2023 BMW M2 Review Pricing and Specs

Overview

Though it shares its bones with the regular BMW 2-series, the 2023 M2 takes that car’s already impressive performance and turns the heat way up. Not only does it sport a racier appearance and a chassis tuned for thrilling handling, but its twin-turbocharged inline-six pumps out 453 horsepower—just 20 shy of the output of the M3’s standard engine. Like the previous M2, the new one employs rear-wheel drive and comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, so we’re hoping it also preserves its predecessor’s delightful driving behavior. The new-generation M2 features more tech than the last one, including BMW’s latest iDrive 8 infotainment interface and an accompanying digital dashboard. A host of driver-assistance features is now available too. The M2’s performance potential, combined with its generous standard equipment, means it’s likely to be a double threat—both a track-day hero and a seriously exciting daily driver.

What’s New for 2023?

Ever since the regular 2-series coupe was redesigned we’ve been waiting for it to spawn the powerhouse M2 variant. The wait is nearly over as BMW says the new model is on track to hit the market in April, 2023.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We’re notorious stick-shift enthusiasts so we’d go with the standard six-speed manual rather than opt for the slightly more expensive eight-speed automatic. The M Driver’s Package unlocks a higher top speed of 177 mph (versus 155 mph), so we’d also consider adding that. Otherwise, the M2 comes equipped with everything we think is essential as standard equipment in a pure driver’s car.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 M2 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which churns out a whopping 453 horsepower and 406 pound-ft of torque. This is the same engine that is standard in M3s and M4s, though here it makes 20 fewer horsepower; its torque output is identical, however. All M2s are rear-wheel drive, and buyers can choose from either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. We estimate that the M2 will hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds when equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic; ordering the standard six-speed manual transmission will likely result in a slightly slower result in the same metric. Of course, it wouldn’t be an M car without a specially tuned suspension and various other chassis enhancements that help it to be the quickest version of the 2-series to circle a race circuit. We had a chance to test drive a prototype M2 on a racetrack in Austria but, sadly, our experience was cut short by a heavy rain. When we got behind the wheel on American roads we were smitten with the M2’s road manners, which are both athletic and refined. We’re looking forward to testing the M2 for ourselves at our own track, and when we do we’ll update this story with details.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA has given the M2 fuel economy estimates of 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway when equipped with the six-speed manual; go with the eight-speed automatic and the highway rating drops to 23 mpg. When we get a chance, we’ll take the M2 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with results. For more information about the M2’s fuel economy, visit