Long live the Manuals! All-new BMW M2 arrives in the Philippines with MT option
Mikko David · Sep 14, 2023 06:45 PM
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SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, introduces the highly-anticipated second generation 2024 BMW M2 Coupe in Pure and Carbon trim with starting prices of ₱5,990,000 and ₱ 8,890,000, respectively.
Driving purists can jump for joy as BMW Philippines president Spencer Yu says the company will take orders for manual transmission units.
We reported previously that the BMW M2 will likely be the last model from the German marque to come with a manual gearbox.
The power of M! PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
An M Twin Power Turbo Inline six-cylinder producing 466 PS and 550 Nm of torque propels the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. This is 91 PS more than the base unit of the previous generation M2.
And with the engine’s redline of 7,200 rpm, you can savor the aural treat that resonate from the M2's induction system and M-exhausts.
Racy exhausts punctuate the rear end of the all-new BMW M2. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
The huge openings up front including the signature BMW kidney grilles all contribute to cooling down the performance engine, ensuring long spirited driving moments either on the track or on the road. You can actually see the large radiators and oil coolers just by standing in front of the cars.
The BMW M2 is serious about its cooling. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
And the wide fenders cleanly house the broad wheels and tires the 2024 BMW M2 comes with.
Wide body... check! PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
An 8-speed Steptronic transmission allows the 2024 BMW M2 to do 0 to 100 km/h times of 4.3 seconds. The Pure variant can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. While the Carbon trim, with its carbon fiber roof and interiors and the M Driver’s Package, can go up to 290 km/h.
An extreme base model
Zandvoort is a Formula 1 race track in the Netherlands. Home to the likes of the BMW M2. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
The Pure variant, shown here in Zandvoort Blue, features Alcantara and Sensatec interiors. Like the Carbon variant, it has a mix of 19- and 20-inch wheels. Thick 275 mm tires ensure grip up front, and wider 285s are at the back for maximum traction.
And these are just the front tires. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
The Pure also comes with an Active M Sport Differential, which can lock the rears up to 100%, aside from optimizing traction on surfaces with varying grip.
The near 50:50 weight distribution, short wheelbase, and reinforced chassis of the BMW M2 make for an excellent handling coupe. Electronically controlled Adaptive M Suspension, variable-ratio steering, a 10-stage M Traction Control function, and six-piston brake calipers with M compound brake pads all work together to provide precision handling and agile control that BMW M2 owners will rave about.
M1 and M2 buttons have predefined settings for engine, chassis, transmission, steering, brake and Dynamic Stability Control. Each setting that can be individually configured on the touchscreen menu. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
And yes, BMW says you can drift your heart out in an M2 as well with its M Drift Analyzer and do timed runs on a proper circuit with the M Laptimer.
Lighter is better
Probably the view you'll see whenever you encounter a BMW M2 on the road. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
The 2024 BMW M2 Coupe Carbon, on the other hand, takes the sports coupe formula to a higher level.
Displayed in Toronto Red at the launch, the Carbon variant has a carbon fiber roof and bucket seats, carbon fiber M interior finishers, full leather Merino Black interiors, and Harman Kardon Surround sound system.
The BMW M2 Carbon gets carbon fiber bucket seats with proper lateral support, just like a race car. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
The BMW M2's carbon fiber roof lightens the top and brings down the center of gravity of the car resulting in better handling and vehicle dynamics. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
These make for a faster and more purpose-driven option for the BMW M2.
Gloss red brakes and a two-tone version of the wheelset found in the Pure quickly identify the Carbon edition if ever you see one on the road.
Which do you prefer? All black or two-tone wheels? PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES)
With all the BMW M3 and M4-derived tech it has, does the second-generation BMW M2 give you goosebumps just by looking at it?
With an automotive career spanning 27 years as a former touring car racer turned automotive journalist and photographer, Mikko also handled marketing and PR for two major Japanese car brands before finding peace and purpose in sharing his views about cars, driving, and mobility.
