By: Jag Dhatt
I’ve been blessed to have driven many many sports cars from a variety of manufacturers. From turbocharged four-cylinders to supercharged V8s, each vehicle offers a unique experience.
The 2023 BMW M2 was a sports car I was itching to get behind the wheel as I, unfortunately, didn’t get the chance to drive the first generation. For those concerned with the number, it’s labeled as the G87…don’t ask me the specifics. Just ask me how it drives. And boy oh boy, does it drive like a dream.
Diving right in, the second-generation BMW M2 gives you 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, all going to the rear wheels, where it should, I might add. The S58 engine is a gem; it’s an updated twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline-six-cylinder that puts out more power than both the last generation M2 Competition and even the limited edition 444 horsepower M2 CS. So yes, as it sits, this baby flies.
And what’s better than an M2 with this much power? Having it matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. Yes, the M2 is one of the few cars that still comes standard with a manual. If you want the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, it’s available at no cost, but we’d ask WHY? This car is meant to be driven with a manual. Period.
As journalists, 95% (if not higher) of the vehicles we drive are automatic. So, getting into a manual is a real treat. Pressing the Start button starts phase one of the intoxication of driving the M2. The gentle roar feels right, not overbearing or arrogant; it’s just right. As you push down on the clutch with your left foot while gently pushing the shifter into first gear, an ever so slight rumble is heard from the exhaust as the M2 begins to move. Phase two starts as a smile begins to form on your face. Phase three, euphoria, appears out of nowhere as you shift between the gears with more aggression, revving the M2 into the higher rpm range. A symphony of sounds come from the exhaust, as you feel a rush of exhilaration permeating through your body. And that smile from phase 2 becomes permanent.
Our test vehicle was fitted with the optional hard-shell M Carbon bucket seats. And if you opt to put the M2 in Sport mode, make some appointments with the chiropractor to fix a punished lower back. The ride is slightly better when driven in Road mode, but if I had to spec out my M2, I would take the standard sports seats. There is also Track mode, but I used it sparingly. Maybe if I was 30-years old again, I’d be inclined to use it more.
Regardless of mode, the BMW M2 exudes performance. There’s so much midrange power that the M2 lurches forward at the drop of the throttle. Steering response is quick and accurate; point the car where you want it to go, and she goes. More impressive is how the car behaves overall. You expect every M car to be great, which it should be; the M2 is even more so. Under the stiffened body is the M4’s rear axle and when matched with adaptive dampers, electronically controlled limited slip differential and tuned suspension, the M2 is ready to play.
I may be repeating myself here, and why not. This car needs to be driven with the manual transmission. There’s no better feeling than shifting through buttery smooth gears and being able to control the vehicle’s dynamics the way you want. After driving the 2023 M2, it’s no surprise why this is the best-selling M model in the lineup. The M2 itches to be pushed to its limits and with the manual transmission, you can do that. Just remember those pesky speed limits.
So, does it look as nice as it drives? There have been many haters when it comes to certain design cues on current generations BMW models. The kidney grille is probably on top of this list and while I like the look, the M2 doesn’t have to worry about it. The grille is balanced and not pompous at all. The wide rear end, staggered wheel setup, and beautiful Toronto Red paint draws attention. Personally, the side profile is the least appealing, but from any other angle, the M2 looks beautiful.
The cabin is true to BMW’s character. Limited piano black plastic, nicely appointed carbon fiber, practical yet modern center console area and a beautiful steering wheel reinforce that this is a driver’s car. A large 12.3” curved display and a 14.9” center touchscreen dominates the dashboard, providing all the information and technology you’d expect in this car. While I’m still a fan of physical buttons for things like climate and audio, the touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate.
I’ve talked about the seats before and if I was buying this car and it was going to be my daily drive, I’d pass on the M Carbon seats, which are bulkier, and go with the regular sport seats. The M2 is cozy. It is a 2+2 but, in all honesty, the rear seats are for small kids. I’m almost 6-foot and with the driver seat adjusted for me, there’s hardly any rear legroom.
The 2023 BMW M2 is built for the best of two worlds: the racetrack and public roads. You can drive it all day long without fatigue, all the while let it just scream on a racetrack. Some will mock the aesthetics of the M2, but from the driver’s seat, she’s a thing of beauty. The 2023 BMW M2 runs around $76K; not cheap but for that price, you’re getting a vehicle that solidifies the slogan, “The Ultimate Driving Machine”. And for this M, don’t judge the vehicle by its cover. Experience it.
