It isn’t hard to figure out why the world of car and driving enthusiasts are so enamoured with the BMW M2 in particular. It distills all the essential attributes that would comprise an M car - lively rear, tack sharp front end, and addictive modulability mid corner. Best of all, it’s wrapped in a package that’s more compact, lighter, and more affordable than its siblings.
Australians have a particularly unhealthy obsession with the car, with demand far outstripping the locally allocated supply of 300 units at its local launch, leading BMW Group Australia to successfully bid for a larger quota of 400, which were snapped up just as quickly.
In fact, June year-to-date figures have confirmed that the M2 is the most popular model in BMW M’s portfolio, with 671 units sold since its Australian introduction earlier in 2016, increasing the share of BMW M cars sold out of BMW Australia’s total sales volume to 6.1 percent, which is the highest global percentage for a developed market, and more than 3x the global average.
Basically, what this means is that Australians are buying roughly three times more M cars than the world average, and that the bulk of those increases is due to the M2.
Marc Werner, BMW Group Australia’s CEO, said: “This presented us with a strong base to ask for further supply increases to match the sustained demand. As a result, we can now announce that Australia has again increased its allocation. This has ensured wait times are minimised, and dealers have immediately-available stock. If you want an M2, come and get one.”
They’re proud to announce that the M2 is now available locally for immediate delivery, unlike its initial launch period where there was a rather long waiting list and a sizeable premium to even be granted the privilege of being one of the first in line.
As a little refresher, the M2 starts at $89,900 (before ORCs), powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that outputs 272kW and 465Nm (or 500Nm on overboost). That power reaches the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or 7-speed M DCT dual-clutch and an Active M electronically-locking differential. With the quicker shifting (and more fuel efficient) dual-clutch automatic, the 0-100km/h dash happens in just 4.3 seconds.
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