The M2 and the X4 M40i have both made their world debuts at the Detroit show, pushing BMW’s portfolio deeper into enemy territory.
The highly anticipated BMW M2 is finally here and packs quite a feisty punch in such a small package. The M2 will go head on against the Audi RS3 and the CLA 45 AMG. Powering this new baby M is BMW’s 3.0 litre straight six motor which has been turbo charged to produce 365 HP and 465 Nm of torque, putting it neatly between the RS3 and the CLA. This means it can rack up 0-100 kmph in 4.3 sec and a top speed of 270 kmph. A naturally aspirated variation of this motor is seen in the standard 2-series and a twin-turbo charged variant can be seen in the M4. BMW also gives you a choice between a six speed manual or a seven-speed twin-clutch DCT auto box lifted straight out of the M4. This factor definitely gives the M2 an edge over its competition.
The BMW M2 is a looker for sure and takes inspiration directly from its older sibling, the M4. The aggressively sculpted front air ducts, the flared wheel arches, 19-inch rims and its super low stance – all shout hooliganism and rage! The front and rear axles are borrowed from the M4 which translates to an all-aluminium suspension and an electronically controlled differential that boosts traction along with improving drifting potential. The M2 also fires up an absolutely gorgeous race car sound track especially when you chase the 7,000 rpm limiter. BMW also provides electronically controlled flaps in the exhaust that tames the M2 to make it a quiet dignified coupe.
The M2 can trace its lineage back to the 1973 2002 series turbo; a proper lightweight 2 door that put BMW on the international map. The M2 should definitely have a similar effect even for enthusiasts on a budget.
Let’s now look at BMW’s second unveiling, the X4 M40i.
The X4 is the typical niche coupe-SUV design by BMW which is directly inspired by the X6. Now, this design has come under a lot of criticism and is definitely not BMW’s best work. Even then, surprisingly BMW reported large number of sales and hence a smaller model has been unveiled. Like the M235i, the M40i is not a proper BMW M car, but rather an ordinary X4 that has been M tuned with the help of a sporty interior, aggressive styling updates and a more powerful engine.
The M40i is powered by a 3.0 litre 355 HP turbocharged straight six motor which thrusts this SUV from 0-100 kmph in 4.9 seconds. Definitely not bad for just an M tuned BMW. In terms of styling, the X4 pulls off the SUV-coupe look better than its older sibling, the X6. Make no mistake though, the X4 is far from pretty and the M styling package definitely pushes it over the top.
The X4 should go on sale as early as February while the M2 coupe would hit the stores a bit later in April. These cars should find their way to the Indian peninsula as well, but how long it would take for BMW to pull it off is tough to answer.
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