Written by Ben Barry Published: 16 May 2023 Updated: 9 October 2023

Overview

The new BMW M2 is the latest version of BMW’s popular and comparatively affordable high-performance coupe. As you might expect, this G87-generation M2 is longer, wider, heavier and more expensive than its predecessor, but it’s also more powerful, more advanced, and quicker. Consequently, there’s a lot stacked in its favour when it comes to repeating the success of the previous M2.

In any case, there’s still a lot for fans of the older car – and performance cars fans in general – to admire here. The compact BMW is still rear-wheel drive, it’s still available with a manual gearbox, and it’s powered by a mighty twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine.

It might now weigh up to 1,800kg, with a driver, but there’s no doubt about its straight-line performance; with 460hp on tap, the M2 can accelerate from 0-62mph in as little as 4.1 seconds. There’s a lot of technology on hand, too, including triple-zone climate control, a head-up display, M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer, and options such as active cruise control and M Carbon bucket seats.

Sure, the Lego-esque styling might not be to all tastes, but the M2 has plenty to draw attention to it otherwise, especially when compared to four-cylinder alternatives. And, yes, it is unquestionably expensive – but, all told, and despite negatives such as its increased weight, the new M2 is quicker, more enjoyable, and more refined than its predecessor. It might not have quite the same rawness or compact hot-rod vibe to it as before but, for some, its more grown-up nature and improved capabilities will appeal.

15

What’s it like inside?

You’re paying a premium for the M2 but, fortunately, it feels modern and of a high quality inside. BMW’s big Curved Display media system is the centre of the cabin, and it provides access to a vast array of options that allow you to tailor how the M2 feels and performs.

The cabin of the BMW M2 is slightly wider and longer than its predecessor, and the interior feels bigger than the suggested small increases. You also still sit low in the car, which makes it easier to feel what it is doing beneath you.

In terms of storage, the M2 has a useful 390-litre boot, which is on a par with many conventional three- and five-door hatchbacks. Consequently, it should be able to easily accommodate most of your luggage requirements. You just need to bear in mind that, not being a hatchback, there are big hinges under the boot lid. Squeezing large boxes or items into the boot, as a result, could prove tricky. For larger loads, the rear seats do split and fold, in a 40:20:40 through-loading configuration.

Comfort

The performance-focused M2 has M Sport seats with big, supportive bolsters, which might look a bit too aggressive to be comfortable. But, gratifyingly, they’re quite soft and forgiving, holding you in position but in a snug, rather than clenching, fashion.

There’s also plenty of adjustment, and a good amount of space, so the M2 is a comfortable car in which to be. It is unsurprisingly a bit cramped in the back, especially for taller occupants, but the rear row is capable of accommodating adults for shorter drives.

Pleasingly, up front at least, it remains comfortable once you’re on the move. The chop and harshness of the old M2 is gone, with the new M2’s adaptive suspension being quieter, smoother and more forgiving in Comfort mode. This more sophisticated and refined nature helps make the M2 easier and more relaxing to drive over longer distances.

15

Safety

The BMW M2 hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP but the regular 2 Series Coupe, on which the M2 is based, has been tested – and, in 2022, it earned four stars in Euro NCAP crash testing.

Euro NCAP’s report was generally complimentary, with the main criticisms focusing on the lack of a centre airbag or similar, to reduce occupant-to-occupant injuries, and the absence of a system that could prevent secondary impacts. Post-collision braking systems, sometimes called multi-collision braking, are standard on alternatives such as the Porsche Cayman.

The M2 doesn’t differ, in those respects, so if you’re after an exceptionally safe and compact high-performance coupe, you may wish to look elsewhere.

BMW’s M2 does otherwise come with lots of safety features as standard, including front collision warning with brake intervention, lane departure warning with lane return, a driver attentiveness assistant, a speed limit display, a manual speed limiter, a rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors, cruise control with a brake function, and auto-dipping adaptive LED headlights.

What’s it like to drive?

The previous BMW M2 was renowned for its remarkable handling – which was only bettered by the likes of costly sports cars – and its impressive power. The new BMW is even more powerful than its predecessor, so few will be left wanting in that respect, but it is heavier and bigger than its older counterpart, which has the potential to blunt its fun factor.

Under the bonnet of the new BMW M2 is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine which makes 460hp, which is 90hp more than the standard version of the previous car. The BMW’s engine also puts out a substantial 405lb ft of pulling power which, again, is up on the peak of the previous car by 36lb ft. On the firepower front, there are subsequently few questions as to the potency of the new M2.

This is backed up by the quoted performance figures. BMW says the six-speed manual – yes, you can still have one of those – version can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, while the eight-speed automatic completes the same benchmark sprint in 4.1 seconds. Both are 0.1 seconds quicker than similarly specified versions of the old M2, but the latest iteration feels more eager and evocative than the fractional on-paper figure increases would suggest.

Squeeze the accelerator and the response of the new M2 echoes that of older M cars, its engine wanting more revs, delivering more power, building to a crescendo; it doesn’t just leave you surfing along on a big wave of pulling power, it makes you want to explore its higher rev range and let the engine sing.

15

And, yes, all of that power is sent to the rear wheels, but it doesn’t feel overpowered or unwieldy as a result. When you accelerate, the rear end squats down and tightens up, and there’s plenty of traction on hand, allowing you to readily exploit the performance on offer.

The manual gearbox isn’t the best around, which won’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s driven a BMW in recent history, but it and the clutch do feel meaty and positive, so it’ll reward those who take the time to master it. We’ve yet to drive the eight-speed automatic but, given how accomplished that transmission is elsewhere, there’s no doubt that it’ll suit the high-performance M2 down to the ground.

And while the new M2 might be bulkier than its predecessor, it’s no slouch in the corners. The steering is pure, its straight-line stability is excellent, and its adaptive suspension is consistent and compliant; the car feels less raw than before, but it also feels less clumsy. To us, the new M2 feels lie a nimbler and more entertaining M3, and it doesn’t feel as heavy as the number suggest.

Altogether, the result is a car that’s more enjoyable to drive than the previous one, and a car that’s more polished and refined. This means, on longer trips, it’s a lot less tiring to drive, so if you’re looking to pile on some miles then you’ll find it much easier and more relaxing in this, compared to the older one.

Downsides? Well, the M2’s engine lacks a little response below 3,000rpm, and below this the car feels a little inert and calm. Consequently, the car can feel somewhat unremarkable until you really start to pour on the power.

Ownership costs and maintenance

The BMW M2, on the more realistic WLTP test cycle, is claimed to average up to 29.1mpg. That’s about on a par with a Porsche 718 Cayman, but alternatives such as a Volkswagen Golf R or Alpine A110 do offer better economy figures. The BMW also has a 52-litre fuel tank, which is smaller than some of its rivals, which will further increase the regularity of petrol station visits.

On paper, the automatic version of the M2 is the most efficient, as well as being the quickest. BMW says it averages 29.1mpg and emits up to 220g/km of CO2, whereas the manual achieves a best of 28.2mpg and emits up to 228g/km of CO2. Both fall into the 37% benefit-in-kind band, though, but few will probably be taking an M2 on as a company car.

15

Making M2 ownership straightforward is BMW’s Service Inclusive package. You pay a lump sum up front and BMW will provide all of the required servicing up to your car’s fifth year or 62,000 miles, whichever comes first. In keeping with the M2’s more accessible nature, though, its fixed-price servicing is the least expensive of the BMW M variants.

Otherwise, the M2 comes with a conventional three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. If you plan on keeping it, though, we recommend opting for an extended warranty. BMW doesn’t have a sterling reputation for reliability and any complicated problems could prove expensive to fix, so warranty extensions are well worth investing in.

What models and trims are available?

There’s only one version of the M2 on the market at the moment, which is the standard BMW M2 Coupe. Customers can pick from five colour choices, four different wheel designs, four upholstery options, red or blue brake calipers, and – of course – a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. Only one interior trim option is available, which is carbon fibre.

Standard equipment is extensive, as you’d hope given the cost of the BMW M2, with factory-fit features including a Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio system, heated electric front sports seats, a widescreen infotainment system and driver’s display, adaptive LED headlights, an active M Sport differential, cruise control, and a full-colour head-up display system.

There are some upgrade packages, for those wanting to add more features to their BMW M2. The first is the M2 Comfort Package, which adds features such as keyless entry, a heated steering wheel and a wireless charging tray in the front of the centre console.

15

Customer seeking increased performance can opt for the M Driver’s Pack, which bumps the M2’s limited top speed of 155mph to 180mph. An M Race Track Package is also available, which adds high-end features such as M carbon bucket seats, and the aforementioned M Driver’s Pack.

There’s also the option of the BMW Driving Assistant, a radar- and camera-based driver assistance package, which includes lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision prevention and a speed limit display. Active cruise control, also known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), is available as well; this package can only be specified on automatic BMW M2s due to technical requirements.

A host of BMW M Performance parts are available as well, for those wanting to bolster their M2’s appeal and capability further. Upgrades include forged performance wheels, a titanium rear exhaust assembly and carbon-fibre exterior parts.

Click through to our verdict page to see if we’d recommend the BMW M2.