The M2 receives taut, athletic proportions characterized by the large, frameless BMW kidney grille with horizontal bars and a three-section lower air intake with almost rectangular contours. Clearly designed surfaces, prominently flared side skirts, and muscular wheel arches set the tone for the side view. While the rear is pure with its lip spoiler, integrated rear diffuser insert, and two pairs of exhaust pipes mounted a long way in from the outer edges. Mixed wheels—19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back—give it a planted stance. Meanwhile, the BMW M2 Carbon meanwhile features a carbon fiber roof that reduces the overall curb weight by six kilograms.

Five exterior colors are available for the Philippine market: Alpine White, Zandvoort Blue, M Brooklyn Gray, Black Sapphire, and M Toronto Red.

Under the BMW M2 is a 3.0-liter inline-6 fitted with TwinPower Turbo technology. It delivers near instantaneous power with its peak 460 horsepower output at 6,250 rpm and 550 Nm produced between 2,650 to 5,870 rpm. An M-specific exhaust system with electrically-controlled flaps give an emotionally rich soundtrack. Its oil and cooling system has also been optimized for extensive track use.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. It offers, among many features, the ability to execute multiple downshifts to the lowest available gear for improved responsiveness. The Drivelogic function also offers a choice of three shift settings. The M Traction Control offers ten stages of wheel slip limitation, while the Active M Differential can generate a locking effect of up to 100 percent to either the left or right wheel whenever required.

In terms of performance, both the M2 Pure and M2 Carbon does the century sprint in 4.3 seconds. Top speed for the M2 Pure is 250 km/h, while for the M2 Carbon, it’s 290 km/h thanks to the standard M Driver’s Package.

The M2 also comes with adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, a variable ratio steering, and six-piston front brakes with M Compound brakes. The integrated braking system also allows the driver to select between two pedal feel settings.

The M2’s driver-centric cabin is highlighted by the BMW Widescreen Display. The driver is treated to a 12.3-inch display screen with a unique graphical layout, while the 14.9-inch center screen controls the latest-generation BMW iDrive. Other features include a three-zone climate control and ambient lighting. The M2 Carbon also receives a Harman Kardon surround sound system as well.

The driver and front passenger are welcomed as standard by sport seats with Sensatec/Alcantara surfaces for the BMW M2 Pure. The M Carbon bucket seats that can also be found on the BMW M2 use carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest and feature cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints, thereby shaving around 10.8 kilograms off the vehicle’s weight.

A Setup button on the center console provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system, and M Traction Control. Two overall vehicle setups can be stored and then retrieved using the M buttons on the steering wheel.

Besides M Traction Control, the standard-fit M Drive Professional also includes the M Drift Analyzer and M Latimer. Plus, the M Mode button on the center console can be used to adjust both the level of driver assistance system activity and the content shown in the information display with a choice of Road, Sport, and Track settings.

The BMW M2 Pure and Carbon retail for P 5,990,000 and P 8,890,000, respectively and comes with a 5-year comprehensive BMW Warranty.