The New 2023 BMW M2 Coupe Packs 453hp

• BMW has opted to keep the M2’s grille reasonable.

• A 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic transmission will be offered.

The 2023 BMW M2 coupe marks the model’s second generation, and it boasts a boatload of improvements over its predecessor. The M2 remains rear-wheel drive only, but its new twin-turbo straight-six makes 453 horsepower and pairs with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. With a starting price of $63,195 in the US, the new M2 will go on sale in April 2023.

The 2023 M2 is powered by the brand’s magnificent 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that produces 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. With the manual gearbox, which features rev matching and launch control, the M2 will hit 100km/h in only 4.3 seconds. The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, cuts the sprint time by 0.2 seconds. And this is without AWD mind you.

Keeping the power to the ultra-wide (for a 2) 19-inch front and 20-inch light-alloy wheels and tires on the ground is an adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and an Active M Differential that can seamlessly generate a locking effect of up to 100 % should the need be felt. Braking duties are handled by powerful M Compound brakes with six-piston, fixed-caliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-caliper brakes at the rear.

Visually, the second-generation M2 doesn’t stray too far from the original formula that made the first car such a hit with car enthusiasts worldwide. It still has the aggressive stance and muscular proportions that defined its predecessor, but there are some subtle changes that help bring it up to date with the rest of BMW’s current lineup.

For instance, the kidney grille is larger and more prominent but is thankfully not one of the elements borrowed from the M3 and M4. It also includes a number of individual touches in the form of the spoiler lip on the boot lid, the vertically arranged reflectors, the rear apron’s diffuser insert, and the two pairs of exhaust tailpipes positioned a long way in from the outer edges.

The choice of five exterior paint finishes available for the new BMW M2 includes the Zandvoort Blue solid and Toronto Red metallic shades exclusive to this model. An M Carbon roof that reduces vehicle weight by around six kilograms is offered as an option. To note, the new 2023 BMW M2 measures 214 mm less in exterior length than the BMW M4 Coupé models and has a 110 mm shorter wheelbase.

On the inside, the cabin features high-quality materials and an intuitive layout that will be familiar to anyone who has been behind the wheel of a BMW product in recent years. The driver and passengers are treated to comfortable and supportive sports seats, while standard equipment includes items like wireless charging, three climate zones, ambient lighting, and a 10.25-inch infotainment display screen.

The new 2023 BMW M2 will undoubtedly be an exceptional driving machine. It will be built alongside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé at the BMW Group’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico and is set to launch in April 2023. Pricing starts at $76,500 CAD.