BMW M2 and XM: Polarising looks, brilliant drive

Last year, at its M Festival, BMW showcased to the world its latest products, including the M2 and XM, one of which has secured its place in the marque’s history books as only the second exclusive M car. 

However, the M badge doesn’t imply a similarity between the M2 and XM. The controversial looks of both cars might be a topic of debate but the experiences behind the wheel are very different.

The M2 has been a favourite of mine for years. The previous generation’s gorgeous looks and hearty motor left a favourable impression on BMWs fans but this new model seems to divide the M community.From the moment images of the new M2 were leaked, people have been drawn into a love-it-or-hate-it debate.

Initially, I liked how it looked. There is something about being behind the wheel of an M car that is unique to the brand and having the bold, stand-out looks recognised immediately in traffic is a characteristic of the M2.

I could go on about the looks but its exterior only scratches the surface of just how impressive this new rendition is. 

It sports a monster of a motor. In fact, it’s the same 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder motor which is used in the M3 and M4, with a slight downtune to a healthy 338kW and 550Nm, bolted to a responsive 8-speed automatic gearbox. 

The purists need not fear, as the M2 does come with an optional 6-speed manual, too.

The M2 has a good amount of shunt to it, laying down a 0 to 100 time of 4.2 seconds; however, I believe BMW is being rather humble with that number as, in the right conditions, it could do a sub-four-second time.

The motor isn’t the only similarity to the M3 and M4 though, as the M2 has the same rear axle. Yes, this does add some weight to this little coupé but under acceleration and cornering you can feel its strength and stability.

One of my bigger concerns ahead of my M2 drive was the fact that the rear-wheel drive M3 is a wild experience and having the same motor and axle in a smaller and lighter car led me to believe the M2 would be a rowdy beast to wrestle in the corners.

Yet, to my pleasant surprise, this was not the case. The traction control is phenomenal in the way it allows you to keep the throttle pinned with little drama. That said, if drama is what you want, the M2 can provide.

In the corners, the M2 has an immense amount of grip, even at the front end on the corner exit, and its ability to build up speed is something to behold. 

A sixth-gear pull at high speeds consistently forces you deeper into your seat. In fact, the M2 remains a thrill and a pleasure to drive, at low and high speed.

Being longer and wider than its predecessor in order to accommodate additions like the rear axle, as mentioned, there is a noticeable weight gain. What this does allow, though, is a more accommodating rear bench which can fit two passengers in as much comfort as can be expected in a sports coupé.

Coming in at a cost of R1 485 000, it is comforting to know you have a baby M3 for almost R400 000 less. 

Yes, the new M2 is around R200 000 more than the Mercedes-AMG A45s and Audi RS3 but these are four-wheel-drive hatches that provide a very different experience to the rear-wheel-driven M2 and that is enough justification for the latter’s steeper price sticker.

With the fun track toy out of the way, the equally big news is that of the arrival of the all-new BMW XM. 

The XM is BMW’s answer to a luxury performance SUV which can take on the likes of the G63 and is the second-ever standalone M car after the original M1. However, I must say that I struggle to fully understand this car.

On the performance end, the XM is fitted with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 producing 350kW, with the assistance of an electric motor adding another 150kW, which in total gives a strong 480kW and 800Nm. 

Due to its plug-in hybrid system, the XM can drive in fully electric mode for up to 88km, allowing you to quietly run to the shops or around town without letting the brutal V8 strut its stuff.

Despite being nearly three tonnes, the XM does a 0-to-100 time of 4.3 seconds. It also corners well and its ability to maintain speed through corners is good, but this is where its weight becomes apparent, as you can feel its larger tyres take a second to load before hooking up.

I could continue to blabber on about its performance but the XM is more than just a V8 plug-in hybrid sports SUV. BMW put some work into its interior and I must say it’s a comfortable place to be. 

The M lounge is the name which BMW has given to the back seats. And, you know what, they have nailed the design brief. The second row feels like a luxury couch, with its soft diamond-stitched leather and a design which blends it into one bench with three seat belts.

It is amazingly luxurious but I’m afraid that’s where the wow factor ends. You have more than enough charging points in the back and an air conditioning control panel but the window is small in the back and the legroom, although spacious, isn’t anything to get excited about.

That said, the XM’s sound, both from its speakers and its exhaust, is something everybody can appreciate. From the brutal gear changes, which you can feel in your soul, to the built-in Hans Zimmer chimes while driving in EV mode, the XM makes enough interesting sounds to please any motorist.

Starting at a very premium R3 400 000, you can see and feel just why this car costs what it does but I feel the XM, like the M2, is a car you either love or hate, and as much as I enjoyed my time behind the wheel and in the M lounge, I don’t think this car is for me. But that does come from a guy who is willing to remove the interior of a vehicle for the weight and performance gains.

So, if you like speed and power from the comfort of a luxury M lounge, then the XM is right up your alley and, with the hybrid electric motor, you won’t have to spend anything on fuel on short commutes. Unless, of course, you want to simply hear the blare of that V8 engine.