BMW M2 Thunderbolt Edition officially launched

The BMW M2 (parameters|quote) Thunder Edition was officially launched at the BMW M Carnival event.

New car analysis.

Compared to the standard BMW M2 model, the M2 Thunder Edition can be understood as a higher-performance M2, after all, it has more horsepower and a more competitive appearance. Therefore, the exterior features that distinguish the standard version from the Thunder Edition are the front end: the M2 Thunder Edition has a central through design + all-black painted double-kidney front grille, and three small flat air intakes have been added to the bottom side of the central air intake in the front surround.

In addition, the M2 Thunder Edition's exterior adjustments include the rearview mirrors, which feature an exclusive design similar to that of the M3/M4. The new 19-inch close-spoke, two-tone wheels are paired with larger brake calipers.

BMW M2 Thunder Edition's interior follows the standard version of the center console design, offering a multifunction steering wheel, full LCD instrument cluster, gearshift paddles, carbon fiber stripe trim, and a large suspended center screen, etc. The difference in detail is the addition of the M1/M2 button on the left function button of the new steering wheel, indicating that the car has added the function of pre-saved driving modes. Oh yes, it also changed a set of high-wrapped sports seats from the BMW M4 model, of course, the original "M4" model badge on the seat back has been replaced with "M2".

Powering the M2 Thunder Edition is the S55 series 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine from the M3/M4 models, with a maximum output of 410 hp (5250-7000 rpm) and peak torque of 550 NM (2350-7200 rpm), an increase of 40 hp and 85 NM compared to the standard M2. and 85 NM. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time for the BMW M2 Thunder Edition dual-clutch model is 4.2 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the standard version, and the top speed is limited to 250km/h by an electronic speed limiter.

Opening the hood, a glance reveals the CFRP high-precision struts from the BMW M3/M4. These struts improve the front stiffness of the vehicle and increase steering precision.

Overall, although the difference in appearance between the M2 Thunder Edition and the standard M2 is minimal, the two cars are very different, and the former is no longer the "entry-level M model" in the eyes of everyone here.

New car background.

The BMW M2 Thunder Edition is derived from the M2 but is higher than the M2 and on par with the M3/M4. To quote Dirk Häcker, vice president of BMW's M division, "Because the M2 Thunder Edition is more focused on track driving performance, we used more parts from the M3/M4 models." So, the M2 Thunder Edition you see today is an M model that is both familiar and unfamiliar.

Competitor Comparison: Audi RS 3 & Mercedes-AMG CLA 45

It is a well-known fact that among the BBA ranks, the only rivals that can challenge the BMW M2 Thunder Edition are the Audi RS 3 and the Mercedes-AMG CAL 45. These cars from the power parameters, BMW M2 standard version is the "weakest power"; followed by AMG CLA 45, which has the strongest 2.0T engine, but encountered 2.5T Audi RS 3 can only stand aside; the arrival of the M2 Thunder Edition easily take the title of the most powerful.

As for the best handling, it is the BMW M2 with front and rear drive, which is just the right amount of fun to drive, on the edge of losing control but not out of control. The next is the Audi RS 3. The Quattro four-wheel drive gives the Audi RS 3 the greatest gain naturally in the corners.

Full summary.

Many people underestimate the true strength of the M2 because of the number "2" in its name, so the arrival of the M2 Thunder Edition is to do justice to the "2" generation of M models. After all, there is no such thing as a BMW M, let alone a high-performance version.