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Overview
Though it shares its bones with the regular BMW 2-series, the 2023 M2 takes that car’s already impressive performance and turns the heat way up. Not only does it have a racier appearance and a specially tuned chassis, but its twin-turbocharged inline-six pumps out 453 horsepower—just 20 horsepower shy of the output of the M3’s standard engine. Like the previous M2, the new one employs rear-wheel drive and comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, so we’re hoping it also preserves its predecessor’s delightful driving behavior. The new-generation M2 features more tech than the last one, including BMW’s latest iDrive 8 infotainment interface and an accompanying digital dashboard. A host of driver-assistance features is now available too. The M2’s performance potential combined with its generous standard equipment means it’s likely to be a double threat—both a track-day hero and an attractive daily driver.
What's New for 2023?
Ever since the regular 2-series coupe was redesigned, we’ve been waiting for it to spawn the powerhouse M2 variant. The wait is nearly over as BMW says the new model is on track to hit the market in April, 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’re notorious stick-shift enthusiasts so we’d go with the standard six-speed manual rather than opt for the slightly more expensive eight-speed automatic. The M Driver’s Package unlocks a higher top speed of 177 mph (versus 155 mph), so we’d also consider adding that. Otherwise, the M2 comes equipped with everything we think is essential as standard equipment in a pure driver’s car.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 M2 is powered by a BMW’s S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which churns out a whopping 453 horsepower and 406 pound-ft of torque. This is the same engine that is standard in M3s and M4s, though here it makes 20 fewer horsepower; its torque output is identical, however. All M2s are rear-wheel drive, and buyers can choose from either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims that this powertrain is capable of launching the M2 to 60 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds when equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic; ordering the standard six-speed manual transmission will result in a slightly slower 4.1-second result in the same metric, the company says. These estimates are likely conservative as the previous-generation M2 Competition, which made only 405 horsepower, managed a 3.9-second 60-mph time at our test track. Of course, it wouldn’t be an M car without a specially tuned suspension and various other chassis enhancements that help it to be the quickest version of the 2-series to circle a racetrack. We had a chance to test drive a prototype M2 on a racetrack in Austria but, sadly, our experience was cut short by heavy rainfall. When we get a chance to test the new model, we’ll update this story with driving impressions and test results.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA has given the M2 fuel economy estimates of 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway when equipped with the six-speed manual; go with the eight-speed automatic and the highway rating drops to 23 mpg. When we get a chance, we’ll take the M2 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with results. For more information about the M2’s fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the M2 features the same layout as the regular 2-series coupe. Passenger space is plentiful for front-seat riders but those relegated to the rear may be wishing you had sprung for a 3-series sedan. The design is racy and the front seats feature dramatic bolstering and light-up M logos. Opt for the Carbon Fiber package and a layer of the stuff is draped on multiple surfaces of the M2's cabin and those sport seats are swapped out for even more aggressive ones that are said to save 24 pounds of weight.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A digital monolith of a screen informs the driver of every bit of data they could possibly need. A 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel serves as a reconfigurable gauge display and seamlessly transitions to a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen that provides access to the M2’s iDrive 8 infotainment system. Navigation is standard and a head-up display and 5G connectivity are both optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All M2s come with basic driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, but if you want more advanced tech, such as a stop-and-go feature for the cruise control, but you’ll have to pay extra and also opt for the automatic transmission. For more information about the M2’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Compared with its direct competitors, BMW has equal or better warranty coverage. Specifically, it has an unrivaled complimentary scheduled-maintenance program.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
