Stepping off a five-hour flight and into the 2023 BMW M2 was like flinging open the doorways on the final day of college and erupting into summer time. However after a 90-minute drive via the site visitors of San Francisco to the vineyards of Napa, I wanted to stretch my legs and shake off journey butt. I had a few hours earlier than work known as, so I sought some place to run. Perhaps hike. Most likely stroll. 

I did none of these items. With such restricted time, I’d quite my coronary heart beat to the drum of the M2 than the tempo of my ft on the bottom. Exploring the hilly twisties round Napa County within the second-generation M2 was all of the vicarious leg stretching I wanted. 

Redesigned final 12 months and with solely a $1,000 upcharge to $64,195, together with vacation spot, this 12 months, the longer, bigger, heavier M2 efficiency coupe stretches extra into M4 territory than it does its predecessor. Wheelbase and size have grown by 2.1 and 4.1 inches to 108.1 and 180.3 inches, respectively, over the previous M2, leading to a wheelbase that’s 4.4 inches shorter and a size 8.4 inches shorter than the BMW M4. 

It retains its long-nose, short-deck proportions, however with a sculpted hood, rectangular entrance intakes, squared off ends, and a chunky rear, it might go for a newfangled American muscle automobile as a substitute of a as soon as curvy Bavarian efficiency machine based mostly on the BMW 2-Collection. 

Even its colour, Zandvoort Blue, brighter than the blue within the BMW roundel, might’ve been Americanized to Napa Sky Blue.

2023 BMW M2 in Zandvoort Blue

The additional dimension provides at the very least 200 kilos to three,814 kilos whole, making extra work for the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 adopted from the M4. Right here it makes 453 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, 20 hp shy of the M4 however 48 hp greater than the outgoing M2. With the usual 6-speed handbook, a candy gearbox that’s neither too inflexible nor too free, and complemented by a brief however agency clutch pedal, the rear-wheel-drive M2 peels to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, in keeping with BMW. 

2023 BMW M2

The no-cost 8-speed automated transmission will get the efficiency edge with a 0-60 mph dash of three.9 seconds. Since these instances may not appear so fast within the electrical age, perceive that the M2 remains to be all concerning the feels. It could not rocket off the road, however as soon as peak torque hits at 2,650 rpm there’s an unbridled wildness to it that retains constructing via second then third gear to above authorized velocity limits. It felt faster than quoted, and as soon as unleashed on the well-paved single lane highways winding via wine nation, it tempted me to maintain going, to disregard my tasks, and stay within the now. It’s that sort of escape. 

2023 BMW M2

Aided by a close to 50/50 weight distribution, its supreme grip is available in half from the energetic rear differential however extra from the staggered wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer time tires (275/35ZR19 in entrance, 285/30ZR20 in again). The top snaps again into line as rapidly because it will get free, sufficient to goose a thrill with out dropping management.

Toggling between M drive mode (tunes the engine from Environment friendly to Sport+, and the chassis, steering, and brake really feel from Consolation to Sport) and the usual setting, I most popular the engine, steering, and brake in Sport, and the chassis in Consolation. That setting, in addition to the programmable M buttons on the steering wheel, are most likely greatest left for the monitor. I sought out roads on the navigation display screen  that appeared like electrocardiograms, and that’s the place I bumped into some issues. 

Much less forgiving than different sports activities automobiles, the M2 calls for good roads, as if the candy sweepers of a monitor are an anticipated situation within the wild. I wound up on entry roads past vineyards, and trundled down areas populated by pickup and utility vans. Patching stuffed the gaps the place full-on paving was essential, and the M2 kangarooed over patches buckled from seasonal temperature swings. With the $9,900 Carbon Package deal and unforgiving carbon bucket seats, the stiff chassis challenged my sense of journey within the netherlands past Napa. 

2023 BMW M2

2023 BMW M2

2023 BMW M2

I deserted the trek south close to the San Pablo Bay, and unknowingly crossed again into Napa County, demarcated not simply by title however by contemporary pavement courtesy of a few of that candy wine vacationer tax cash. I discovered my empty loop, and sawed alongside till my deferred tasks could possibly be deferred now not.

By the following day, the stiff, hoppy journey and the everpresent street noise had turn into acquainted sufficient again via San Francisco to the airport. I by no means acquired bored with it, even when slicing via the hilly streets of San Fran. I needed solely that the local weather controls matched the tactile really feel of the remainder of the automobile, as a substitute of getting to make use of the touchscreen.

As soon as faraway from the brand new M2 and again on a airplane, I appreciated all that it promised, and will simply think about turning the every day night commute into an journey. It turned out, within the 5 whole hours I acquired to drive the M2, and the 28 hours I used to be on the bottom, essentially the most train I acquired was getting out and in over the massive seat bolsters full with built-in handles. I’d skip them, even when I deliberate to hit the monitor on the occasional weekend. 

It’s greatest to remain nestled within the M2, the place it offers you each excuse to do regardless of the hell you need. 

BMW supplied the M2 excuse for Motor Authority to current this firsthand report.