In less than two months BMW is scheduled to pull the covers off the 2023 BMW M2; likely the famous Bavarian brand’s last ‘pure’ combustion M performance car.
With hybrid and full electric powertrains already in development for future M models, the second-generation M2 marks a moment in time, the new version sticking with a traditional front engine/rear-drive layout, and continuing to offer the option of an old-school six-speed manual gearbox.
Here’s the rundown on everything we know so far about the soon-to-arrive compact German hot rod.
Timing
BMW has confirmed the new M2 will debut in October, prior to hitting European showrooms in April 2023. Expect an Australian on-sale late in Q2 2023.
Drivetrain
The new M2 will be powered by a specifically-tuned version of BMW’s ‘S58’ 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, in-line six-cylinder engine, as used in the current M3 and M4, and out-going M2 CS.
The all-alloy, 2998cc unit features variable valve timing and lift, as well as direct-injection, two single-scroll turbos, and an air-to-water intercooler to produce expected outputs of 343kW/550Nm.
Drive will be fed to the rear wheels (only) via an eight-speed auto transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.
Performance
Expect 0-100km/h acceleration in the low four-second bracket for the eight-speed auto and a number in the mid-fours for the six-speed manual.
Chassis
The new M2 will ride on the same platform as it’s larger M3/M4 siblings with a classic BMW strut front/five-link rear suspension set-up, complete with M adaptive dampers and a rear-axle subframe bolted rigidly to the body.
Brakes will also be borrowed from the M3/M4, meaning ventilated ‘M Compound’ discs front and rear (380mm/370mm) with six-piston fixed calipers up front. An ‘M carbon-ceramic’ brake package is a likely option featuring two-piece drilled carbon rotors (400mm/380mm).
Although 18- and 19-inch inch alloy rims will be available in Europe, expect Australian spec to standardise on 19s at the front and 20s at the rear, shod with ultra high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S rubber (275/35/285/30).
Design
Despite the carefully confected camouflage wrap the new M2 has so-far worn in public, it’s clear this car won’t inherit the M3/M4’s polarising grille treatment, with a less extreme version of the brand’s ‘kidney grille’ adorning the nose.
Broad vents across the front apron wrap around to match with bulging front guards, and a similarly pumped-up rear three-quarter.
Expect a carbon-rich environment with a carbon roof and ‘M carbon’ bucket seats for the driver and front passenger available.
Also inside, the new M2 adopts the single sweep multimedia and digital instrument screen, already seen in the i4 and iX, while other controls and systems, including ‘iDrive’ are familiar from current BMW models.
Price
No official word from BMW Australia on local pricing at this stage. The outgoing M2 Competition left the local market in January this year, with prices set at $102,900 before on-road costs for the six-speed manual and $109,900 for the seven-speed auto.
It’s reasonable to expect a bump in price to reflect the new car’s upgraded performance and technology, with both versions likely to land in the $110-$120,000 bracket.
Keyword: 2023 BMW M2: Timing, price, performance and everything we know so far about the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S competitor