From the June 2023 subject of Automotive and Driver.

Do you battle to make sense of at this time’s inflow of heavy, absurdly highly effective EVs? Does making an attempt to discern one SUV physique form from one other induce nervousness and melancholy? Then it’s possible you’ll endure from transitional automotive dysfunction. Ask your BMW vendor if the new M2 coupe is best for you. (Unwanted effects could embrace joyous laughter at extralegal speeds, elevated tolerance for g-forces, and cravings for empty, curvy roads.)

The second-generation M2’s formulation is easy in that it condenses the workings of the one-size-up M4, one among BMW M’s best, right into a extra playful package deal. At $63,195 to start out, it is also $12,500 cheaper. Primarily based on the redesigned 2-series coupe produced in Mexico, the M2 stays a compact rear-wheel-drive rush of a automotive with a confining again seat, although its wheelbase and general size have elevated by 2.1 and 4.1 inches to 108.1 and 180.3 inches, respectively. It is also now a bit of shorter in stature but 1.3 inches broader in beam, with wider entrance and rear tracks that now match the M4’s. Whereas the ductwork on the M2’s stylized bumpers seems disjointed from sure angles, prominently flared fenders lend this upright three-box coupe the swagger of a classic IMSA racer. Fortunately, its bigger sibling’s controversial bucktooth maw isn’t included.

The M2 is strictly rear-wheel drive, however BMW in any other case incorporates just about all of the M4’s (and mechanically similar M3 sedan’s) different main bits into the M2, together with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. On this utility, BMW’s S58 mill generates a stout 453 horsepower—20 horses lower than what it makes in the usual M4 however 48 greater than the outgoing M2 Competitors’s S55 inline-six produced (it is a stronger dosage than even the limited-edition 444-hp M2 CS supplied). A six-speed guide stays normal, with the no-cost computerized possibility being a ZF-sourced eight-speed instead of the earlier seven-speed dual-clutch unit. The EPA pegs each setups at 19 mpg mixed, roughly the identical because the previous-gen M2 Competitors. Not that we want further incentive to pick out the DIY gearbox, however in line with the EPA, it’s going to take the M2 a mile farther per gallon on the freeway.

From the engine’s melodious race towards its 7200-rpm redline to the velvety growl it emits by means of its quad tailpipes, it is enterprise as standard for this wonderful straight-six. The principle distinction is that whereas the M2 makes the identical 406 pound-feet of torque on the similar 2650 rpm because the M4’s headier tune, its thrust builds extra progressively as revs enhance. With barely much less turbo enhance to handle (17.4 psi versus the bottom M4’s 18.9), it is simpler to feed within the energy with out upsetting the automotive’s maintain on the street. Paired with the guide transmission’s exact, if considerably rubbery, shifter and a set of tightly spaced pedals, that is one among BMW’s most potent therapies for driving boredom.

The M2’s stiffened physique shell homes the M4’s rear axle with its electronically managed limited-slip differential, in addition to that automotive’s suspension hyperlinks, adaptive dampers, and brakes (15.0-inch iron rotors in entrance, 14.6-inch items out again). Minor tuning modifications, resembling springs which can be barely firmer within the entrance and softer within the again, assist mood the M2’s willingness to rotate on a wheelbase that is 4.4 inches shorter than huge brother’s. However even the M4’s 19-inch entrance and 20-inch rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer time tires carry over. We recorded a heady 1.03 g’s of grip on the skidpad, together with tidy stopping distances from 70 mph (154 toes) and 100 mph (302 toes). Carbon-ceramic brakes aren’t on the menu, however track-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are, and a lighter carbon-fiber roof (as seen right here) can be accessible.

BMW’s Curved Show, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch middle touchscreen, dominates the business-casual inside and incorporates most of the local weather controls that beforehand had separate buttons and switches. Regardless of the extra width and ample legroom up entrance, you continue to put on this automotive greater than sit in it, particularly should you go for the $9900 Carbon package deal and its hard-shell M Carbon bucket seats. Although ultrasupportive and good for a claimed 24-pound weight financial savings, their agency padding and lack of lumbar adjustment punished our decrease backs. Stick to the softer normal sport seats with still-generous aspect bolsters that maintain snugly—they’re way more agreeable.

Suggestions for navigating the M2’s quite a few drive settings embrace activating both the overall Sport or Observe modes (there’s additionally a default Highway setting), which offer a simplified gauge show that is simpler to learn at velocity. A stiff experience is generally mitigated by deciding on the softest suspension mode, which offers sufficient compliance to not really feel brutally harsh on most surfaces. We additionally deactivated the guide’s rev-matching characteristic, set the steering response to Consolation (Sport will increase effort however not tactility), and left the brake-pedal really feel alone (we could not discern a distinction between modes). The M4’s Drift Analyzer is current for scoring your slides round a racetrack, however track-bound drivers will discover the up to date stability-control system with 10 levels of traction-control intervention extra helpful.

Sadly, the M2’s modifications deliver a further 184 kilos of mass in contrast with the previous Competitors mannequin. Our 3745-pound take a look at automotive weighed greater than an M4 outfitted with a guide transmission and carbon-ceramic brakes, and it was 0.1 second slower to 60 mph than the M4 or previous M2 Comp, posting a 3.9-second time. By way of top-gear acceleration from 30 and 50 mph, the place engine responsiveness is vital, the hole between the M2 and its predecessor is much more pronounced. Solely at triple-digit speeds does the brand new automotive flex its stronger legs: Whereas its 12.2-second quarter-mile cross could also be only a tenth faster than earlier than, its 118-mph lure velocity is 4 mph sooner. The computerized model we examined was unsurprisingly faster, sprinting to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and protecting the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds at 122 mph, working wheel to wheel with the 503-hp M3 Competitors.

The M2 works finest as a stimulant for the neural pathways linked to pleasure and advantageous motor management. Swells of midrange energy permit for cautious perspective changes with the throttle because the automotive squirms over undulating pavement. Flip-in response is crisp because the chassis neatly orients itself over midcorner bumps, subtly telegraphing load transfers to your bottom. On condition that it shares the M4’s variable steering {hardware}, its chunky helm stays lighter on really feel than, say, a Porsche 718’s. However its general comportment and accuracy make this Bavarian muscle coupe a extra pleasurable efficiency treatment.

Science has but to discover a remedy for transitional automotive dysfunction, because it spreads naturally within the open market, spurred on by environmental and societal components. However thanks largely to its bountiful raid on BMW’s elements bin, the brand new M2 provides highly effective aid.

Counterpoints

BMW missed the mark. The earlier F87-gen M2 had a character all its personal whereas nonetheless feeling like a member of the M household. This new G87 M2 is simply an M4 in a unique wrapper. And should you didn’t just like the M4’s nostrils, I doubt this cubism-meets-machine design will excite you. The M2 performs admirably, it is loads succesful, and I am certain it would put down spectacular lap instances, however I am sufficiently old to recollect when M vehicles did extra than simply generate nice numbers. They felt the quickest with out truly being the quickest. The earlier M2 had that magic and can be missed. Additionally, ditch the large touchscreen. It is a distraction in what’s alleged to be a driver-focused automotive. —Ok.C. Colwell

The M2 resembles a child in a puffer jacket. Its wheels, lights, and vents are sunk deep within the bodywork—a selection supposed to learn as muscular however which comes off extra like an allergic response. However the M2 does not really feel dulled by Benadryl. Alert and enthusiastic, it boosts your confidence on curvy roads and greets every downshift with a cheery roar. This child must be your first decide for the workforce. It is able to play. —Elana Scherr

Technical Editor

Mike Sutton is an editor, author, take a look at driver, and normal automotive nerd who has contributed to Automotive and Driver‘s reverent and irreverent ardour for the auto since 2008. A local Michigander from suburban Detroit, he enjoys the outside and complaining in regards to the climate, has an affection for off-road automobiles, and believes in federal safety for naturally aspirated engines.