2023 BMW M2 Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
BMW's entry-level M car is far from a beginner. Although it's sport compact in size, the first-generation RWD coupe has outsized grunt, in fact it has the same 453-hp engine as the M3. For 2023, the M2 begins its second generation with greater capability and updated styling and technology. BMW has suggested this M2 could be the last gas-only model from its M performance division.
What We Think
The M2 has always been a hoot to drive, and the 2023 model offers more of the same. We tested the new-generation model and were impressed by the coupe's great balance and confident handling. There's plenty of power on tap, and both the steering and the chassis were very communicative. In fact, even the brake-by-wire pedal gave us feedback through the seat and steering wheel.
Right out of the box, this M2 is an entertaining and accessible track-day partner. The exceptionally cool-looking standard front seats are also more comfortable than we expected, and the driving position is near perfect. Manual models have great clutch feel for performance driving and daily use. It remains one of the better premium sport compacts in its class, but BMW says future generations will rewrite the M2's formula with electrification.
2023 M2 Performance
Every 2023 M2 comes with a standard 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six and either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The engine is the same unit that's in the base M3 and M4. It's rated at 453 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, just 20 hp less than the base versions its bigger siblings. The 2023 M2 also cribs its electric power steering and rear dampers from the current M3/M4. Additionally, its standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are the same ones you pay extra for on the M3 and M4: 275/35R19 front and 285/30R20 rear on 9.5x19 and 10.5x20-inch wheels. In our testing, 0-60 mph happened in just 3.6 seconds and an automatic-equipped M2 blitzed the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at 120.3 mph. Although the M2 is more fun with the manual, its performance figures aren't quite as good: 0-60 mph arrived in 3.8 seconds and the quarter mile took 12.2 seconds at 118.7 mph.
Technology
The 2023 M2 gets a wide, curved rectangular floating screen like the one in the new BMW iX that's in fact two displays, one for the gauge cluster and a central infotainment screen. Road, Sport, and Track modes are standard on every M2. Road mode places a blue speedometer on the left and a red tachometer on the right of the cluster, Sport mode cranks up the red on the tachometer, and Track mode swaps the graphic speedometer with a digital readout. Track also displays other important information on the left (tire pressures, important temperatures, or M settings) with a digital speedometer in the middle, displayed in a smaller font than the gear indicator. This mode also turns off the infotainment half of the curved display to limit distraction.
When Will the 2023 M2 Be Available? And How Much Will It Cost?
The global launch of the 2023 BMW M2 is scheduled to begin in April 2023. Pricing starts at $63,195 including destination, or about $10,000 below the M3.
