BMW M2 officially launches for PH with manual gearbox as an option

The all-new BMW M2 has finally arrived on Philippine shores. There are two available variants at launch: the M2 Coupé Pure and the M2 Coupé Carbon. Both have an automatic gearbox as standard, but enthusiasts would be delighted that a manual transmission option is available via special order.

The 2024 BMW M2 Coupé Carbon

So how is the M2 for the Philippine market specced? Let’s take a closer look at the Munich-based company’s latest version of its 2-door sport compact offering. 

Exterior

To reflect its performance, the 2024 BMW M2 gets an aggressive exterior with an angular but compact version of the brand’s signature kidney grille and a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamps. Further below are large central air intakes, straddled by two smaller ones on each lower corner of the car’s front fascia. 

BMW M2 Coupé Pure

Towards the sides, the all-new M2 features an angular silhouette with a long hood and a sloped rear end. From this angle, one can see that the coupe rides on 19-inch M alloy wheels for the front, and 20-inch M alloy wheels for the rear. Also standard on the car is a high-gloss black outline for its windows (M Shadowline).

From the rear, the sporty theme is further bumped up thanks to a quad exhaust setup paired. The latter has a very angular rear bumper, an eye-catching pair of LED taillights, and a modest boot lid spoiler. 

M2 Coupé Carbon from the rear

Among the two available variants, the M2 Coupé Carbon stands out as a lighter, race-oriented ride. This is thanks to the lightweight, composite materials found on the M-branded carbon fiber roof and hood. Its high-gloss black outline for its windows was also extended, and its wheels come with a different design as well. 

Interior

Step inside the M2, and you’ll be greeted by a cockpit with bucket seats. On the Coupé Carbon, the seats are M Sport seats made out of carbon fiber and upholstered in Merino Black leather. The Coupé Pure gets an “Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite” interior trim and Alcantara/Sensatec (leather alternative) for a quieter, understated look. The Coupé Carbon gets carbon fiber interior trims to hone its sporty appeal further. 

A peek inside the BMW M2

Keeping the occupants of the M2 cool is an automatic three-zone air conditioning system. It also features a heating function for the driver and front passenger, an anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, and a leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel. 

Tech & Safety

Standard on both trims is an extensive standard safety kit. This includes dual front airbags, side airbags, head airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking, stability control, and a crash sensor, among others. 

A closer look at the M2's dashboard

To keep its occupants entertained and digitally connected, the M2 comes standard with a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The said screen comes with smartphone integration, and it is linked to a Harman Kardon surround sound system on the Coupé Carbon or a HiFi sound system on the Coupé Pure. Also present is a wireless smartphone charging pad.  

The all-new BMW coupe likewise features the BMW Live Cockpit Plus. This is accessed via the vehicle’s 12.3-inch digital driver display, and it can show various crucial information, including navigation and other car-related parameters. It can likewise take voice commands. 

The M2 Coupé Carbon's bucket seats

Engine

Powering the BMW M2 is the fabled 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 S58 engine that can push up to 460 horsepower at 4,500 rpm, and 550 Nm of torque from 1,200 rpm. These figures are sent to its rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic torque converter gearbox. 

All-new M2's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 S58 engine

Ensuring performance on the M2 on any road condition is an M Sport Differential. According to BMW, this part optimizes traction by providing a locking effect that can send power to the appropriate wheel. 

Stopping power for the M2 is provided by six-piston M-branded brakes. It also uses an adaptive suspension system with electronically controlled dampers.  

A closer look at the M2 Coupé Carbon's center console

On the Coupé Carbon trim, the M2 is provided with the BMW M Driver’s package, which unlocks its top speed to 290 km/h. Standard on both trims is the M Drive Professional, which offers more options for the car’s traction control. This allows for fun things like drifting.

Price

Locally, the BMW M2 Coupé Carbon is priced at Php 8,890,000. The BMW M2 Coupé Pure, meanwhile, retails at Php 5,990,000. Both cars come with a five-year or 200,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. 

A manual version is available via special order

As mentioned above, a manual version of the 2024 M2 is available as a special order. The brand didn’t reveal the price for this, so if you want to row gears on an M2, you better pay your nearest BMW dealership a visit. 

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