With a new controversial style and an upgraded powertrain, the second-gen 2023 BMWW M2 is bigger and better in almost all aspects.
The original M2 was a favorite among enthusiasts — with excellent performance and a classic BMW look, it captured the heart of enthusiasts worldwide quickly. Some even argued that it’s a better driver’s car than the M3 and M4, primarily thanks to the lower weight.
Now, the M2 returns for the second generation, and it indeed has some things that’ll get people talking. For starters, the exterior is quite divisive, which is not surprising for a new BMW. Notably, the kidney grille is no longer surrounded by a frame, and the front bumper’s lower openings look like vacuum cleaners.
The body is very muscular, though, with very wide rear wheel arches, which give the 2023 M2 undeniable character. The 19-inch front and 20-inch back wheels also fit the styling well. Still, the rear end seems a bit busy, with the bumper again taking the spotlight. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder — I actually like the design. Besides, all those openings are there to improve aerodynamics, which is always welcome.
The 2023 BMW M2 will be available in five exciting colors: Sapphire Metallic, Toronto Red Metallic, Alpine White, Brooklyn Gray Metallic, and the all-new Zandvoort Blue.
The 2023 M2 is not only muscular in its appearance — it’s also larger than before. With wider hips, a lengthy body, and a broader track, the coupe is now 4.1 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 0.3 inches lower than the predecessor. The wheelbase, sitting at 108.1 inches, is also 2.1 inches longer than before, giving the 2023 M2 better stability at higher speeds. Oh, and the rear passengers will also enjoy more rear legroom as if buyers would care about that.
But the real elephant in the room, apart from the design, is the weight. The 2023 M2 is much fatter than the predecessor, tipping the scales at 3,814 pounds (1,730 kg) for the manual and 3,867 pounds (1,754 kg) for the automatic. For comparison, the predecessor weighs 3,600 pounds (1,633 kg) for the manual or one-and-a-half passengers less in the cabin. It might affect agility, but BMW employed a torque-vectoring rear differential to mitigate the issue. I guess we must wait until we try it in person.
Fortunately, the weight won’t hurt performance — the 2023 M2 is still a beast in a straight line. Under the bonnet sits the same S58 engine from the M3 and M4, albeit detuned slightly; the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six produces 453 hp (+48) and 406 lb-ft of torque (same as before) and sends the power to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
With the upgraded powertrain, the 2023 M2 sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (automatic) and 4.1 seconds (manual). As standard, the coupe reaches 155 mph, but opting for the BMW’s optional M Driver’s Package brings the top speed to 177 mph.
BMW offers many standard features in the new M2, including the Active M Differential, Adaptive M Suspension, and a traction-control system with ten variable slippage settings. Drivers can also have fun with the M Drift Analyzer, which helps achieve the perfect drift. Moreover, BMW’s smallest sports car also gets M Compound Brakes with six-piston calipers for better stopping power.
Inside, the 2023 M2 follows the configuration of every new BMW, with a sizeable dual-screen configuration and BMW’s iDrive 8 software. It looks luxurious and classy, though the various carbon-fiber bits and M-specific details hint at what’s under the bonnet.
The 2023 BMW M2 will reach US dealerships next April, starting at $63,194, with destination charges included.
Gallery: 2023 BMW M2
