BMW M has been pretty busy celebrating its 50th Anniversary. From the M4 CSL to the fugly XM, it’s been quite the roller coaster. The latest creation from its stable is the second-generation M2.
Many will be relieved to know that BMW has not messed with the formula for its extremely popular compact sports car. The new M2 is a lot bigger than its predecessor but still relatively small, only drives the rear wheels, and gets the choice of a manual transmission.
Here are five things you need to know about it:
Most powerful M2 ever
It borrows the 3-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder from the current-gen M3 and M4 and here it makes 460hp and 550Nm. That’s an astonishing 90hp more than the standard previous-gen M2, and 16PS more than the balls-out M2 CS. To put it a different way, that’s only 20hp less than the entry-level M3 or the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.
Keeps your left leg busy
While the new M2 gets the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic as standard to send its immense performance to the rear wheels, it also gets the choice of a 6-speed manual. This three-pedal option also comes with a Gear Shift Assistant to help you rev-match but you can switch it off.
The manual variant of the new M2 can do the 0-100kmph sprint in 4.3 seconds. The automatic is faster, of course, doing the same in just 4.1 seconds.
Packed with clever driving tech
The chassis of the new M2 has been developed extensively on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It comes with M-specific adaptive suspension with electronically-controlled dampers, an active rear differential, multi-mode stability and traction control, and 50:50 weight distribution.
Braking is enhanced by the new six-piston brake callipers in the front, combined with the two settings for pedal feel. We expect a future variant to be offered with carbon ceramics too.
Looks alright too
Given the recent trend of new BMW products, it’s allowed to worry that the face of the next one could have also been subjected to the brand’s current design language. Luckily, no such misfortune has befallen the new M2. It is wider and longer than the standard 2 Series Coupe with model-specific bumpers. They feature boxy-shaped vents and outlets front and rear, along with a special rear diffuser and typical M-specific quad-exit exhaust.
The kidney grille is relatively small with M-style horizontal slats. It has a wider track to house the new alloy wheels (19-inch front and 20-inch rear), and more aggressive side skirts. There is a subtly integrated boot-lid spoiler as part of its aerodynamic package while the carbon fibre roof is brand new.
Sporty cabin too
The new BMW M2 gets a modern cabin with its curved integrated display. It has a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The cross stitching and highlights for the blacked-out cabin use BMW M colours, and the cabin is littered with carbon fibre details. It also gets the choice of optional carbon-fibre bucket seats that could shave another 11kg from its kerb weight.
The list of features includes tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, driver assistance systems and a premium audio system. It gets bespoke M graphics in the displays and M-specific functions like the Drift Analyser and Laptimer.
BMW will begin global sales of the new-gen M2 in April 2023. Feel free to share your thoughts on the entry-level BMW M sports car in the comment section below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Auto Loons blog for more cool updates from the car world. You can also follow us on Instagram for more automotive content.
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