2024 BMW M2 Sets New Compact Car Record at Nurburgring

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【Summary】The new 2024 BMW M2 has set a record at the Nürburgring in the compact car class, beating the Audi RS3 and the previous M2 with a time of 7:38.706. The BMW used normal parts that customers can buy, unlike the fully modified Audi. However, the Audi's record is only two seconds faster, so it could be beaten with a special edition. The new M2 is heavier than the previous generation but still offers a powerful engine and rear-wheel drive at a lower price than the M4.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 4:26 PM PT

2024 BMW M2 Sets New Compact Car Record at Nurburgring

The new BMW M2 has proven its speed on the track by setting a record around the Nürburgring in the compact class segment. With a time of 7:38.706, it surpassed competitors like the Audi RS3 and the previous M2 model.

Although it's not an all-out track record, the achievement is still impressive. BMW shared a video of the complete lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the classic road course. This time puts the new M2 ahead of its competitors and even surpasses the old M2's record.

However, BMW still has some ground to cover to catch up to Audi's record. In 2021, an RS3 in the same class ran a time of 7:40.748, only two seconds slower. Nevertheless, BMW's record is noteworthy because the M2 that set it was equipped with parts that normal customers can purchase, unlike the modified Audi.

While Audi may have the potential to come back with a special-edition RS3 and beat BMW's time, it could result in a costly and seemingly meaningless competition between the two brands.

Although the new M2's record is impressive, it differs from the first-generation model. The current "compact" 2 Series is more like a shortened 4 Series and weighs nearly 4,000 pounds as a result. However, it compensates with a powerful six-cylinder engine producing 453 horsepower and the option for a manual transmission. Despite its differences, the M2 remains a worthwhile purchase, especially considering its price, which is around $15,000 cheaper than the M4.