The second generation BMW M2 is finally here. The coupe received a new styling to set it apart from the rest of the Series 2 lineup, but that’s only half the equation. The coveted M badge lets the world know that this coupe has a powerful powertrain.
The new M2 uses a BMW S58 engine to drive the rear wheels. The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine produces 453 horsepower (333 kilowatts), a 48 hp increase over its predecessor, and 406 pound-feet (550 Newton-meters) of torque. BMW offers a six-speed manual as standard, but the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic is an option.
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The M2 with a manual gearbox will take 4.1 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour). The auto-equipped model can complete a sprint in 3.9 seconds. BMW will electronically limit the car’s top speed to 155 mph (250 kph). This increases to 177 mph (284 kph) with the optional M Driver Package. Stopping power comes from six-piston front and single-piston rear brakes which are clad in metallic Blue. The red finish is optional.
The new M2 is bigger than its predecessor. BMW made it 4.1 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider and 0.3 inches lower. The automaker also extended the wheelbase by 2.1 inches, making it 4.3 inches shorter than the M4. BMW widened the track front and rear, in line with the M4.
The M2 features BMW’s twin kidney grille, which sits above the three-piece front apron. These openings provide cooling capability for various powertrain and brake components. The rear features a bold bumper and a bolder diffuser that houses the car’s quad exhaust pipes.
BMW will launch the M2 with five exterior colors available: Alpine White, Sapphire metallic, Brooklyn Gray metallic, Toronto Red metallic, and the new Zandvoort Blue (exclusive to the 2023 M2). 19-inch jet-black wheels up front and 20-inch rear are standard, but BMW will offer the same design in two colors at no extra cost. BMW makes standard equipment Adaptive M Suspension and Active M Differential.
The M2 cabin will feature newly designed M Sport seats with illuminated M headrest logos. BMW will offer M Carbon bucket seats as an option for the first time, part of the Carbon Package, which also includes an M Carbon roof that reduces the car’s weight and lowers its center of gravity. The 24 pound carbon seat is lighter than the standard one.
The interior also receives a BMW Curved Display, placing a pair of 12.3 and 14.9-inch displays on the dashboard. It will have M-specific controls, displays and configurations. The M Settings menu allows drivers to customize various vehicle systems, such as chassis, steering, braking and M Traction Control, to their liking.
BMW will produce the 2023 M2 at its San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico. The automaker plans to launch the coupe in the US market in April 2023. When it arrives, it will have a starting price of $63,194 (price includes a $995 destination fee). We got a taste of the new performance model earlier this year when we rode an early prototype.
