The BMW M2 is considered, by many, to be the sweet spot in terms of accessible performance. A bold statement, indeed, considering the M2 is an entry-level M-car, but while its bigger, more expensive relatives (the M4, M5, M8, etc.) are vast and tech-heavy, the M2 remains relatively compact and simple, by comparison. It’s also a lot cheaper, and, as seen from a test drive carried out by AutoTopNL, this 2017 BMW M2 LCI shows just how capable it is with only “must-have upgrades”.

This being the F87-generation, produced since 2015, it features the N55, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. In the stock form, the unit makes 370 horsepower and 343 pound-feet (465 Nm). The engine works with BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic which sends power to the rear wheels. The F87 M2 is the only BMW to still come with this gearbox, as it has largely been replaced by the ZF eight-speed automatic. Still, this combination is enough for 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 4.1 seconds. This particular M2 has the M driver’s package, which raises the speed limiter from 155 mph (250 km/h) to 168 mph (270 km/h).

The N55 engine may be capable, but it’s not without flaws. Luckily, there are easy fixes to many of them. The engine tends to have some heat-soak issues, during prolonged drives at very high speeds. The owner of this BMW M2 has fitted the engine with all the "must-have mods". They include a charge pipe, boost pipe, turbo inlet pipe, a cold air intake, and an upgraded intercooler by CSF. The mods are accompanied by an ECU tune, which ensures everything works optimally.

While Max does not reveal the exact horsepower figures the modified M2 makes, the 100 to 200 km/h (62-124 mph) acceleration is slightly better than that of the S55-equipped BMW M2 Competition, which develops 410 horsepower and 405 pound-feet (550 Nm) – 10.57 seconds for the M2 LCI versus 10.59 seconds for the M2 Competition. Moreover, the Continental Sport Contact 3 rubber on the rear axle is on its way out, as Max demonstrated, on a few occasions, how easy it is to kick the back end out.

In theory, this should mean that just with reliability mods and a tune, the BMW M2 LCI should make around 425 horsepower and over 410 pound-feet (560 Nm). Moreover, modern engines exit the factory with a more conservative tune, for fewer CO2 emissions, which is why, with just peripheral mods and a tune, a stock modern engine like the N55 can achieve incredible results.

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