2023 BMW M2

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. During testing, the M2 hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds while equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission will. It crossed a quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds at 118 mph. The eight-speed will likely be a little quicker. 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 found the M2 to be nothing short of smile-inducing. Snapping into turns feels crispy, and the chassis is actively helping to keep you in control, even over slight bumps and imperfections mid-corner. The M2 is just pure Bavarian muscle.

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. During our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route the M2 beat its EPA estimate by two mpg. For more information about the M2’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the M2 features the same layout as the regular 2-series coupe. Passenger space is plentiful for front-seat riders but those relegated to the rear may be wishing you had sprung for a 3-series sedan. The design is racy, and the front seats feature dramatic bolstering and light-up M logos. Opt for the Carbon Fiber package and a layer of the stuff is draped on multiple surfaces of the M2’s cabin, and those sport seats are swapped out for even more aggressive body-hugging buckets that are said to save 24 pounds of weight.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A digital monolith of a screen informs the driver of every bit of data they could possibly need. A 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel serves as a reconfigurable gauge display and seamlessly transitions to a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen that provides access to the M2’s iDrive 8 infotainment system. Navigation is standard and a head-up display and 5G connectivity are both optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All M2s come with basic driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, but if you want more advanced tech, such as a stop-and-go feature for the cruise control, but you’ll have to pay extra and opt for the automatic transmission. For more information about the M2’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Compared with its direct competitors, BMW has equal or better warranty coverage. Specifically, it has an unrivaled complimentary scheduled-maintenance program.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs