After months of teasers, rumors, and predictions, BMW unveiled the second generation M2 as its M sub-brand approaches its milestone 50th anniversary. Now that it's here, does it bring game-changing upgrades to the outgoing generation? In short, this is the best M2 to date, which looks sleek and brings excellent performance for the starting price of $62,200.
The BMW M2 Looks Stunning In Its Official Debut
Recently, BMW M's eccentric design cues have given fans the freedom to admire or despise them. It started with the G80 M3 with its massive, vertically stretched kidney grilles. Next, the XM came with the illuminated trapezoidal grille. Now it is the M2, which looks a bit boxy. In September, images of the production-spec M2 were leaked, giving us our first glimpse of the G87 M2. However, not all were entirely thrilled by its looks, but some opinions may change with the G87 M2’s official debut.
Compared to the earlier generation M2, the new model looks more muscular and less aerodynamic, illustrated by the front fascia. The LED headlights are not the sleekest in BMW’s lineup, and the kidney grilles are not awfully swollen like its older sibling, the M3. Instead, the new M2's inlets are boxy, along with the squared-off lower radiator grille and the side vents. Overall, it does not look bad, but BMW could have added a more slippery design over the M240i’s silhouette.
In profile, the M2 has a proper sports car look with 19-inch M wheels at the front and 20 inches at the rear. The design quirks do not end there. Just like the front fascia, the rear end of the new M2 is squared off with quad exhaust tailpipes and a redesigned bumper. There is a ducktail spoiler at the tail end, and the LED taillights are familiar to the M240i.
The next generation M2 measures 180.3 inches in length, 74.3 inches in width, and 55.2 inches in height. It sits 4.8 inches above the ground and has a wheelbase of 108.1 inches. Compared to the earlier M2 Competition, the new M2 is 4.1 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 0.3 inches shorter. Also, the G87 M2 has a 2.1-inch longer wheelbase and is over 200 pounds heavier than the model it replaces.
iDrive 8 Makes its Way to the New M2
The cabin of the new M2 is adorned with electronically adjustable M Sport seats and a beautiful curved display on the dashboard. The display features a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch driver information display. Both displays run on the latest iDrive 8 software, with some M touches to distinguish the M2 from the other non-M cars. BMW will add some carbon fiber bits on the center console, paddle shifters, and dashboard as optional extras. BMW also offers carbon seats as an option, just like the M3 and the M4, and installing them alone will shed 24 pounds.The leather-wrapped steering wheel is the same as in other M cars.
BMW M’s Tried-and-Tested S58 Engine Finally Makes its Way to the M2
The G87 M2 Coupe will utilize the same powertrain as the M3 and the M4, the S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six engine. In M2 guise it delivers 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque through the rear wheels, matching the previously leaked figures. The S58 will be mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox by default, but BMW will offer a six-speed manual for extra cash.
The second generation M2 packs 48 horsepower more than its predecessor. However, the torque is the same as before. With the eight-speed automatic, the new M2 can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.9 seconds and 4.1 seconds with the manual. BMW also limited the top speed to 155 mph, but with the M Driver’s Package, it can be increased to 177 mph.
While the 2023 M2 is not as fast in straight-line acceleration as you may have wanted, it seems that BMW made the M2 more track-focused than ever. As a result, BMW will offer loads of customizations for gearbox, suspension tuning, and even Dynamic Stability Control to appease enthusiasts.