After a long teaser campaign, the 2023 BMW M2 has been revealed with more power, more sporting attitude and a bold new look. Based on the all-new 2 Series coupe, the M2 adds a number of hardcore sporty features, including a 338kW 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission or optional eight-speed auto and enough performance for a 4.1 second 0-100km/h sprint time. The new M2 will go on sale in Australia in the first half of 2023.
According to BMW, “the second generation of the renowned M2 brings together compact dimensions and powertrain and chassis technology from the BMW M3 and M4 to create a two-door sports car of immense capability with controllable handling even at the limit.”
Under the bonnet of the 2023 BMW M2 is a 338kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine that is matched to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic (instead of the previous generation’s seven-speed dual-clutch auto). That makes it 7kW/20Nm less grunty than the entry-level M3 that uses the same engine, but with 7kW more than the M2 CS, which was the most powerful version of the previous shape M2.
Despite an increase in weight (it now weighs 150kg more at a minimum of 1,710kg), the 2023 BMW M2’s 0-100km/h sprint time is very quick at just 4.1 seconds for the auto and 4.3 seconds for the manual, while the 250km/h speed limiter can be lifted to 285km/h with the optional M Carbon Experience Package, which also includes a professional driving course.
While it weighs more than the current shape M2, BMW says that the 2023 BMW M2 has perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a 60mm-wider track than the M240i that sits below it for even sharper handling. Other dynamic features include an electric-locking rear differential, adaptive suspension, variable sports-ratio steering and 10 levels of traction and stability control settings. 19-inch wheels sit at the front, but bigger 20s are at the rear with 380mm six-piston front and 370mm single-piston rear steel brakes.
Inside the 2023 BMW M2 are new displays, more tech and even sportier styling treatments than before. The new curved screen hides both a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 14.9-inch main touchscreen with BMW’s latest 8.0 operating system. But the M2 has a greater range of displays than the regular 2 Series, including M-specific graphics, track modes and even the ability to switch off the main infotainment display to allow the driver to focus on the driving.
Standard features on the 2023 BMW M2 include all-LED lighting, tri-zone climate control, ‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery with electric and heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, a Harmon Kardon sound system, a heads-up display, a carbon fibre roof, wireless phone charging, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (regular cruise control for the manual), blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assistance, Matrix headlights with adaptive high beam and digital radio.
Optionally available is a $14,500 M Carbon Experience Package, which adds M Carbon bucket seats with black ‘Merino’ leather upholstery, an BMW M Driving Experience Advance 1 course and a higher 285km/h top speed.
All colour options are no-cost extra and include ‘Alpine White’, ‘M Zandvoort Blue’, ‘Black Sapphire’, ‘M Toronto Red’ and ‘M Brooklyn Grey’. Interior options include black or cognac tan.
2022 BMW M2 pricing (plus on-road costs):
- M2: $119,900
The 2023 BMW M2 will go on sale in Australia sometime in 2023, with local pricing and specifications to be announced in due course. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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