2023 BMW M2

　　

2023 BMW M2 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Here's the simple five-step recipe to create an entry-level high-performance BMW coupe: 1) Take one rear-wheel-drive 2 Series; 2) fortify the chassis with extra stiffening; 3) add a wallop of power by using the engine from the M4; 4) let BMW's M division engineers sort it all out; and 5) add some heroic fender flares. Boom, you've got yourself the new 2023 BMW M2.

　　While the previous-generation M2 was light and athletic and packed serious midrange power, it took some real skill to explore its limits. On a less than perfect back road, it was equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. The new M2 is much more buttoned-down and composed on pockmarked roads, partially thanks to its adaptive suspension dampers (which weren't available for the previous M2). Even the firmest setting allows the M2 to really dig into the pavement without being so easily distracted by crown, camber and bumps.

　　BMW stuffs its latest M division twin-turbo inline-six into the new M2. The 3.0-liter engine, known as the S58, belts out 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque and revs out to 7,200 rpm. The engine makes a not insubstantial 48 more hp than the 2019-2021 M2 Competition, but it comes up 20 ponies shy of the base version of the M4, which has this same engine.

　　Inside, the new M2 is more modern than its predecessor. Literally front and center are a digital instrument panel and touchscreen living side by side under a single curved display panel. The 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system dwarfs the previous 8.8-inch unit and features a next-generation iDrive 8 operating system. The screen is bright and attractive, but some of our editors preferred the older model's analog instrument panel and relatively basic design.

　　We're all in agreement that the old car looked better. But when you're behind the wheel of the new M2, you won't have to worry about that. When your biggest gripes are the loss of analog gauges and disjointed styling, you know BMW has cooked up something special. Stay with zzdcar for our full instrumented test of the new M2 as well as our Expert Rating of this likely future classic.

　　

Which M2 does zzdcar recommend?

The M2 is sold in one trim level, but there are numerous packages and options available. We'd start our specification by sticking with the stick; the M2 is one of the few BMWs still available with a manual transmission, and we think you should snag it while you still can. Check the boxes for the heated steering wheel and wireless charging pad since they are both solid quality-of-life upgrades that don't add much to the bottom line. We also recommend going to one of BMW's driving schools to be acquainted with the limits of the M2. You don't need to spec the M Driver's package or Carbon package to do this. The schools are available to anyone, and you'll save some money by booking directly rather than optioning it on your new M2.

　　

BMW M2 models

The 2023 BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the luxury automaker's entry-level 2 Series coupe. Under the hood of this rear-wheel-drive two-door is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six pumping out 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with an eight-speed automatic available as a no-cost option.

　　The M2 comes in a single well-equipped trim level, though a number of equipment packages and stand-alone options are available. Every M2 comes with:

　　19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels with summer performance tires M Sport performance rear differential Adaptive suspension dampers (help improve ride comfort and handling stability) Sport exhaust Sunroof Keyless entry and ignition Auto-dimming mirrors Ambient lighting Dual-zone climate control Power-adjustable front sport seats with heating Leather upholstery 14.9-inch touchscreen Navigation system Harman Kardon audio system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoStandard advanced safety equipment includes:

　　Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)Optional equipment packages and add-ons include:

　　M Driver's package M2's speed limit is increased from 155 mph to 177 mph A day at a high-performance driving school Carbon package Black wheels Carbon-fiber roof Carbon-fiber interior trim Seats partially made with weight-saving carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic M Driver's package Lighting package Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Automatic high-beam control Shadowline package Black exhaust tips and headlight accents Remote engine start (automatic only) Heated steering wheel Carbon-fiber roof Carbon-fiber interior trim Wireless charging pad Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the BMW and the car in front; automatic transmission only) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot while the driver controls acceleration and braking) Wi-Fi hotspot Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)

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