BMW’s M division has been on a roll lately, introducing new generations of the M3 and M4 that have available all-wheel drive, multiple mid-range models like the new M240i, and even debuting the XM, the first standalone M car since the 1970s. Now BMW has debuted the 2023 M2, the second generation of the M brand’s entry-level sports coupe based on the 2 Series.
Thanks to a series of low-quality leaks, we’ve already been privy to the M2’s controversial looks, but I think its design is actually pretty cool and certainly looks better in these official images. Like the 2 Series, it’s based on the new M2 has a boxier design with super wide fenders that remind me of a 1980s rally car — BMW says it’s 0.6 inches wider overall than the old M2 and has a 1.5-inch-wider front track. Its kidney grilles are still fairly small and appear molded into the bodywork, with large rectangular lower intakes echoing the shapes. Thankfully, there aren’t any fake vents on the front quarter panels or bumpers, and the vertical reflectors in the rear bumper are a nice way to integrate parking sensors.
The new M2 is 0.6 inches wider than the old model.
BMWThe M2 uses the same S58 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine as the current BMW M3, just with a slightly less powerful tune. It puts out 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 48 hp over the old M2 Competition, but 20 hp down versus the M3. Peak power comes in at 6,250 rpm while peak torque is achieved between 2,650 and 5,870 rpm, and the engine revs to a 7,200-rpm redline. A six-speed manual with rev-matching is standard but an eight-speed automatic is optional, with both transmissions sending power to the rear wheels. BMW says the M2 will hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with the manual or 3.9 seconds with the automatic, and top speed is 155 mph as standard or 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
An active rear differential is standard, and drivers are able to select between 10 stages of the stability control. The M2 has a staggered wheel setup for the first time, with 19-inch wheels up front wearing 275/35 tires and 20-inch rear wheels with 285/30 tires. There are six-piston brake calipers with 15-inch discs up front and single-piston calipers with 14.6-inch brakes at the rear, and the M2 offers two settings for pedal feel. Other standard features include adaptive dampers, a variable steering ratio with two settings, and M-specific chassis bracing and suspension components.
That curved display is standard.
BMWThe M2’s interior gets BMW’s lovely new display that pairs a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen in one curved housing, and the screens have a number of M-specific displays and performance pages. Like on the M3, the M2 has a built-in laptimer and drift analyzer. The door panels have illuminated trim panels that light up in the M colors, and leather sport seats are standard. The available Carbon Package adds a carbon-fiber roof, additional carbon trim and the same aggressive carbon bucket seats from the M3. Other options include adaptive LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.
BMW’s plant in Mexico will start pumping out the new M2 in a few months, with deliveries in the US commencing in the first quarter of 2023. It will start at $63,195, including a $995 destination charge, making the new M2 $3,300 more expensive than the old model but $10,600 cheaper than a 2023 M3.
