2023 BMW M2 debuts with 460 PS; last non-hybrid M
Second-gen BMW M2 is the final pure combustion M car
After a series of teasers and image leaks, the second-generation M2 is finally here. Free from its camouflage, BMW has unveiled its final non-hybrid M car to the public.
The 2023 M2 looks nothing like the rest of BMW's 2-series lineup. The car receives distinct styling which starts off with the functional three-section lower grille that cools down the M2's vital drivetrain components and brakes. The lower intakes are placed below the signature twin-kidney grille finished in black.
Whereas the old M2 looked athletic, the new one exhibits pure muscle. Taking inspiration from the 1 Series M coupe, the M2 matches the front and rear tracks of its much bigger brother, the M4. Because of this, BMW fitted the M2 with wide fenders. Round the back, the width increase is more profound with the bold bumper design and an aggressive diffuser that houses the BMW M signature quad tailpipes.
Aside from its wider stance, the 2023 M2 has significantly grown in overall size when compared to its predecessor. Its dimensions now stand at 4580 mm long, 1887 mm wide, and 1403 mm tall. That means the second-gen M2 has grown 112 mm longer, and 33 mm wider but is 7 mm shorter in height. In addition, the new model's wheelbase has been stretched by 54 mm.
Step inside the 2023 M2 and you're greeted by an illuminated M logo on the headrests of the newly-designed M sports seats. The dashboard has BMW's curved display that houses the 12.3 and 14.9-inch screens, featuring M-specific controls, displays, and configurations. In addition, there's an M setup menu where the driver can tweak the car's control systems to alter the behavior of the chassis, steering, brakes, and traction control to their preference.
The 2023 M2 weighs 1725 kg, but BMW is offering a Carbon Package to put the car on a weight diet. The package consists of M carbon bucket seats, an M carbon roof, and interior trim pieces in carbon fiber finish.
As for its powertrain, the 2023 BMW M2 uses the S58, a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo inline-six engine that produces 460 PS and 550 Nm of torque with no hybrid assistance. BMW offers a six-speed manual as standard, but there is also an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission to drive the rear wheels.
BMW says the 2023 M2 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual, while the 8-speed auto can do it in 3.9 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, but the optional M driver's package can increase that to 284 km/h. Stopping power is courtesy of four-wheel disc brakes with six-piston calipers in front and single-piston at the rear.
The 2023 BMW M2 will be manufactured exclusively at the marque's San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, making it the first-ever M car to be made outside Germany. BMW offers the M2 in five available exterior colors: Alpine White, Sapphire Metallic, Brooklyn Gray Metallic, Toronto Red Metallic, and the new exclusive Zandvoort Blue.
The global launch of the M2 will get underway by April 2023 when it will be sold in the US market for USD 63,194 (PHP 3.7-million). But of course, when it eventually comes to the Philippine market and gets subject to taxes, import duties, exchange rates, and all other additional charges, we can expect the M2 to cost around 2 to 3 times more.
