New BMW 2 Series updates: coupe gets small cabin tweaks and big power boost for the BMW M2

• Cabin and exterior trim updates
• BMW M2 gets 473bhp
• 2 Series costs from £36,865

Munich’s baby coupes, the BMW 2 Series and BMW M2, may only have been on sale since 2022, but they’ve already received their first round of upgrades. The changes are fairly minor for the regular model, limited to a host of cabin tweaks and wheel and paint options, while the full-fat M version gets more substantial performance upgrades. 

The tweaked 2’s add to the flood of new and upgraded BMWs arriving this year, ranging from the thoroughly-overhauled 1 Series hatchback to the new 5 Series Touring, as well as the updated 3 Series and M3 duo. Initial UK deliveries are scheduled for August this year, with prices kicking off at £36,865 for the BMW 2 Series and £63,360 for the BMW M2.

What’s new for the 2024 BMW 2 Series?

Take a look at the new 2 Series and you may struggle to spot what’s actually new, besides the fresh paint colours and alloy wheel designs. That’s because BMW decided not to touch the bodywork for this refresh, instead focusing its attention inside.

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The central section of the dashboard has been redesigned, aligning with that found in the new 3 Series and 4 Series. The trim piece surrounding the main air vents is new and can be optioned in carbon fibre or open-pore wood for a more traditional look. The main infotainment and driver’s displays are unchanged; you get the same pair of curved screens that seemingly float above the dashboard, but they run BMW’s latest operating system, which can be controlled through the new steering wheel.

The 2 Series’s mechanical bits are all carried over from the outgoing car, so the base 220i gets a 181bhp four-cylinder engine, while the 230i gets a 241bhp version of the same unit. The 369bhp M240i xDrive remains at the top of the BMW 2 Series lineup, swapping four cylinders for six and getting four-wheel drive in place of rear-wheel drive. Gear-changing is handled by an eight-speed automatic gearbox across the range.

What about the new BMW M2?

While the BMW M2 hasn’t received any styling tweaks either – other than a host of new paint colours – the engineers in Munich have managed to squeeze some additional performance out of its 3.0-litre straight-six engine. Peak power has been boosted by 19bhp, bringing the new total to 473bhp, matching the non-Competition spec BMW M4 sold in other markets.

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Acceleration has improved as a result, with the 0-62mph dash now completed in just 4.0 seconds in cars equipped with the eight-speed automatic. Enthusiasts can let out a sigh of relief knowing that BMW still offers a six-speed manual for the M2, adding 0.2 seconds to the 0-62mph time in exchange for some added driving involvement. Interestingly, manual cars get a higher top speed of 177mph, although auto’ cars will hit the same number with the optional M Driver’s package.

How much do they cost and when can I buy one?

The regular 2 Series costs from £36,858 in 220i guise, increasing to £40,320 for the 230i, and stepping up again to £46,045 for the M240i xDrive. The BMW M2, with its wide-ranging performance upgrades over the standard car, is a more serious proposition, starting from £63,360.

BMW is taking orders for all models now, and has confirmed that first deliveries will begin in August 2024.

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