2015 BMW 2 Series Coupe Review

Smallest BMW M-model will arrive in late 2015, sporting around 370bhp from a 3.0-litre straight six. It's been rumoured and hinted at for a long time, but it looks like BMW is finally ready to add another model to its ultra-hot M-range. Fans lusting after a smaller and cheaper M-car will be satisfied imminently as the M2 Coupe is set for release at the end of the year.

While the 1-series M Coupe was engineered and rushed to market in a short time, BMW is taking its time to fine-tune the M2. And because the "regular" M235i, an M Performance model, already approaches the performance capabilities of the old 1-series M Coupe, the M2 needs a generous extra helpingof power and technology. We expect the M2 to be considerably lighter than the M235i.

Its price point will see the new M2 Coupé compete directly with an upgraded version of the Mercedes-AMG A45 and the upcoming second-generation Audi RS3 when it reaches UK showrooms this summer. A public debut for the new BMW in lightly-veiled concept car guise is planned for this year’s Frankfurt motor show in September.

The M2 Coupé will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre in line six-cylinder direct injection petrol engine. It won’t, however, be the powerplant used by the larger and more expensive four-door M3 and its mechanical identical two-door sibling the M4, according to departing M division boss Friedrich Nitschke.

Described as an all-new development, the S57 B30-designated unit is based around the German car maker’s upcoming B57 powerplant that is planned to make its debut in the sixth-generation7-series later this year - rather than the older N55 engine that forms the basis of the unit that powers the M3 and M4, the so-called S55 B30.

A heavy cloak of secrecy surrounds the new engine, which is also earmarked to power a range of future petrol powered ‘M Performance’ models for BMW M’s subordinate go-faster brand. Nitschke revealed it could develop up to 400bhp in production form, beating the future power output of the four- and five-cylinder engines of the A45 and RS3.