2023 BMW M2
Starting at $63.195

00:00 Exterior
02:57 Interior
07:28 Trunk and engine
08:10 Special outro

HIGHS
Fun-loving chassis, ballistic acceleration, standard six-speed manual.

LOWS
Rear-seat space is a squeeze, mediocre fuel economy, stop-and-go cruise only available with the automatic.

VERDICT
It may be the entry-point to the world of BMW's M performance lineup, but the M2 thrills like M-cars are supposed to.

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 sport a racier appearance and a chassis tuned for thrilling handling, but its twin-turbocharged inline-six pumps out 453 horsepower—just 20 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, which is rapid-acting medicine to turn frowns the other way around. 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 a double threat—both a track-day hero and a seriously exciting 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.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

M2 $63,195

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 M2 is powered by a 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. During testing, the M2 hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds while equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission will. It crossed a quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds at 118 mph. The eight-speed will likely be a little quicker. 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 race circuit. We found the M2 to be nothing short of smile-inducing. Snapping into turns feels crispy, and the chassis is actively helping to keep you in control, even over slight bumps and imperfections mid-corner. The M2 is just pure Bavarian muscle.

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. During our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route the M2 beat its EPA estimate by two mpg. 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 body-hugging buckets that are said to save 24 pounds of weight.

Read more: https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/m2-2023

Music:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/D...