After seven long years since its legendary debut in NFS Payback in 2015, BMW finally revealed the second generation M2 last week, and as expected, it is based on the 2-Series Coupe and has that peculiar face.
Hold on! It's too early to judge! Beauty is skin deep, and the new BMW M2 is a subtle example. Wonder why? Well, the new M2 features a 460-hp version of the S58 twin-turbo straight-six engine, an advanced rear-wheel-drive system, a luxurious interior, and some important driver assistance features.
However, with the meaner and bolder BMW M2 CS beside, it becomes harder to decide between these two compelling machines. While we absolutely adore the new M2, we prefer the older M2 CS. Want to know why? Read below.
Competitive Pricing Of The 2023 BMW M2 Is The Biggest Edge
BMW will sell the new M2 for $63,195, which is much less than other performance coupes. For example, the M2’s nearest competitor, the 2022 Audi RS 5, costs $75,900, comes with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8, and has the exact acceleration times as the M2 but fewer features.
The Lexus RC F, priced at $66,220, offers fewer features and a 470-hp V8 engine. Thus, the new M2 offers excellent value and an admirable price-to-power ratio.
The G87 2023 BMW M2 Offers A Thrilling Racing Appetite
The G87 M2 gets a power upgrade with an updated S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine (found in the M3 and M4) capable of producing a stout 460 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant increase of 55 horses compared to that of the previous M2.
With more power, the new M2 takes only 3.9 seconds to reach 0-60 mph, which makes it a couple of milliseconds faster than its predecessor. The new M2 also connects with the driver better with the new M-specific exhaust that growls more eagerly, motivating the driver to nurture it deeper.
BMW has standardized the 8-speed automatic, with the six-speed manual optional. Besides, buyers can also equip the M Driver’s Package to increase the top speed from 155 mph to 177 mph.
The G87 2023 BMW M2 Offers A Sportier Driving Experience
We are impressed with how BMW has taken full advantage of the generation change and upgraded the G87 M2. The M2 comes with a 108.7-inch wheelbase, and its rear wheels come equipped with M Differential and M Traction Control systems to offer more grip on tracks.
Furthermore, the M2 comes with a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution to reduce the chances of understeer and reduce body roll. M adaptive air suspensions come standard to keep it stabilized during sharp maneuvers. The M Compound front six-piston and rear four-piston disc brakes on the G87 M2 provide unrivaled braking performance.
The 2023 BMW M2 Has A Luxurious Ambiance
The deluxe interior of the new M2 is one of the main reasons we love it. The M2’s cockpit is its main attraction. The cockpit looks sportier with carbon fiber accents, and it outfits a 12.3-inch fully digital, customizable digital cluster and a 14.9-inch touch screen to assist the driver with all information.
BMW has finally added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the M2, and it also offers 5G connectivity, voice support with Siri and Google Assistant, and various other features. The new M2 offers a focused driving position with the new M Sport seats.
They come with HVAC as well as power-adjustability and other creature comforts to provide support during long usage. The seats are covered with SensaTec and Alcantara material as standard, but you can also choose Vernasca leather for a richer touch. M Carbon bucket seats.
Advanced Safety Features Help The New BMW M2 Stand Tall
The new BMW M2 arrives with some new advanced driver assistance features because with performance comes the necessity of safety. That said, BMW has equipped the M2 with automated driving and parking systems, front collision warning, speed limit display, no-overtaking indicator, lane departure warning, park distance control, BMW driving assistant, Active Cruise Control with stop and go, and reversing assistant are present inside.
We Would Rather Buy The M2 CS For Its Sportier Attire
BMW’s design language has been controversial for the past couple of years, and the quirky design of the M2 adds to the case. That said, we like the 2020 BMW CS between these two cars for its beautiful design. The BMW M2 CS has an amazing flavor, and the CS-specific additions work like a subtle pinch of oregano on the pasta.
The M2 CS has got everything right when it comes to exterior design. The sharp LED headlamps with C-shaped corona DRLs, carbon fiber roof, front splitter, diffuser, roof, and black kidney grill look well-fitted. In addition, the Y-spoke aluminum wheels with matt gold accents look amazing. In such a case, who wouldn’t fall for this car?!
The BMW M2 CS Is Faster And Lighter
BMW has made some crucial changes to make the M2 CS lighter to optimize track performance. BMW has used splitters, diffusers, mirror caps, and a roof made with carbon fiber to reduce the weight by 50% for optimized performance and handling on tracks. Besides, the M2 CS's gearbox has shorter gear ratios to deliver slick gear shifting, translating to faster acceleration on tracks.
The 2020 BMW M2 CS Is More Agile
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While the M2 CS is weaker than the 2023 M2 by 10 horsepower, the M2 CS is faster due to its 385-pound lighter body. In addition, the M2 CS has a shorter wheelbase of 106 inches, which delivers a sharper steering response.
Apart from these, the M2 CS has a lower ground clearance, which means it will offer better stability at high speeds. Additionally, the M2 CS is smaller than the M2, making it easier to park and operate inside the city.
Source: BMW