BMW is launching the new M2 globally next month and Motor1.com will have a first hot hatch review very, very soon. We have no doubt it will be a pleasure to drive, but we know from history that the Bavarian company can always get the most out of its performance models. Will this also be the case with the new M2? We don’t think so judging by a new interview with the senior M2 project manager.
Markus Schroder recently spoke with BimmerToday and confirmed that no M2 competitions are currently in development. Worse still, it’s not even in the cards for the next few years, which could mean it comes with the model facelift or it doesn’t come at all. A M2 with an all-wheel drive system also does not seem likely at the moment, according to the senior BMW M official.
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We are sad to hear BMW aren’t even considering an M2 competition yet, but knowing how powerful the regular M2 is, there’s really nothing to worry about. With its S58 turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine under the hood, the hot hatch has 453 horsepower, 48 more horsepower than its predecessor and 406 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the United States, while customers in Germany will need to pay extra for the three-pedal option.
With the manual transmission, the new M2 needs 4.1 seconds to hit 60 miles per hour and 3.9 seconds if equipped with the automatic. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour, but can be increased to 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Pack. These impressive performances are accompanied by a Starting price of $63,195 and the most expensive specification costs over $77,000.
The 2023 M2 will be available at launch with a choice of five exterior colors: Zandvoort Blue, Toronto Red, Brooklyn Grey, Alpine White and Sapphire Black. If your favorite shade isn’t one of them, we have good news: the automaker plans to expand the color range with the addition of new matte finishes from the Frozen range. If you were hoping for something from BMW’s individual selection, however, we will have to disappoint you: the plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, which produces the new M2 is not yet capable of applying these paints.
