Former Top Gear Stig Likes the BMW M2, Does Review for Goodwood

The M2 is not much lighter than an equivalent 3 Series, despite being in the class below. That's because the formula for going fast in a coupe requires certain ingredients plus BMW now uses universal components that are the same no matter the car.

But there's no denying the smaller M2 has something that the M4 lacks. Perhaps it's the flared wheel arches, or the no-nonsense approach that is taken towards the options list. Let's see if Ben Collins, the former Top Gear Stig, manages to find the essence of the car.

Like the Toyota GT 86, the M2 isn't all about setting fast lap times. Features like a rev match system for the manual gearbox or drift-friendly driving modes hint at the fun.

Are all 3-liter engines the same? No, and even though this one has fewer turbochargers than the one in the M4, it's still pretty cool. The exhaust manifold is similar to the one in the S55, and it breaks up the gasses into two banks. But the coolest part borrowed from its bigger brother is the oil pump inserted into the sump, which you need when going sideways a lot. Somehow, we bet there's a link between the M2 and the fighter aircraft of WW2.

Ben points out that at around 45,000 British pounds, which is how much the M2 costs, you can buy an Audi RS3 and a Mercedes A45 AMG. We know all of those are considered cult cars and have all-wheel-drive, but regarding smiles per gallon, you can't argue with what BMW offers. Will you love it as much in a couple of years when electric cars kick its butt? That depends on what kind of driver you are.