Ever since leaked images showed the comparatively ‘boxy’ rear of the new BMW M2 last month, some very polarised opinions have emerged.
Now the covers are (officially) off the new BMW M2, we can take a closer look at it side-by-side (as well as front to back and back to front) with the outgoing M2 Competition.
Head-to-head: the statistics
First off, let’s take a look at the numbers:
2022 BMW F87 M2 Competition
- Engine: S55 3.0-litre TwinPower turbo inline-six
- Power and torque: 302kW and 550Nm
- Driven wheels: Rear
- Transmissions: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddles or six-speed manual
2023 BMW G87 M2
- Engine: S58 3.0-litre TwinPower turbo inline-six
- Power and torque: 338kW and 550Nm
- Driven wheels: Rear
- Transmissions: Eight-speed automatic with paddles or six-speed manual
Dimensions and weights
2022 BMW F87 M2 Competition
- Length: 4468mm
- Width: 1854mm
- Height: 1410mm
- Wheelbase: 2693mm
- Weight: 1625kg (manual), 1650kg (M-DCT)
2023 BMW G87 M2
- Length: 4580mm
- Width: 1887mm
- Height: 1403mm
- Wheelbase: 2747mm
- Weight: 1700kg (manual), 1725kg (automatic)
The most notable difference here is the increase in weight, which is to be expected given the new M2 is substantially larger.
The new G87 M2 is 119mm longer and 16mm wider than the first generation M2 but 7mm lower. Its wheelbase has grown by 54mm compared with the outgoing model while adding 38mm to the front wheel track and 4mm to the rear.
It’s still 214mm shorter than the M4, on a 110mm shorter wheelbase.
Performance comparison
2022 BMW F87 M2 Competition
- 0-100km/h: 4.2sec (auto), 4.4sec (manual)
- Top speed: 250km/h (electronically limited), 280km/h with M Driver’s Package.
2023 BMW G87 M2
- 0-100km/h: 4.1sec (auto), 4.3sec (manual)
- Top speed: 250km/h (electronically limited), 285km/h with M Driver’s Package.
A 36kW bump in power and a more efficient auto box sees the replacement vehicle hit the 100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds.
That’s 0.1s faster than the previous model M2 Competition (4.2s) with a slightly higher top speed of 285km/h despite the 75kg weight handicap.
Front view
The new M2 gets horizontal slats, more angular edges around the kidney grilles (thankfully without the over-sized buck-tooth look per the new BMW M3 and M4), and a more aggressive “power bulge” similar to the previous generation M3’s signature front end.
Side view
The new G87 M2 cops some very pronounced fender flares, which gives a bit of a nod to the wide-body haunches of the E30 M3. The departing M2 is a little more subtle.
One thing missing from the side profile is the signature M garnishes on the front quarter panels. Although these faux vents were merely cosmetic, they have been a stand-out feature of the line of M vehicles for some time.
Rear view
From a rear three-quarter view, the bumper of the new M2 looks boxy and awkward especially around the outer edges of the bumper, but straight on it looks more harmonious, especially with the quad exhaust tips and angular diffuser.
There are also distinctive new tail lights, different in shape but still with chunky LED graphics.
Interior
Purists are no doubt up in arms over the loss of analogue gauges, but the integrated touchscreen is an improvement on the tacked-on tablet-style screen of the previous generation. The new screen does, however, appear rather large in this relatively small interior.
Overall, there’s a more modern, upscale look to the new M2’s cabin, which also includes some fantastic carbon bucket seats.
As before, the steering wheel is reminiscent of one you would find in a humble 3 Series.
Conclusion
While it usually does take a little while to get used to a new model, the new generation appears to be trying a little too hard at being aggressive with the use of harsh lines and angles, where the previous model had a sleeker approach to the muscular nature of the car.
The rear end initially looked well out of proportion in the leaked photos (the baby blue colour probably didn’t help initial impressions), but it appears less unusual in these better photographs in a more flattering colour.
Let us know what you think. Which one would you prefer to see in your garage?
