2023 BMW M2

How do you replace a guaranteed future classic? That's the tough question that the engineers of the second-generation BMW M2 must have had to ask themselves. In a fairly short time, the previous M2 established itself as one of the most thrilling rear-wheel-drive sports coupes at any price. The new one arrives with more controversial styling and a power bump to 453 horsepower courtesy of the M4's S58 turbocharged six-cylinder engine. For similar money, Porsche fans will have to settle for the 300-hp four-cylinder engine in the base 718 Cayman, one of the M2's main rivals. Mercifully, a six-speed manual is still standard in the M2, but only the new eight-speed automatic that's optional will get you to 60 mph in under four seconds. The interior is vastly improved in terms of sophistication and style, but has a growth spurt and inevitable weight gain blunted the M2's edge? More importantly, can it possibly elevate the driving experience above that of its predecessor?

The second-generation M2 is an all-new arrival for the 2023 model year, replacing the much-loved first-gen M2. It introduces completely fresh styling and a larger, heavier body, but it also has more power thanks to the 453-hp engine from the M4. A six-speed manual remains, and the previous M2's dual-clutch automatic has been replaced by a new optional eight-speed automatic. A Drift Analyzer and 10-position M Traction Control underline the M2's continued positioning as an enthusiast's car. Inside, BMW's Curved Display appears on the M2 for the first time.

Excluding the destination charge in the USA of $995, the price of the 2023 BMW M2 starts at $63,200 when equipped with the six-speed manual, making it just over $3,000 more than the previous model. The M2 with the automatic will cost the same, so it's as simple as choosing your favored transmission. For us, it's a no-brainer: this car begs for a manual transmission, and we'd happily sacrifice a few tenths in the BMW M2's 0-60 sprint to enjoy the sensation of changing gears ourselves.

If there was a criticism of the outgoing BMW M2, it's that its interior had definitely aged and lacked the quality and technologies of newer models. That has all been rectified with the latest M2, which gains an upgraded interior in the style of the facelifted 3 Series. A new Curved Display combining a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, and there are optional M Carbon bucket seats - a first for the M2. Although the overall design of the interior isn't groundbreaking, the M touches such as the illuminated M logos in the headrests do add a touch of sportiness. The tri-color M logos are also found inside the door panels, further lifting the environment.

A four-seater coupe, the BMW M2's redesigned M Sport seats have more pronounced side bolsters than before. There is a similar amount of front-seat interior space in the M2 as in the M4, so six-footers will have no problem getting comfortable behind the wheel. In the second row, the 2023 M2 has less legroom than the M4, but adults of a smaller size can sit back there in reasonable comfort.

Optional carbon fiber bucket seats are available as an optional extra. These look fantastic and hold you firmly in place for high-speed track driving, but they are less practical for daily use. The high side bolsters make them more challenging to get into and out of, so bear this in mind if you decide to tick this box.

At 13.8 cubic feet, the new M2 has a well-sized trunk for a compact coupe. It's a larger trunk than you'll find on some sedans, and there is more cargo space available if you fold down the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats.

Interior storage includes the usual dual front cupholders, spacious door bins, a glovebox, and the center console beneath the armrest. A small storage space is placed between the two rear outboard seating positions.

The interior quality and standard of materials inside the M2's cabin are better than before. Everything feels solid and premium, despite this being BMW's smallest M car. As standard, the seats are covered in Vernasca leather upholstery instead of the SensaTec synthetic leather found on so many other BMWs. Illuminated M trim in the classic trio of M colors livens up the interior, and the sporty steering wheel has a leather wrapping. The Black Vernasca leather can be had with either blue or M Color contrast stitching, and there is a Cognac leather option with its own contrast stitching. Black full Merino leather with M Color highlights is optional.

Customers can also opt for the M Carbon bucket seats with black Merino leather. Trim choices include high gloss black, aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite, and carbon fiber.

The BMW M2 has many features, as it should, since its MSRP exceeds $60k. The M sport seats feature power adjustability and three-stage heating, along with power side bolsters and a memory system for the driver, so there should be no complaints about getting comfortable. Other items include push-button start/stop, comfort access keyless entry, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, a power glass moonroof, multi-zone climate control, and multi-color ambient lighting.

The BMW Curved Display comprises a 12.3-inch configurable digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen running iDrive 8 software. Through this system, you can access HD Radio, SiriusXM with 360L, and play tunes through the Harman Kardon surround sound system. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity are included. The infotainment system is also compatible with over-the-air updates.

On the options list, BMW includes items like a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and a personal eSIM with 5G connectivity.

None of the BMW M2's direct rivals have a standard six-cylinder engine; to get a Porsche Cayman with a six-cylinder, you'll have to spend far more than the M2's base price. This 3.0-liter turbocharged engine in the BMW M2 delivers 453 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque; the latter is delivered between 2,650 and 5,870 rpm. In classic BMW fashion, the M2 is rear-wheel drive only, with no other drivetrain alternative. Although it isn't much quicker than the outgoing model, the M2 with the manual gearbox can still go from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. With the new eight-speed M Steptronic automatic, that time drops to 3.9 seconds. The top speed is 155 mph or 177 mph if the M Driver's Package is equipped.

We found the manual M2 to be a joy to drive, with the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel allowing you to instantly select your favored settings for the engine, steering, and suspension. The manual gearbox has a pleasing shift action, the engine sounds great as you extend it to over 7,000 rpm, and the steering is accurate, if not matching a Cayman for feel. The short wheelbase and wonderful balance of the coupe endow it with a distinctive chuckable nature, although you can also feel its added heft over the previous model.

A drift analyzer is a fun toy to play with in a controlled environment, and there is a 10-position M Traction Control system to keep you out of harm's way. In terms of ride, the M2's adaptive M suspension is harsh over broken surfaces but tolerable if you switch to Comfort mode. In this mode, and with the refined eight-speed auto specifically, it makes for an excellent daily driver considering the performance at its disposal.

Barely more efficient than the larger M3, the BMW M2's gas mileage works out to 16/24/19 mpg city/highway/combined with the manual transmission; the only difference between this and the M3 Competition is that heavier xDrive variant of the M3 Comp is 1 mpg thirstier on the highway. With the automatic, the M2 returns 16/23/19 mpg, making this version marginally less efficient on the highway. The six-pot mill requires premium gasoline.

With a 13.7-gallon fuel tank capacity, the M2 has a range of around 260 miles.

The IIHS and NHTSA have not evaluated the BMW M2 or new-generation 2 Series for crash safety. However, considering the standards in this area are continuously rising, we expect an eventual safety review of the BMW M2 to return excellent results.

The M2 has eight airbags, including front side airbags and front knee airbags. With ten stages of intervention, the M Traction Control system can be configured for the track or less taxing conditions on normal roads. BMW's standard Active Driving Assistant includes forward collision warning, speed limit information, active blind-spot detection, and lane departure warning. Automatic city collision mitigation and braking is standard, as are a rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors. Dynamic cruise control is included, while the more advanced active cruise control with radar is optional. A parking assistant and a head-up display are available, too.

J.D. Power hasn't yet accumulated sufficient data to rate the new BMW M2 for quality and reliability. The 2023 M2 has been affected by one of the recalls issued for the 2 Series, for windows or the sunroof that could unintentionally close without the key being present, which could result in occupant injury.

The warranty for the 2023 BMW M2 runs for four years or 50,000 miles, and three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance is also inclusive.

The exterior of the new BMW M2 coupe still turns heads like its predecessor, but not always for the right reasons. It's a bolder, more aggressive design than before with its blunt grille and brash bumpers, not to mention those dramatically flared rear fenders, but it isn't as cohesive as the previous model. Still, we like the classic coupe proportions, and overall, the design attracts plenty of animated exchanges from onlookers, something you want a car like this to do.

As standard, the M2 rides on 19-/20-inch M Light Allow wheels. It gets LED headlights as standard, prominent quad tailpipes at the back, and an M rear spoiler. Shadowline exterior trim is an M staple, and there is an optional Shadowline package that even darkens the lights and exhaust tips. With the Carbon package, the standard roof is replaced with a carbon one. Adaptive full LED headlights and automatic high beams are also available.

The second-generation BMW M2 represents a bit of a dichotomy. Its wilder styling leads you to believe it's an even more raucous drive than its predecessor, yet it comes across as a more refined car, and its weight gain moves it closer to the M4 and further from the previous model, which had a particularly playful driving demeanor. The new automatic gearbox option is more refined but not as fun as the previous dual-clutch unit, either. We may be splitting hairs here, but the older M2 was so good that it demands these comparisons be made. Viewed independently, the new M2 is still a superb sports coupe. It's as quick and flexible as you need, its responses are taut and well-measured, and it's hard to complain too much when the classic manual and RWD setup are still intact. The new interior packs in far more technology, even if the screens feel a little out of place in a small, driver-focused coupe like this one. BMW's junior M car still demands respect.