Take a very close look because this 2023 BMW M2 is the last M model sucking air to a straight six. After this second-generation unit, the German automaker will downsize the engine and complement it with motors to fulfill its plans to electrify up to 50% of its lineup by 2030. And yes, it is already in Thailand.
Looking just like the model unveiled late last year, the 2023 BMW M2 is brutishly square in all aspects. From the grille opening, the air ducts, and the rear bumper characteristics, it exhibits boxy proportions its predecessor never had. Its edgier body makes it longer (4,580 mm), wider (1,887 mm), and lower (1,403 mm in height) than the first-generation unit, but the turning radius remains the same at 5.9 meters.
Under the hood is a 24-valve inline-six 3.0-liter gasoline engine with TwinPower turbo. It sends 460 PS and 550 Nm of torque to the wheels via an M Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission with Drivelogic technology. Owners who want to shift manually can use the carbon-fiber paddle shifters or just buy the variant with a six-speed manual transmission.
According to BMW, it goes from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 13.5 seconds, all the way to an electronically-capped top speed of 250 km/h. To come down safely from that speed, the automaker equipped it with ceramic disc brakes with cooling fins. The front has six-pot calipers, while the rear has a one-pot caliper.
Each 2023 M2 has an M-tuned adaptive aluminum suspension with lightweight components. The front gets an independent double joint system, while the rear uses an aluminum, independent five-link design. It also uses an electric power steering system with M Servotronic features and variable sport steering.
The cabin gets new electronically-adjustable M sports seats with illuminated M badges on the headrests, a position memory system, and an M-designed safety belt. Behind the M leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel is a cockpit with two screens, a 12.3- and a 14.9-inch, positioned side by side in a curved frame. It displays M-specific controls and various other menus, including the infotainment system.
Other interior features include carbon fiber accents, BMW individual leather lining, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW ConnectedDrive System, BMW Connected Package Professional, and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
Aside from the basic safety features of regular BMW models, the 2023 M2 comes with head airbags for the driver and front passenger and a crash sensor that controls all other safety systems in the event of a collision.
Now that it is in Thailand, it won’t be long before the 2023 BMW M2 makes it to the Philippines. Use this time to decide whether you want it in Zandvoort Blue Solid, Alpine White Solid, Toronto Red Metallic, Brooklyn Gray Metallic, or Black Sapphire Metallic. You can also expect it to make its public debut during next week's Bangkok International Motor Show.
