Is the New BMW M2 G87 the ULTIMATE Driving Machine or a Flop?

The arrival of the second-generation BMW M2 G87 has enthusiasts buzzing, and for good reasons. With its compact design and rear-wheel-drive allure, it’s engineered to deliver a pulse-quickening experience. BMW’s M division, ever the perfectionists, have crafted a vehicle that stirs the senses and challenges conventions.

Debate rages within the car community about this model's design, weight, and its seeming transformation from an upgraded 2-Series to a miniature M4. Purists mourn the added weight and assertive aesthetics, fearing it has lost the mechanical purity of its predecessor. Admirers, however, praise its technological leaps and superior performance, viewing it as a must in today’s competitive sports car landscape.

From F87 M2 Competition to G87 M2

As a veteran driver of BMW’s F-Series (M2 Coupe and M2 Competition) and the venerable BMW 1M Coupe, I knew that a mere thirty minutes with the G87 wouldn't suffice. It was essential to dive in and truly grasp what BMW’s engineers have concocted. Thanks to Autohaus Cuntz, one of Germany’s top BMW dealerships, I got my hands on an M2 outfitted with a suite of M Performance parts.

The original BMW M2 immediately captivated enthusiasts. Launched in 2016, it sported a turbocharged inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive, replete with aggressive flair and refined dynamics. Handling was its hallmark, with a well-tuned chassis and limited-slip differential ensuring sharp, responsive drives. Its N55 3.0-liter inline-six engine offered 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque—an exhilarating mix for a compact driver's car.

In 2018, the M2 Competition upped the ante with its M3/M4 borrowed powerplant, generating 405 horsepower, along with enhanced cooling, suspension, and braking systems. Combined with its track-ready demeanor, it set a high benchmark for compact sports cars.

The pinnacle, the M2 CS, furthered this lineage with exclusive handling, enhanced power from its engine, and an offering of both manual and automatic gearboxes. All based on the 2-Series platform, these M2 variants stood out proudly against their larger M3, M4, and M5 brethren.

The 2023 BMW M2: A Technological Marvel

The new 2023 BMW M2 Coupe represents a significant evolution. Built on the CLAR platform of the M3 and M4, it features wider front and rear tracks, improved balance, and a stiffer body shell. Powering the M2 is the revered 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six engine (S58), shared with the latest M3 and M4, delivering an impressive 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, it caters to both traditionalists and those favoring convenience.

Performance Numbers: Astounding Yet Accessible

The automatic transmission allows the M2 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, with the manual following closely at 4.1 seconds. Top speeds are electronically limited to 155 mph but can be elevated to 177 mph with the M Driver’s Package. While these figures echo the past, driving the new M2 reveals a distinct departure—akin to a compact M4 rather than an enhanced 2-Series.

M Dynamic Mode and More

The M2’s driving dynamics surpass those of its predecessors. With the latest BMW M technologies, including the M Dynamic Mode, drivers can experience more aggressive driving and customizable traction control. The adaptive suspension and active differential transform many drivers into “driving heroes,” effortlessly reaching the car’s limits.

Driving on German Autobahns, the M2 handles high speeds with innate stability and seamless power delivery. For new BMW drivers, this car feels like a triumph—but for seasoned enthusiasts, it can seem overly polished, perhaps sterile.

Interior Evolution: Opulence Meets Sportiness

Inside, the M2 boasts significant upgrades—high-quality materials, Alcantara upholstery, and the newly designed M carbon bucket sport seats. These heated seats provide optimal support but include a controversial carbon fiber insert that can disrupt driving comfort. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen, featuring BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment system, enhance the driver-focused experience with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system.

Rear-seat legroom and trunk space have improved, offering a practical edge over previous models, aligning the M2 more closely with its larger M siblings.

M Performance Parts: Customize Your M2

BMW offers an extensive range of M Performance parts for the 2023 M2, allowing further refinement in aesthetics and performance. The bold, aggressive add-ons include front splitters, side skirts, carbon fiber rear diffusers, and more. Performance enhancements like adjustable coil-over kits, enhanced brakes, and lightweight wheels offer tailored driving experiences.

A Balancing Act: Past Meets Future

The 2023 BMW M2 is a sophisticated evolution of the M2 lineup, blending modern tech with a semblance of the raw driving purity that enthusiasts cherish. While its M4 architecture and design choices might deter purists, its advancements in performance, handling, and interior refinement secure its place in the competitive compact sports car market.

With a range of M Performance parts, the M2 offers customization to match driver preferences, balancing its iconic heritage with contemporary advancements. However, it may never top the charts for some enthusiasts who yearn for the raw thrills of past models, finding the new M2 just a bit too perfect.