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Car and Driver
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 BMW M2 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Few modern cars channel their heritage as linearly as the 2026 BMW M2. Though it packs all the tech and conveniences required of a modern vehicle, at its heart remains a hypnotic powertrain comprised of a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with your choice of an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Combined with an agile rear-wheel-drive chassis, the M2 Coupe delivers the type of involving and visceral driving experience that's become increasingly uncommon. As good as the M2 is, BMW has upped the ante for 2026 with the introduction of an M2 CS (Competition Sport) model that shaves off nearly 100 pounds of weight and ramps the standard car's 473 ponies up to 523. What's New for 2026? BMW has added an M2 CS model to the lineup. Lighter and more powerful than the already potent M2, it also features several unique interior and exterior details, including a carbon fiber diffuser and multiple CS logos throughout. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 BMW M2 is expected to start around $67,000 and go up to $99,775 depending on the trim and options. M2 $67,000 (est) M2 CS $99,775 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k $150k Previously, choosing the M2 with standard six-speed manual and the M Driver's Package was a simple decision. But with the M2 CS in the picture for 2026, buyers will need to assess their individual situation. If performance and track days are the primary goal, the M2 CS is the best choice. But if your plans are like ours, with plenty of winding backroads with long sweepers and the occasional commute mixed in, we'd stick with the base M2 and row-your-own manual. It's no slouch in the performance department itself, and it starts at more than $30k less. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The 2025 M2 is pure Bavarian muscle. The base M2 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated for 473 horsepower; torque remains at 406 pound-feet for the manual car, but the automatic gets a little muscle love with 443 pound-feet of torque. It's a nice bonus, but we feel shifting for yourself is a worthy tradeoff for the reduction in low-end torque. The new M2 CS uses the same basic engine but cranks up the output to 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, all funneled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, it wouldn't be an M car without a specially tuned suspension and various other chassis enhancements that help it to be the quickest version of the 2-series to circle a race circuit. The M2 CS has specific damper and spring rates and a 0.2-inch lower ride height. While we haven't driven the CS yet, we found the standard M2 to be nothing short of smile-inducing, crisply snapping into turns with the chassis remaining controlled even over slight bumps. 0–60-MPH Times During testing of a 2023 M2 with the automatic transmission, C/D's test driver hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and cleared the quarter in 11.7 seconds. The M2 with a manual transmission yielded a 3.9-second 0-60 time and a 12.2-second quarter-mile with a trap speed of 118 mph. BMW is claiming a 3.7-second 0-60 run for the new 2026 M2 CS, but given our previous experience, we expect it to be a few tenths quicker. We'll update this space with the latest performance results as soon as we test the 2026 M2 and M2 CS models. View Exterior Photos BMW Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 M2 yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, with either manual or automatic transmission. The 2024 M2 with the manual returned 26 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, beating its estimate by 2 mpg. For more information about the M2's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Inside, the M2 features the same layout as the regular 2-series coupe. Passenger space is plentiful for front-seat riders, but those relegated to the rear may be wishing you had sprung for the larger 3-series sedan. There's a flat-bottomed wheel with a fresh tri-spoke design, and a new upholstery combo—black with red stitching—is on offer. Opt for the Carbon Fiber package and a layer of the stuff is draped on multiple surfaces of the M2's cabin and the sport seats are swapped out for more aggressive body-hugging buckets said to save 24 pounds. The weight-saving Carbon seats in the Carbon Fiber package are also available as a stand-alone option, and the M2 CS gets standard black leather seat upholstery, several "CS" callouts across the interior, and removable headrests to better accommodate helmets. View Interior Photos BMW Infotainment and Connectivity A digital monolith of a screen sweeping across the dash informs the driver of every bit of data they could possibly need (and probably a few things they don't). A 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel serves as a reconfigurable gauge cluster and seamlessly transitions to a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen that provides access to BMW's 8.5 proprietary operating system, the latest version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system software. The update also moves all climate control functions, including seat heating and–if specified–steering wheel heating to the touchscreen, but they can also be operated via voice command. Navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; a head-up display and 5G connectivity are both optional. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features All M2s come with basic driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control but if you want more advanced tech, such as a stop-and-go feature for the cruise control, you'll have to pay extra—and opt for the automatic transmission. For more information about the M2's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Compared with its direct competitors, BMW has equal or better warranty coverage. Specifically, it has an unrivaled complimentary scheduled maintenance program. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2023 BMW M2 Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe PRICE Base/As Tested: $63,195/$75,345 Options: Carbon package (carbon-fiber trim, roof, and bucket seats, M Driver's package), $9900; Live Cockpit Pro, $1100; adaptive LED headlights, $650; Shadowline package, $300; BMW M 50 Years emblems, $200 ENGINE twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 183 in3, 2993 cm3 Power: 453 hp @ 6250 rpm Torque: 406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented, cross-drilled disc/14.6-in vented, cross-drilled, disc Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S F: 275/35ZR-19 (100Y) ★ R: 285/30ZR-20 (99Y) ★ DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 108.1 in Length: 180.3 in Width: 74.3 in Height: 55.2 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 52/33 ft3 Trunk Volume: 14 ft3 Curb Weight: 3745 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 30 mph: 1.5 sec 60 mph: 3.9 sec 100 mph: 8.7 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.2 sec @ 118 mph 130 mph: 14.6 sec 150 mph: 21.5 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 7.3 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec Top Speed (mfr's claim): 177 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 154 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 302 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.03 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 17 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 26 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 350 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 19/16/24 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Glasgow Times
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
DVSA analysis reveals top 10 most common driving test faults
They analysed the total faults recorded in the 1,689,000 practical tests undertaken between March 2022 and 2023. The latest data set from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), showed that learners are still failing to take in the situation around them when moving onto a new road safely. During a practical examination, a driver is allowed to make up to 15 faults, however, an assessor will determine the contextual situation of each one. By using an unofficial driving test booking site, you run the risk of your personal data being used without your consent and being charged an admin fee. It's always best to book your test on the official booking site: — Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) June 29, 2023 The observational fault, which has consistently held the top spot since records began 16 years ago, is noted down in instances such as a driver misjudging the speed of an oncoming car, entering a roundabout when a vehicle is approaching from the right, or not even looking when they approach a junction. Dan Jones, Operations Manager at said: 'It seems that safely navigating junctions is still causing learner drivers the biggest headache during their test. 'Often, learners get anxious about reversing around a corner or even parallel parking in the lead-up to their exam. Then, in the stressful environment of a driving test, they forget about the observational basics they would have been taught since the beginning of their lessons.' The data also revealed that even the basic skill of moving off safely is proving a tricky task for learners to master, with the fault creeping into the top three for the first time. Completing the top three was drivers failing to check their mirrors safely when changing direction. Other common faults on the list included failing to take up the correct position when turning right at a junction, not having control of the steering wheel, and failing to respond correctly to traffic lights or signs. Protecting our roads and the environment. 🚗🌳 DVSA enforcement officers work diligently with the @EnvAgency on keeping Britain's roads safer for everyone.👇 — Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) August 8, 2023 Dan concluded with advice for drivers who are about to take their practical test: 'Last year the DVSA saw a 10 per cent rise in people taking their practical test when compared to the previous year; however the pass rate was down by half a per cent. 'Although any examination can be stressful, it is worth noting that examiners aren't out there to catch you out. Make sure they can see you making deliberate observations, or even think out loud during the test as this can be a checklist for yourself as well.' To find out more about how DrivingExperience can help boost your confidence on the roads, visit its Driving Lessons page to browse and book from available Driving Lesson experiences through purchase of its open Gift Vouchers. Recommended reading: Top 10 driving test faults: Junctions (observations) Mirrors (change direction) Move off (safely) Junctions (turning right) Control (steering) Response to signals (traffic lights) Response to signals (traffic signs) Positioning (normal driving) Response to signals (road markings) Reverse park (control) If a fault is deemed to be potentially dangerous or dangerous, then it will result in the learner failing the test.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
DVSA reveal the top 10 most common driving test mistakes
The DVSA has revealed that learner drivers' most common fault during their test is failing to make the correct observations when at a junction. They analysed the total faults recorded in the 1,689,000 practical tests undertaken between March 2022 and 2023. The latest data set from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), showed that learners are still failing to take in the situation around them when moving onto a new road safely. During a practical examination, a driver is allowed to make up to 15 faults, however, an assessor will determine the contextual situation of each one. By using an unofficial driving test booking site, you run the risk of your personal data being used without your consent and being charged an admin fee. It's always best to book your test on the official booking site: — Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) June 29, 2023 The observational fault, which has consistently held the top spot since records began 16 years ago, is noted down in instances such as a driver misjudging the speed of an oncoming car, entering a roundabout when a vehicle is approaching from the right, or not even looking when they approach a junction. Dan Jones, Operations Manager at said: 'It seems that safely navigating junctions is still causing learner drivers the biggest headache during their test. 'Often, learners get anxious about reversing around a corner or even parallel parking in the lead-up to their exam. Then, in the stressful environment of a driving test, they forget about the observational basics they would have been taught since the beginning of their lessons.' The data also revealed that even the basic skill of moving off safely is proving a tricky task for learners to master, with the fault creeping into the top three for the first time. Completing the top three was drivers failing to check their mirrors safely when changing direction. Other common faults on the list included failing to take up the correct position when turning right at a junction, not having control of the steering wheel, and failing to respond correctly to traffic lights or signs. Protecting our roads and the environment. 🚗🌳 DVSA enforcement officers work diligently with the @EnvAgency on keeping Britain's roads safer for everyone.👇 — Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) August 8, 2023 Dan concluded with advice for drivers who are about to take their practical test: 'Last year the DVSA saw a 10 per cent rise in people taking their practical test when compared to the previous year; however the pass rate was down by half a per cent. 'Although any examination can be stressful, it is worth noting that examiners aren't out there to catch you out. Make sure they can see you making deliberate observations, or even think out loud during the test as this can be a checklist for yourself as well.' To find out more about how DrivingExperience can help boost your confidence on the roads, visit its Driving Lessons page to browse and book from available Driving Lesson experiences through purchase of its open Gift Vouchers. Recommended reading: DVSA makes 'long-awaited' driving licence change which could help thousands Can an alcoholic drink improve your health? Experts believe they've found one 6.3 million homes and properties in UK currently 'at serious risk' of flooding Junctions (observations) Mirrors (change direction) Move off (safely) Junctions (turning right) Control (steering) Response to signals (traffic lights) Response to signals (traffic signs) Positioning (normal driving) Response to signals (road markings) Reverse park (control) If a fault is deemed to be potentially dangerous or dangerous, then it will result in the learner failing the test.
