The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine now delivers 480hp, a 20 hp bump from the last version. This engine is a masterpiece of BMW’s M TwinPower Turbo technology, featuring two mono-scroll turbochargers and a host of racing-inspired tweaks.

You get a choice of two transmissions. BMW’s eight-speed M Steptronic is for those who prefer an effortless but thrilling drive, and the manual in the Purist Edition. Nothing beats the feeling of a manual.

With the eight-speed automatic, 0-100 km/h comes up in just 4.0 seconds. Opt for the Purist Edition with the manual, and you’re at 4.2 seconds. Top speed is a satisfying 285 km/h if you opt for the M Driver’s Package, which comes standard in the Purist Edition.

From the outside, the new M2 is unmistakably M. It’s got a wide, aggressive stance with muscular lines that scream performance. The front grille is large and horizontal, flanked by model-specific LED headlights that give a nod to the classic BMW 02 models.

The rear is all business, with a sculpted diffuser and twin exhaust pipes that hint at the car’s capabilities. The M Carbon roof not only shaves off weight but lowers the center of gravity for improved handling.

The new M light-alloy wheels, 19 inches up front, 20 inches at the rear, come in a Jet Black finish that complements the M2’s aggressive stance.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cockpit that’s as focused as the car’s performance. The M leather steering wheel, now flat-bottomed, and you’ve got everything you need at your fingertips: the red centre marker at 12 o’clock, gearshift paddles for quick access, and two M buttons that let you customise the car’s setup to your heart’s content.

And if you’re after a bit more flair, there’s the option of M Carbon bucket seats, standard in the Purist Edition.

The new BMW M2 boasts BMW’s Operating System 8.5 with a fully digital display. A 12.3-inch information screen and 14.9-inch control display form the BMW Curved Display, putting everything you need in sharp focus.

There’s even a BMW Head-Up Display to keep your eyes on the road, and you can control everything from climate settings to navigation with just a touch or voice command.

This might just be one of the last great BMW M cars, so grab one while you still can.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Seems like it was just yesterday that we reviewed the G87-generation hip-to-be-square BMW M2. Actually, it kinda was. And here we are with the LCI G87 BMW M2, the quickest LCI that we know of for a BMW.

The worldwide launch is scheduled for August 2024, and the M2 LCI will be built alongside the LCI 2 Series Coupe at the BMW Group Plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

The engine remains the same three-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder, but power goes up, from 453hp for the pre-LCI, to 480hp. Torque for the optional six-speed manual version remains at 550Nm but the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox gets an additional 50Nm to 600Nm of torque.

Two single-scroll turbos, direct injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS, along with a closed-deck block with the reinforced crankcase, forged crankshaft, wire-arc iron coating-sprayed cylinder bores and 3D-printed core for the cylinder head let this engine make its heady numbers.

For the purists out there, BMW has not fiddled with that which is so endearing about the M2 – rear-wheel drive only.

The century sprint is dispatched in 4.2- and 4.0 seconds for the manual and automatic respectively, while top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Specify the optional M Driver’s Package and that too takes a bump to 285km/h.

An M-specific cooling system ensures the powertrain components maintain an optimal operating temperature even under heavy loads. The oil circuit is also designed to handle extremely dynamic driving situations. A map-controlled oil pump ensures reliable oil supply even under extreme longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

Visually, M-specific design features cater to functional requirements of cooling air routing and aerodynamic balance and aesthetics. A large, horizontal BMW kidney grille and the three-section split lower air intake optimise cooling of the powertrain components and brakes.

M2-specific LED headlights contain a single circular projector each that generates both low beam and high beam. U-shaped light guides serve as both the daytime driving lights and turn indicators.

Available as options are Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High Beam Assistant and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays.

This LCI M2 can also be ordered as an option with an M Carbon roof that not only reduces the car’s weight by around six kilograms but also increases agility by lowering its centre of gravity.

The rear apron of the new BMW M2 features a noticeable diffuser. Dual twin-tailpipes, now finished in black as standard, add to the visual and aural theatrics at the rear.

A choice of three solid colours, five metallic shades and six BMW Individual paint finishes will be available to customers. These include the new Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic colourways. Step up to the BMW Individual paint finishes and pick between Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto and Twilight Purple.

19-inch and 20-inch M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design and with a Jet Black finish as standard equipment feature front and rear respectively, and give the M2 a purposeful stance.

They’re also optionally available in Silver and can be combined with track tyres if the optional M Race Track package is specified.

On the inside, the standard-fitted M leather steering wheel now has a flat-bottomed rim and modified spokes. It sports a red centre marker in the 12 o’clock position, gearshift paddles and two M buttons for selecting individual configurations.

An M Alcantara steering wheel is now also available as an option in the same design. A heating function is offered as an option for both steering wheel variants.

The M Sport seats in Vernasca leather can also be optionally ordered in a red/black bi-colour variant.

Optional M Carbon bucket seats can be specified in conjunction with the M Race Track package or as an individual option, and features surfaces in Merino leather, multi-way electric adjustment, removable head restraints and a facility for adding a multi-point harness.

M-specific content in the BMW Curved Display and optional BMW Head-Up Display further enhances the M2’s sports car aura. A 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display feature BMW Operating System 8.5.

The interior trim elements in the instrument panel and centre console come as standard in Dark Graphite matt. Interior trim elements in Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite, M Carbon Fibre or new Fine Brushed Aluminium are available as an option.

Standard equipment includes adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic steering, M Compound brakes, and M Traction Control.

Also fitted as standard are three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a HiFi speaker system, a wireless charging tray and the BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Maps navigation system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard driving features include front collision warning, Cruise Control with brake function, Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator, Lane Departure Warning and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear.

Optional features include Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, as are Comfort Access, sunroof, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Augmented View.

More details to come later this year. Stay tuned.

Photo Credits: BMW

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

The BMW M2 is the smallest, least expensive M car you can lay your hands on today. And this Zanvoort blue unit you see here is also the sequel to the best-selling M car ever in history. Yes, more than 60,000 individuals snapped up the old M2, so this new kid has some big shoes to fill.

The smallest, lightest, cheapest, least powerful M car has now got bigger, heavier, and considerably more powerful. More power in a compact car sounds like a brilliant recipe on paper, right?

Straight to business

No special this or CS that just yet; this is just the M2. And it’s a refreshingly simple spec in our modern new world of hybrid drives and electric hums. Only the coupe exists too; no cabrio, no four-door.

No four-wheel drive shenanigans either, as the 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight 6’s power only feeds the back wheels. Glorious.

So, how does it drive? BMW insists that the M2’s transformation is a response to customer feedback about its predecessor’s challenging dynamics. But that’s a bit hard to swallow because the previous M2 wasn’t exactly a death trap; in fact, it was what made the car so darn desirable. 

The real reason behind the M2’s growth spurt is the 1 Series, which now shares front-wheel-drive underpinnings with Mini. This change forced the 2 Series coupe to seek a new identity.

And the solution was to base the new M2 on the platform of the larger 4 Series. This meant more space for the engine, adaptive suspension (which was conspicuously absent in the old M2), and a more upscale interior. It’s a move that makes sense, but it’s also transformed the M2 into something quite different from its predecessor.

If you’re wondering whether this is a baby M4, you’re on the right track. It packs the same engine, albeit with around 60bhp less than the M4 Competition.

The engine might not make an earth-shattering noise, but it’s rich in torque. The punch starts at 2,650rpm and doesn’t let up until 5,870rpm, making overtaking a breeze. 

Here’s the thing, though. Despite the immense power and torque, the new M2 has more traction than the old one. It doesn’t feel twitchy or aggressive. In Comfort mode, it’s a far more comfortable and quieter machine than you might expect from an M car.

You get the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the M4, or if you’re feeling like a true connoisseur, you can opt for the manual transmission. It is an option though, but well worth it, in my opinion. There’s just something about rowing your own gears that adds a layer of engagement to the driving experience.

I got to savour the M2’s might on the grounds of the Chang International Circuit, and it was brilliant. The M2 handles corners with disdain for understeer, and its body control is impressively professional. Despite its ‘lack’ of power compared to other BMW M models, it never felt like it was left out of the pack.

You could even take corners at any speed you fancy, and the car will come out the other end composed and ready for more.

The M2 is undoubtedly competent, but it seems to lack a bit of sparkle on regular roads. The larger footprint, extended wheelbase, extra weight, and the less precise auto transmission’s shifts all contribute to this feeling. Space out a bit with the throttle, and the car can be tricky to handle off the line. It’s not deal-breaking by any means; you just have to be more sensible when you’re on roads with actual speed limits.

Overall, it’s a huge step up from the previous generation, albeit with some caveats. But, these traits are necessary in my opinion in order for the BMW M2 to grow in a new direction. 

It grows on you gradually

Now, the body. It’s a topic that’s bound to divide opinions. Unlike some recent BMW models with their controversial design choices, the M2 goes for a more straightforward, square-jawed look. 

While it has its moments of appeal, some of its blocky elements don’t quite sit right with the curves you’d expect from a coupe. Despite being 44mm wider at the front and 18mm wider at the rear, it doesn’t quite capture the swagger of its predecessor.

The old M2 had an uncomplicated charm, but this new one, though improved in many ways, seems to have lost a bit of its unique character. If you’re a proud owner of the previous-gen M2, you might be quietly smirking. Your car, arguably, looks better than this new one.

Don’t get me wrong; the new M2 is an improvement in many aspects. It’s quieter, roomier, better equipped, and less fatiguing on long drives. That’s a crowd-pleasing move by BMW, no doubt, and I’m confident this will sell just as well as its predecessor. 

And I’ll admit, the looks do grow on you over time.

This looks familiar…

Because the M2 now shares its platform with the M4, it’s bound to inherit some similarities in the cabin. 

Atop the dashboard, you’ll find the now-familiar 14.9-inch ‘curved display.’ This is one of the best infotainment systems you can get your hands on in the market today; BMW’s OS 8 is one of the least disruptive to handle.

However, while it looks modern, the dials and menus can be a tad frustrating to navigate if you’re not accustomed to it, especially while driving (similar to other modern BMW models). Additionally, the heater controls now reside on the screen, making them more irritating and less safe to use while on the move.

It might feel more opulent, but it’s come at the expense of user-friendliness. Thankfully, with BMW OS 8, you can wirelessly connect your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

Plus, BMW has also included two quick-toggle buttons (M1 and M2 modes) that can be pre-set whilst stationary. These modes are accessible via little red cat’s-tongue levers on the steering wheel, making it extremely easy to go from road to track.

As an optional extra, you can even spec the carbon fibre seats from the M4, complete with a thigh gutter that might invite some judgment from your passengers. But fear not, you can always defend your choice by praising their phenomenal support and surprising long-distance comfort.

Oh, and speaking of practicality, the M2 is surprisingly versatile. The rear seats are spacious for a 2+2 configuration, and it boasts 390 litres of boot space (sufficient for my golf bag), plenty of storage in the cabin, and a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat. Not bad for a sports coupe.

Savour it while you can

This might very well be the end of an era, and a great era at that. Say hello to possibly the last pure petrol M car, and the last rear-wheel-drive M car. Everything from this point onwards seems to be heading towards hybrid or electric territory.

The M3 and M4 have gone all-wheel-drive, and while that’s not a bad thing with their agile power delivery, there’s something inherently right about a BMW coupe with a straight-six in the front, a manual lever in the middle, and all that power going to the rear.

It’s a setup that’s now fading into obscurity, making this M2 a potential relic of a storied era. So savour it while you can, because this one wears its M badge with pride.

Technical Specifications

BMW M2 Coupe

Engine: 2,993cc 6-cylinder M TwinPower, Turbocharged
Power: 453 hp
Torque: 550 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed Steptronic Sport
0-100km/h: 4.1 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Economy: 10.2 km/L (claimed)
Price: S$524,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Performance Motors / Eurokars Auto

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

The 2023 M2 is arguably BMW’s best new car on the market today. It’s quick, balanced, communicative, and still a thoughtful daily driver. All of the sugar, spice, and everything nice things you’d expect from a small car wearing the M badge.

But here’s the million-dollar question – can it conquer the track? You see, these M cars were born for the track, it’s in their blood (M stands for Motorsport, after all). Does this M2 live up to its ancestry, or is it just another posh toy with a “fancy” badge?

Well, to find out I recently stepped onto the hallowed grounds of the Chang International Circuit in Buriram for BMW’s Driving Challenge 2023. Helmets donned, heartbeats racing, I and most other individuals alike were here for one main reason – to wring the new BMW M2 on the unrestricted tarmac.

With 13 cunningly crafted corners and four long stretches, it’s the perfect battleground to decide if this M2 is a track sensation or just another Sunday driver.

Before unleashing this beast, the 2023 M2 already scores some points. Even though the demo cars came equipped with standard seats (carbon bucket seats are an option), these seats are nicely bolstered and plonk you nice and low, cocooning you inside like you’re in the cockpit of a fighter jet. The shifter, the steering wheel, and those pedals – they’re all at that Goldilocks spot. Visibility? Not bad at all.

But let’s talk about something that’s not a home run – the gauges. Instead of the charming analogue set that graced the previous M2, there’s a colossal curved display with two screens. One’s for the gauges, the other’s for all things infotainment.

Now, while the 12.3-inch instrument cluster serves up big numbers for speed and revs, they’re a bit…erm…awkward to read. Toggle into sport mode, and things get a tad more readable – a single red bar for rpm and a big fat speed readout. There are these snazzy shift lights too, shifting colours from yellow to red, urging you for that gear change. Neat, but somehow I miss the old-school needles and dials.

No matter though, as you also get a heads-up display; handy if all you want to do is focus on what’s ahead of you on track.

On to the star of the show. The BMW M2 packs a twin-turbo 3.0-litre S58 straight-6 engine. Now, don’t be misled by the factory figures – 453hp and 550Nm of torque. On paper, it might look potent, but in reality, it’s a different story.

This version of the S58 has a different character. Sure, it’s not as potent as its siblings in the M3 and M4, but to make it clear, that’s not a complaint.

It’s got less low-end grunt, which might sound like a drawback, but it’s actually a plus. This engine doesn’t serve power on a silver platter. It nudges you to work for it, coaxing you to drop to second gear in places like the hairpin in turn 3, just to keep that boost kicking.

And the magic is not just in the engine. The BMW M2’s chassis is another star. Those M2-specific reinforcements add a certain stiffness that the previous M2 lacked.

A wider rear track width, matching the M4, finally grants the rear wheels the grip they’ve always craved. Entry into corners is seamless, and grip on exits is surprising. And that’s thanks to the clever active differential, which juggles all sorts of data to give you the perfect amount of lock exactly when you need it.

For the high-speed stretches, the suspension geometry largely mirrors that of the M4 (which our instructors drove), but the M2 plays its own tune. Stiffer springs upfront and softer ones at the back give it an edge in turns.

Steering is spot-on, and the rear end sticks like glue – it’s a symphony of control and confidence. Unlike its bigger M siblings, this M2 doesn’t offer carbon-ceramic brakes. Why? Because these regular ones are spectacular.

After a pounding day stint in the scorching Thailand heat, they didn’t flinch. No fading, no pedal travel, just stopping power. And all this, despite the M2’s substantial curb weight.

Don’t think I’ve forgotten about the traction control. It’s like BMW’s gift to track enthusiasts. Turn off the DSC, and voila, you get a menu with ten levels of traction control intervention. It’s like a video game, dialling up or down your grip on the go. And just when you think it’s done, there’s more twiddling with modes for steering and braking. 

The 2023 BMW M2 also has something going for it – it’s currently the most affordable M car in showrooms today. All the fun you can have, without parting ways with “too much” cash. This 2023 BMW M2 isn’t just a show-off; it’s a driver’s delight. It doesn’t have the rawness of its pricier M siblings; it’s more like a creamy indulgence, begging you to push the envelope.

If you’re looking to chase lap times, this might not be the ultimate track machine. But, crucially it’s got that perfect combo of fun and precision. Exactly what the M2 badge promises.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) & BMW Asia

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

You’ve seen it in countless leaks online, and its controversial styling may have ruffled your feathers a little. Well, the hotly-anticipated BMW M2 Coupe is finally here in Singapore.

Now in its second generation, the new M2 coupe has muscular proportions and aggressive angles. BMW’s signature kidney grille is loud and proud here, with horizontal slats reminiscent of the recently introduced BMW XM.

Compared to the standard 2 Series Coupe, the M2 has a much wider track width, exemplified by the squared-off, almost boxy lower intake area. In fact, it shares its front and rear track widths with its bigger M4 sibling.

These aren’t for show either. The widened tracks greatly improve handling, giving you those massively flared wheel arches. The rear, is equally boxy, with quad tailpipes that sit loud and proud underneath the rectangular facade. Also included as standard equipment with Singapore-bound M2s is the carbon fibre roof, offered as an option in other markets.

Somehow, all of these elements coexist nicely together, giving the M2 a distinctive M charm. I’ll be honest, the look does grow on you too.

The cabin is equally decked out in carbon fibre, with a driver-centric cockpit design, similar to other BMW performance models. The M2 Coupe also runs BMW’s latest curved display, with Operating System 8 on tap for all connectivity needs.

M Sport seats spotting illuminated M logos come as standard equipment, while M Carbon bucket seats can be optioned if you’re the kind that takes your car to the track. Or the mall, in greater discomfort.

Equipped with the same S58 straight-6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that you’ll find in the current BMW M3 and M4, alongside a myriad of chassis technology and electronic gizmos, the BMW M2 Coupe is built from the ground up to be a driver’s car.

In the M2, the engine punches out a slightly watered-down 453bhp and 550Nm of torque, a fair bit more than its F87 predecessor. All of that power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission as standard. If an automatic doesn’t tickle your fancy, the M2 can optionally be specced with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The dynamism of the M2 Coupe is made possible due to its compact dimensions and overall torsional stiffness of its body structure and chassis mountings, thanks to bespoke bracing. To make the car even more potent, a whole suite of M performance parts comes as standard too.

You get Active M Differential, Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Servotronic steering with variable ratio, Dynamic Stability Control including M Dynamic Mode, and M Compound brakes (six pistons front, single piston rear). 

With equipment like that, the BMW M2 Coupe does cost a pretty penny. At the time of writing, the BMW M2 is priced at $380,000 without COE.

Customers who wish to view the all-new BMW M2 can contact Eurokars Auto or Performance Motors Limited to make an appointment or place a deposit.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!