- Utilitarian Exterior Elements
- More Power, Quicker 0-60 Sprint
- Interior and Tech
- Pricing and Release Date
Competes with: Audi RS 3, Mercedes-AMG CLA45, Porsche 718 Cayman
Powertrain: 453-horsepower, twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine; six-speed manual transmission or available eight-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Early 2023
After redesigning the 2 Series Coupe for 2022, BMW has now turned its attention to the sports car’s high-performance variant, the M2. Redesigned for 2023, the second generation of the brand’s smallest M model gets a more powerful engine, track-oriented technology, a performance-optimized exterior and interior tweaks, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission that can replace the coupe’s standard six-speed manual.
Utilitarian Exterior Elements
2023 BMW M2 | Manufacturer image
The redesigned 2023 M2 has a longer, wider and lower stance than the previous generation, according to the automaker; the two-door, four-seat sports coupe grows 4.1 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider and sits one-third inch lower than the outgoing model. BMW says the M2’s 108.1-inch wheelbase plays a key role in the vehicle’s agility — it grows by 2.1 inches but is still 4.3 inches shorter than its M4 stablemate. The M2’s defining characteristics include a long hood, short overhangs, a far-set passenger compartment, a sloped roofline and pronounced wheel arches.
The M2 stands out from lesser 2 Series variants with unique exterior features that serve a greater purpose beyond pure aesthetics and help with engine cooling and aerodynamics. The coupe’s new frameless grille takes on a horizontal shape, deviating from the larger M3 and M4’s prominent vertical kidneys. Below the grille are three-section rectangular lower air intakes designed to keep the powertrain and brakes cool during spirited bouts of driving. The vehicle’s rear end also lends a hand in the performance department, with a rear spoiler to generate additional downforce, a racing-inspired diffuser insert and the M’s signature quad tailpipes. Other changes include redesigned LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights and turn signals, as well as an optional carbon-fiber roof that reduces the M2’s weight and improves its center of gravity and handling, says BMW.
Shoppers will be able to choose from five exterior paint colors: Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Toronto Red metallic and Zandvoort Blue, which is exclusive to the M2. The sports coupe rides on M-specific light-alloy black wheels measuring 19-inches at the front and 20-inches at the rear; a bicolor finish for the wheels will also be available.
More Power, Quicker 0-60 Sprint
2023 BMW M2 | Manufacturer image
The previous-generation M2’s 405-hp, six-cylinder engine is replaced with a twin-turbo inline-six, which bumps horsepower to 453. According to the automaker, the engine was optimized for power and efficiency thanks to design improvements like a crankshaft drive with high torsional rigidity and a 3D-printed cylinder-head core for further weight reduction.
The 2023 M2 keeps a six-speed manual transmission as standard and offers a new available eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces the outgoing model’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With the manual, the M2 gets a BMW-estimated 0-60 mph sprint of 4.1 seconds; the automatic drops the time down to 3.9 seconds. An electronically limited top speed ranges from 155 mph to 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
The M2’s chassis improvements, compact size and weight distribution, along with its rear-wheel drive setup, help optimize handling, according to BMW. The sports coupe also features an M-tuned suspension that uses electronically controlled dampers to maximize contact with the road and improve traction.
Driver-selectable modes like Sport and Track control the level of electronic intervention and driver-assistance systems depending on the driving scenario, either reducing them (Sport) or completely disabling them (Track).
Interior and Tech
2023 BMW M2 | Manufacturer image
By stretching the wheelbase, BMW says it has increased legroom in the M2’s front and rear. The coupe also sees new M sport seats with side bolsters, perforated leather upholstery and an illuminated M logo in the head restraints. An optional Carbon Package swaps the standard seats for heated carbon-fiber bucket seats, resulting in a 24-pound weight reduction; the package also adds carbon-fiber trim throughout the interior.
Technology upgrades for the M2 include the latest version of BMW’s iDrive 8 system and a large, horizontal curved display that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. Built-in navigation comes standard, while a head-up display is optional.
Standard driver-assist features include a Park Distance Control with front and rear sensors, dynamic cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. For models with the automatic transmission, a more advanced Active Cruise Control system with Stop and Go is available.
Falling into the category of “less practical, but more fun” are track-friendly features including the standard M Laptimer that keeps track of your best lap times and an M Drift Analyzer that helps you improve your drifting skills by recording the duration, distance and angle of your most recent attempt.
Pricing and Release Date
2023 BMW M2 | Manufacturer image
The 2023 BMW M2 is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2023 with a starting price of $63,195 (all prices include destination). That’s a notable premium over the 2023 2 Series starting price of $38,395 for the base 230i Coupe and $49,095 for the higher-performance M240i. Meanwhile the M2’s base price falls midpack among its luxury performance rivals: The Audi RS 3 starts at $59,995, the Mercedes AMG CLA45 Coupe at $56,950 and the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman at $64,850.
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Keyword: Redesigned 2023 BMW M2: The Smallest M Scores Big HP Boost