From the June 2023 subject of Automotive and Driver.

Do you wrestle to make sense of as we speak’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. (Uncomfortable side 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, considered one of BMW M’s most interesting, right into a extra playful bundle. At $63,195 to start out, it is also $12,500 inexpensive. 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 total size have elevated by 2.1 and 4.1 inches to 108.1 and 180.3 inches, respectively. It is also now a bit 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 equivalent 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 offered). A six-speed guide stays commonplace, with the no-cost computerized possibility being a ZF-sourced eight-speed rather than 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’d like additional incentive to pick the DIY gearbox, however based on the EPA, it will 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 way of its quad tailpipes, it is enterprise as ordinary for this glorious straight-six. The primary distinction is that whereas the M2 makes the identical 406 pound-feet of torque on the identical 2650 rpm because the M4’s headier tune, its thrust builds extra progressively as revs enhance. With barely much less turbo increase 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 highway. Paired with the guide transmission’s exact, if considerably rubbery, shifter and a set of tightly spaced pedals, that is considered one of 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 models out again). Minor tuning adjustments, equivalent to springs which might 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 large 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 ft) and 100 mph (302 ft). 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 heart touchscreen, dominates the business-casual inside and incorporates lots 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 when you go for the $9900 Carbon bundle 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. Keep on with the softer commonplace sport seats with still-generous facet 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 Street setting), which offer a simplified gauge show that is simpler to learn at pace. A stiff experience is usually mitigated by choosing 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 phases of traction-control intervention extra helpful.

Sadly, the M2’s adjustments convey a further 184 kilos of mass in contrast with the outdated 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 outdated M2 Comp, posting a 3.9-second time. When it comes to 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 pace is 4 mph sooner. The computerized model we examined was unsurprisingly faster, sprinting to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and masking the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds at 122 mph, working wheel to wheel with the 503-hp M3 Competitors.

The M2 works greatest as a stimulant for the neural pathways linked to pleasure and tremendous 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 total 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 elements. However thanks largely to its bountiful raid on BMW’s elements bin, the brand new M2 gives highly effective aid.

Counterpoints

BMW missed the mark. The earlier F87-gen M2 had a persona all its personal whereas nonetheless feeling like a member of the M household. This new G87 M2 is simply an M4 in a distinct wrapper. And when 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 lots succesful, and I am positive it’ll put down spectacular lap instances, however I am sufficiently old to recollect when M automobiles 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 huge touchscreen. It is a distraction in what’s purported to be a driver-focused automotive. —Okay.C. Colwell

The M2 resembles a child in a puffer jacket. Its wheels, lights, and vents are sunk deep within the bodywork—a alternative supposed to learn as muscular however which comes off extra like an allergic response. However the M2 would 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 choose for the group. It is able to play. —Elana Scherr

Technical Editor

Mike Sutton is an editor, author, take a look at driver, and basic 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 concerning the climate, has an affection for off-road autos, and believes in federal safety for naturally aspirated engines.