Setting out its stall as a textbook purveyor of driving pleasure for the purist, the new BMW M2 raises the bar for compact high-performance sports cars in the premium segment. Indeed, it elevates the performance experience in this vehicle class to a whole new level.
The new BMW M2 lines up with even more power, greater visual impact than ever and innovative equipment features. Front and center of this fresh round of updates to the car is the 15 kW/20 hp added to its output: the high-revving six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology now tops out at 353 kW/480 hp. And then there are the new design accents for the exterior, an updated interior and the introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5 to underpin the latest generation of BMW iDrive.
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The package of updates for the elite compact sports car makes the first step into the world of high-performance models at BMW M GmbH even more attractive. The new BMW M2 takes its drive concept of a straight-six engine, six-speed manual gearbox (optional) and classical rear-wheel drive – a unique proposition among its rivals – to a new stage of evolution.
In combination with its compact dimensions, chassis technology tuned perfectly for both everyday road driving and track use, and a state-of-the-art operating concept allowing individualization of the car setup, this makes the new M2 ideally equipped to write the next chapter in the BMW M brand’s history of success in this segment.
The new BMW M2 will be built alongside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico. It will be launched worldwide with a production phase-in from August 2024. More than 40 percent of total sales will be recorded in Europe. The most important single market will be the USA, followed by Germany, China, Great Britain, and Japan.
Six-cylinder in-line engine with extra output and torque
As well as the raw power itself, the inimitable way in which the six-cylinder in-line engine delivers that power also plays a key role in the performance experience offered by the new BMW M2.
The upgraded version of the engine for the new edition of the high-performance sports car shines an even more vivid spotlight on the linear delivery of power, sustained into the higher reaches of the rev range, that is such a hallmark feature of M models. Its maximum torque is on tap across a wide rev band between 2,650 and 6,130 rpm. In examples of the new BMW M2 with the optional six-speed manual gearbox, peak torque remains 550 Nm (405 lb-ft). When power is channeled via the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, the figure rises to 600 Nm (442 lb-ft). The engine produces its increased maximum output of 353 kW/480 hp at 6,250 rpm, with revs topping out at 7,200 rpm.
So that drivers can explore the engine’s upgraded performance characteristics with an even greater degree of intensity, further advances have been made with the accelerator mapping and response in all the drive modes selectable via the M Setup menu. As a result, the new BMW M2 offers noticeably more rapid reactions to the driver’s requests for acceleration – both when specified with the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and with the optional six-speed manual gearbox.
The ability of the new BMW M2 to offer further improved power delivery is rooted in an exceptionally strong technological base. Its 3.0-litre engine differs from the unit in the BMW M3/BMW M4 range in a few details only. The increased peak output figure of the new BMW M2 lends further weight to its leadership claims in the compact high-performance car segment. In addition, it now achieves parity with the manual variants of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé.
Racing expertise delivers smile-inducing performance
The M TwinPower Turbo technology of the straight-six engine includes high-precision injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing. The engine also incorporates elements directly from racing car design, evident in its fast response, revving capability, and high performance on the track. These include a rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction, a forged crankshaft with lightweight design, cylinder bores with a wire-arc sprayed iron coating, and a 3D-printed core for the cylinder head.
The M-specific cooling system ensures optimal operating temperature even under heavy loads. The oil circuit is designed to handle dynamic driving conditions, with a map-controlled oil pump ensuring reliable supply during extreme longitudinal and lateral acceleration.
The engine sends its power through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic as standard. The Drivelogic button on the selector lever allows for three distinct shift settings. The selector lever in the latest M design and the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel enable manual gear selection.
For those seeking a more engaging performance experience, a six-speed manual gearbox is available as an option. This gearbox includes the Gear Shift Assistant, which uses engagement speed control to ensure smooth operation when downshifting into corners.
Whichever power transfer option is chosen, the increased engine output shaves 0.1 seconds off the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time: the new BMW M2 records a figure of 4.0 seconds with the standard transmission or 4.2 seconds with the optional six-speed manual gearbox.
The increased power also improves the 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) sprint, delivering a 0.6-second improvement for the M2 with the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission (now 12.9 seconds) and reducing the time for the manual gearbox variant to 13.7 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph), which can be increased to 285 km/h (177 mph) with the optional M Driver’s Package. The dynamic power delivery is complemented by an emotionally rich engine note from the M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps.
Visually impactful exterior design with fresh accents
Powerfully sculpted surfaces and athletic proportions highlight the performance character of the new BMW M2. The compact dimensions and wide tracks enhance its visual impact. M-specific design elements geared towards cooling air routing and aerodynamic balance accentuate the car’s appearance. The large, horizontal BMW kidney grille and three-section split lower air intake optimize cooling for the powertrain and brakes.
The model-specific LED headlights are positioned at the outer edges of the front end. Each headlight has a single circular light that generates both low and high beams, a nod to the iconic BMW 02 models. U-shaped light guides serve as daytime running lights and turn indicators. Options include Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays.
The profile features elegant lines, prominent side sill extensions, and muscular wheel arches, creating a compact, sporty two-door form. An optional M Carbon roof reduces weight by around six kilograms and lowers the center of gravity for increased agility.
The rear apron features a sculpted diffuser, with two pairs of exhaust tailpipes positioned away from the edges, visually reinforcing the car’s racing genes. The trims for the twin tailpipes are finished in black, matching the black model lettering on the boot lid and radiator grille.
Expanded range of exterior paint finishes; new light-alloy wheels
The new BMW M2 offers a choice of three solid colors, five metallic shades, and six BMW Individual paint finishes. New colors include Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, and Skyscraper Grey metallic. BMW Individual paint options now feature Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto, and Twilight Purple.
Standard M light-alloy wheels come in a double-spoke design with a Jet Black finish, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. Optional M light-alloy wheels in Silver with the same dimensions are available and can be paired with track tires if the optional M Race Track package is specified.
New steering wheels and seat surfaces, M Carbon bucket seats available
The newly designed steering wheel brings a fresh look to the M2’s interior. The standard M leather steering wheel features a flat-bottomed rim, modified spokes, a red center marker at 12 o’clock, gearshift paddles, and two M buttons for selecting vehicle setups. An optional M Alcantara steering wheel shares the same design, with a heating function available for both variants.
Optional M Sport seats in Vernasca leather can now be ordered in a red/black bi-color variant. The weight-minimized M Carbon bucket seats, previously part of the M Race Track package, are now available as an individual option. These seats, with surfaces in Merino leather, multi-way electric adjustment, removable head restraints, and a facility for adding a multi-point harness, enhance both comfort and racing credentials.
BMW Operating System 8.5, digital control for climate functions
The M-specific content in the BMW Curved Display and optional BMW Head-Up Display enhances the progressive sports car feel of the cockpit. The fully digital screen grouping, consisting of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display, now showcases the latest evolution of BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5. Climate control functions are operated digitally via the control display or voice command, reducing the number of physical buttons and controls and leading to a redesigned instrument panel.
The standard ambient lighting includes waterfall lighting integrated into the central air vents. The temperature, ventilation settings, seat heating, and steering wheel heating can be controlled by touch or voice command using the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Interior trim elements come standard in Dark Graphite matt, with options for Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite, M Carbon Fibre, or Fine Brushed Aluminium.
M-specific operating concept, extensive standard equipment
At the heart of the M-specific operating concept is the Setup button
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