BMW M2

The 2023 BMW M2 is the latest entry in BMW’s M performance lineup, and it promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engine and agile handling. But how does it stack up against its rivals and predecessors? Here’s an insightful review of the engine and performance of the 2023 BMW M2.

Engine

The 2023 BMW M2 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine that produces 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine that is standard in the M3 and M4, but here it makes 20 horsepower less, presumably to differentiate it from the more expensive models. However, the torque output is identical, which means the M2 has plenty of low-end grunts and mid-range punch.

The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, both of which are smooth and quick. The manual gearbox adds a layer of involvement and fun to the driving experience, while the automatic gearbox offers faster shifts and better fuel efficiency.

The M2 also comes with an electronic rear differential that can vary the torque distribution between the rear wheels to optimize traction and stability.

The engine sounds great, especially when revved hard or when using the sports exhaust mode. It has a deep rumble at idle, a raspy snarl at full throttle, and some pops and crackles on overrun. It may not be as loud or as distinctive as some of its competitors, but it still adds to the excitement.

Performance

The 2023 BMW M2 is a very fast car, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with the automatic transmission, or 3.7 seconds with the manual transmission. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but it can be increased to 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.

The M2 also handles superbly, thanks to its excellent chassis and suspension that deliver thrilling handling, precise steering, and great grip. The M2 is based on the regular 2-series coupe, but it is longer, wider, and lower than before, with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. It also features electronically adaptive dampers, which can adjust the firmness of the ride depending on the driving mode and road conditions.

The M2 is very agile and responsive, with a neutral balance and a playful character. It can be easily controlled with the throttle and steering inputs, and it can also drift sideways with ease thanks to the rear-wheel drive layout and the electronic differential. The steering is light but accurate, with good feedback and a variable ratio. The brakes are strong and fade-resistant, with six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear.

The M2 also comes with various adjustable go-fast software that can alter the engine response, transmission behaviour, steering weight, suspension stiffness, differential locking, stability control intervention, and exhaust sound. The driver can choose from four modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Track. The Track mode is new for the 2023 model, and it disables all driver assistance features and displays only essential information on the digital gauge cluster.

The 2023 BMW M2 is the smallest and most affordable member of BMW’s M performance lineup, but it doesn’t skimp on style or presence. The exterior design of the M2 is bold, aggressive, and sporty, with distinctive features that set it apart from the regular 2-series coupe.

Front

The front of the M2 is dominated by the large kidney grille with high-gloss black twin slats and an M2 designation. The grille is flanked by slim LED headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights and an adaptive cornering function. The front bumper features large air intakes with mesh inserts and horizontal LED fog lights. The hood has a subtle power dome that hints at the potent engine underneath.

Side

The side profile of the M2 is sleek and muscular, with a long hood, a short trunk, and a low roofline. The M2 has flared wheel arches that accommodate the 19/20-inch M light alloy wheels with mixed tires and M compound brakes. The wheels have a jet-black double-spoke design and are wrapped in high-performance rubber. The side mirrors are power-folding and have integrated turn signals. The side sills have a black finish and an M logo.

Rear

The rear of the M2 is equally sporty and dynamic, with a prominent M rear spoiler on the trunk lid that enhances downforce and stability. The trunk lid also has an M2 badge and a third brake light. The rear bumper has a black diffuser that houses the quad tailpipes with chrome finishers. The tailpipes emit a throaty exhaust note that can be adjusted with the sports exhaust mode. The rear LED taillights have a darkened appearance and a three-dimensional effect.

The interior of the M2 is based on the regular 2-series coupe, but it has several M-specific touches that make it more special and distinctive. The dashboard, door panels, and centre console are covered in black leather with contrast stitching, while the headliner is finished in anthracite. 

The seats are sporty and supportive, with adjustable bolsters, light-up M logos, and M colours on the headrests. The seats can be upholstered in either black Dakota leather with blue stitching or black Merino leather with yellow stitching. The latter option also adds carbon fibre trim on the dashboard and door panels.

The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and heated, with an M logo, red contrast stitching, and redshift paddles for the automatic transmission. The gear lever for the manual transmission has a short throw and an illuminated shift pattern. The pedals are made of stainless steel, while the floor mats have an M logo and piping. 

The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch digital display that can show various information and graphics depending on the driving mode and preferences. The centre touchscreen is a 14.9-inch curved display that runs on BMW’s latest iDrive 8 infotainment system. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air updates and cloud-based navigation.

The M2 also comes with a head-up display that projects key information on the windshield, such as speed, navigation, and driver assistance alerts. The sound system is a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers and 464 watts of power. The climate control is a dual-zone automatic system with rear vents. Ambient lighting is an LED system that can change colours and brightness according to the mood or driving mode.

The interior of the M2 is spacious and comfortable for the front passengers, but not so much for the rear ones. The rear seat is tight and cramped, especially for taller or larger adults. The legroom, headroom, and shoulder room are all limited, making it suitable only for short trips or children. The trunk space is decent, with 13.1 cubic feet of volume that can be expanded by folding down the rear seatbacks.

Features

The 2023 BMW M2 comes with a lot of features that enhance its performance, safety, convenience, and comfort. Some of the notable features are:

M Drive Professional: This is a new feature for the M2 that allows the driver to customize various settings and access advanced functions such as Drift Analyzer, M Laptimer, M Traction Control, and Track mode.

M Sport Brakes: These are high-performance brakes that have six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear, painted in blue or red. They provide strong and consistent stopping power and resistance to fade.

M Adaptive Suspension: This is an electronically controlled suspension system that can adjust the damping force of each wheel individually depending on the road conditions and driving mode. It offers a range of settings from Comfort to Sport Plus to suit different preferences and situations.

M Carbon Fiber Package: This is an optional package that adds carbon fibre elements to the exterior and interior of the M2, such as the front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror caps, spoiler, door sills, dashboard trim, and door panel trim. It also replaces the standard seats with lighter and more aggressive carbon fibre bucket seats.

Driver Assistance Package: This is an optional package that adds several driver assistance features to the M2, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function (only available with the automatic transmission), lane departure warning, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, park distance control, parking assistant plus with a surround-view camera, speed limit info, an active driving assistant pro with lane keeping assistant (only available with Track mode), frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation.

The 2023 BMW M2 is a performance car that does not compromise on safety and comfort. The safety and comfort of the M2 are enhanced by its advanced operating system, seamless safety technology, personalized infotainment options, and optional carbon package. Here’s an insightful review of the safety and comfort of the 2023 BMW M2.

Safety

The 2023 BMW M2 is equipped with various safety features that protect the driver and passengers in case of a collision or emergency. Some of the standard safety features are:

Airbags: The M2 has eight airbags, including front, side, head, and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): The M2 has an ABS that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, thus maintaining steering control and reducing stopping distance.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): The M2 has a DSC that monitors the vehicle’s stability and traction, and applies selective braking or reduces engine power to prevent oversteer or understeer.

M Sport Brakes: The M2 has high-performance brakes that have six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear, painted in blue or red. They provide strong and consistent stopping power and resistance to fade.

Some of the optional safety features are:

Driver Assistance Package: This is an optional package that adds several driver assistance features to the M2, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function (only available with the automatic transmission), lane departure warning, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, park distance control, parking assistant plus with a surround view camera, speed limit info, an active driving assistant pro with lane keeping assistant (only available with Track mode), frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation.

M Carbon Fiber Package: This is an optional package that adds carbon fibre elements to the exterior and interior of the M2, such as the front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror caps, spoiler, door sills, dashboard trim, and door panel trim. It also replaces the standard seats with lighter and more aggressive carbon fibre bucket seats. These seats are fully electric and heated and have integrated headrests with illuminated M2 badges. The carbon fibre elements not only enhance the appearance of the M2 but also improve its aerodynamics and rigidity.

Comfort

The 2023 BMW M2 is also a comfortable car that offers a lot of convenience and luxury features for its price. Some of the standard comfort features are:

Leather-wrapped Heated Steering Wheel: The M2 has a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel that has an M logo, red contrast stitching, and redshift paddles for automatic transmission. The steering wheel also has buttons for audio, cruise control, phone, and voice control.

Sporty Seats: The M2 has sporty seats that are supportive and comfortable. They have adjustable bolsters, light-up M logos, and M colours on the headrests. The seats can be upholstered in either black Dakota leather with blue stitching or black Merino leather with yellow stitching.

Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control: The M2 has a dual-zone automatic climate control system that allows the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperature independently. The system also has rear vents for the rear passengers.

Comfort Access Technology: The M2 has comfort access technology that lets you lock and unlock your BMW without having to take your key out of your pocket. You can also start or stop the engine by pressing a button on the dashboard.

Some of the optional comfort features are:

Harman Kardon Surround Sound System: This is an optional sound system that has 16 speakers and 464 watts of power. It delivers a clear and immersive sound quality for your music or phone calls.

Wireless Charging: This is an optional feature that allows you to charge your compatible smartphone wirelessly by placing it on a charging pad in the centre console. It also includes a WiFi hotspot that provides internet access for up to 10 devices.

Heated Front Seats: This is an optional feature that allows you to heat your front seats to three different levels of warmth. It can help you stay comfortable in cold weather or relax your muscles after a long drive.