More than ever in its history, the second-generation M2 (G87) is approaching the caliber of the Bavarian brand’s M3 and M4, while retaining the very playful character that its drive gear and straight-six cylinder gives it. Cylinder perfectly balanced.
To design this second generation of the M2, BMW engineers took the competition variant of the first model generation (F87) as the benchmark for dynamics and performance. However, performance is taken up a notch by adopting an engine derived from the M3 and M4, releasing 453 hp, nearly 90 more than the first M2.
For this first contact, an M2 in Zandvoort Blue was waiting for us in the parking lot. Equipped with the optional but complimentary six-speed manual (the standard transmission is an 8-speed automatic) and carbon bucket seats that are part of the M Carbon package ($13,000), it’s the perfect car for driving on the mountainous Streets north of Scottsdale.
Photo: Uwe Fischer
Almost as heavy as the M4
This second generation M2 is based on the CLAR platform shared with M3 and M4. Its dimensions have grown compared to the previous model, and its mass has increased so much that the new M2 is almost as heavy as the M4. On the marked roads we rode, this mass increase didn’t prove as damaging as one might fear.
However, BMW didn’t rent a track for the new M2, while the manufacturer did at Laguna Seca for the first generation of the model and at Mosport for the CS version. In short, since this first contact took place on the road and not on the track, it was not possible to push the car to its limits, for obvious safety reasons. However, the roads were often very winding and featured multiple elevation changes, an environment that was well-suited to this high-profile sports coupe.
Photo: Uwe Fischer
First observation: the steering is exceptionally precise and linear and the body of this M2, which is reinforced at the front and rear, is very rigid. The car retains an optimal weight distribution, its track is now wider, its ground connection is ensured by a specific sports chassis with controlled dampers, and it rolls on mixed tires with 19-inch rims at the front and 20-inch at the rear. All these elements make it a real pleasure to drive, even if it’s heavier than before.
A remarkable engine
BMW is a master of the past in the design and development of the in-line 6 and that of the M2 does not disappoint. With 453 hp, almost 10 hp more than the previous M2 CS, this twin-turbo engine is powerful and lively with revs from 7,200 rpm. With the manual gearbox, the drivetrain is simply exceptional, and it’s a pleasure to pull the lever to unleash its full performance potential.
Photo: Uwe Fischer
For experienced riders it is possible to disable the electronic system that facilitates downshifts via a submenu in the user interface, making it possible to do the heel tip yourself, with the pedals brilliantly arranged. When this system is in operation, a rider who does not control heel-toe can still exploit this box with panache, as the electronics automatically provide for the engine revs to ramp up before shifting to a lower gear.
Because the M2 features an M-calibrated active differential, torque vectoring is on the agenda, and traction control can be calibrated to ten levels of engagement to allow for controlled drifts of varying amplitudes. It would have been interesting to validate its operation over a wide range of these settings, but the context of a road test did not allow for this.
With its wide fenders, which accommodate its mixed tires, the M2 is decidedly sporty, but remains quite sober with a subtle spoiler over the trunk. It has a specific grille with horizontal slats and four exhaust ports, elements that immediately evoke its sporting vocation. The M2 does just enough style without going overboard.
Photo: Uwe Fischer
Digital panel and new iDrive generation
The interior of the M2 focuses on the digital display Curved Display and the eighth generation of the telematics system iDrive, the display of which was specially developed for the M models, and were first introduced for the electric motors i4 and iX. This curved display and its telematics system are now available on all of the brand’s new vehicles, from the 7 Series to the M2.
Initially, the M2 will be offered in the following five exterior colors: Zandvoort Blue, Toronto Red, Brooklyn Gray, Alpine White and Sapphire Black. The manufacturer plans to add more colors from the Frozen series in a matte finish at a later date, but unfortunately no colors from the Individual series can be ordered. In fact, the San Luis Potosi Assembly Plant in Mexico, where the Series 2 variants are assembled, is not equipped to apply these tints.
Photo: Uwe Fischer
M2 Competition, M2 CS, xDrive?
If we rely on the history of the M models, Competition and CS versions of the new M2 should logically follow in the more or less near future. However, it seems BMW hasn’t launched a development program for a possible M2 Competition, at least for now, suggesting that this could be postponed when the model is updated in a few years’ time. .
With the M3 and M4 now also available with xDrive all-wheel drive and the new M2 being powered by a version of the same engine as the M3/M4, it would technically be possible to create an all-wheel drive M2. Whether that would suit the more playful appeal of the M2 remains to be seen…
What is known is that the best-selling M model in 2022 was the electric i4 M50, and BMW’s performance division has made this turnaround with flying colors. According to Franciscus Van Meel, head of the M division, electric and electrified models will also outsell those with pure combustion engines from 2027.
Photo: Uwe Fischer
It is therefore not surprising to learn that the recently tested plug-in hybrid engine of the new performance SUV XM will also be found under the hood of the next M5.
In this context, the M2 2023 will be the last model with a pure combustion engine and without any form of electrification to be produced by BMW’s performance division. If you want to buy a real sports car for “purists”, you are advised not to hesitate…