2’s driving experience, Needell said, “Life doesn’t get better.”
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