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BMW M2 fits within tradition BMW

With the new BMW M2, BMW continues the brand’s tradition of sporty, compact models. Because just look back with me. In 1973, BMW 2002 Turbo appeared. Then we saw such models as the 1 Series M Coupe and, of course, the previous generation BMW M2 Coupe. Nearly 60,000 copies of the last generation have been sold worldwide. BMW hopes to match that sales number with the next-generation BMW M2.

Dutch price BMW M2

Curious about the Dutch starting price? We already know that one! The BMW M2 is available in the Netherlands from a recommended retail price of 113,806 euros*. The market launch will take place in April 2023. BMW is producing the M2 at the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, where BMW also produces the new BMW 2 Series Coupe.

*Thecurrent consumer recommended price is a target price based on the preliminary 2023 BPM value. The recycling fee, vehicle registration fee and registration fee are based on the 2022 RDW rates. These may still change before 2023.

Zandvoort Blau or Toronto Rot

The choice of body colors for the new BMW M2 includes Zandvoort Blau and Toronto Rot metallic, reserved exclusively for this model. Optional is the roof in M Carbon, which reduces the car’s weight by about six kilograms.

design

The design may take some getting used to, as BMW opts for rather angular styling. The body is 214 mm and the wheelbase is 110 mm shorter than that of the BMW M4 Coupe. At the same time, both body width and track width are significantly larger than those of the new BMW 2 Series Coupe.

At the front, the substantial, rimless BMW kidney grille with horizontal bars stands out, as does the three-part, almost rectangular lower air intake. Also note the flared wheel arches. The rear of the BMW M2 has some specific details, such as the distinctive spoiler surround on the tailgate, the vertically placed reflectors, the diffuser insert in the rear bumper and the two pairs of exhaust pipes.

Drivetrain BMW M2

We know the 6-cylinder in-line gasoline engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology from the M3 and M4. But some modifications were made in the M2 to make it more suited to its character.

The six-in-line in the new BMW M2 delivers its maximum output of 338 kW (460 hp) at 6,250 rpm, surpassing its predecessor’s engine of 66 kW (90 hp). Maximum torque of 550 Nm is available from 2,650 to 5,870 rpm. The maximum speed is 7,200 rpm. The powerplant exhales through an M exhaust system with electronically controlled valves. The oil system, like the cooling system, is designed for track use.

Automatic or manual transmission

BMW supplies an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission as standard. The transmission can be controlled by both the selector lever and the shift paddles on the steering wheel. A six-speed manual transmission is available as an option. The manual transmission has a Gear Shift Assistant, which accurately determines the torque to prevent slippage during downshifts during braking in corners. The Gear Shift Assistant can be disabled in the M Setup menu.

Performance BMW M2 2023

The new BMW M2 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds with the M Steptronic transmission; it is 4.3 seconds with the manual transmission. Those who wish to shift gears themselves thus sacrifice a little on performance. Acceleration from 0 to 200 km/h takes just 13.5 seconds with the M Steptronic transmission. With manual transmission, it is 14.3 seconds. Top speed is capped at 250 km/h, but reaches 285 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Pack.

As standard, the M2 is equipped with M Traction Control. There are ten levels at which the system can intervene. This is at the driver’s discretion. An Active M Sport rear differential is also standard. This system optimizes traction, for example, on roads that offer an uneven degree of grip for the left and right wheels. The BMW M2 further has and weight distribution of 50:50.

Other features BMW M2

Other features of the new BMW M2 include suspension (front and rear) with five wheel wishbones. The standard equipment of the BMW M2 includes the Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Servotronic steering with variable gear ratio, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including M Dynamic Mode and M Compound brakes with six-piston fixed front brake calipers and single-piston floating rear calipers. The integrated braking system offers the driver two settings for pedal feel.

Wheels M2

The BMW M2 comes standard with 19-inch front alloy wheels and 20-inch rear alloy wheels – both one inch larger than the wheels fitted as standard on the BMW M3 and BMW M4. Optionally, they can be fitted with track tires.

Interior BMW M2

Driver-relevant information appears in a new graphic layout on the 12.3-inch Info Display. M-specific widgets for car settings and tire condition are just two things that can be called up in the 14.9-inch Control Display. The optional BMW Head-Up Display also offers M-specific displays. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard in the BMW M2, which also features a 5G antenna for optimal connectivity.

Dressing

The seats for driver and front passenger are finished in Sensatec/Alcantara upholstery. M Sport seats with integrated headrests and perforated upholstery in Vernasca leather/Sensatec are available as an alternative. The M Carbon bucket seats on the option list are built around a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structure with openings in the side cheeks and headrest. They reduce the weight of the car by about 10.8 kilograms.

M Drive Professional

M Drive Professional – which comes as standard equipment in the BMW M2 – includes M Traction Control as well as M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer. Furthermore, the M Mode button on the center console can be used to adjust both the degree of driver assistance and the information displayed in the infodisplay – with a choice of ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.

M Race Track Pack

Also on the options list is the M Race Track Pack, which includes the M Driver’s Pack with Carbon Fibre roof, M Carbon bucket seats, interior moldings in Carbon Fibre as well as track tires. The price of this package is not yet known.