M2

Make
BMW
Segment
Coupe

BMW says its polishing up the new BMW M2 ahead of the car's launch in October, with the car hitting dealers in April 2023. As of yet, we weren't sure if the M2 would get a manual. We'd previously speculated it could only be for the US market, but now we have official word from BMW. The brand confirmed a manual transmission for the M2 in a press release this afternoon.

"The two optional transmission types, the manual 6-speed gearbox and 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox, guarantee that the power is applied extremely dynamically, redefining sheer driving pleasure," said BMW. BMW also confirmed the inclusion of some other special features on the M2, including the car's engine and drive modes.

First, the manual. We expect this to be extremely similar to the manual transmission found in today's BMW M3, as the M2 will be powered by the brand's perennial S58 inline-six engine. Of course, that could be an issue. Multiple tests have shown the M3's manual to be something of a weak effort. We're hoping BMW has addressed those shift quality issues for the M2.

As for the engine, that means big power for the new M2. In base M3 form, that S58 engine produces 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Given the M2's positioning in the lineup, we're betting figures come in just under those, potentially even through a single turbo rather than the M4 and M3's twin-turbo setup. As of now, BMW hasn't specified. What BMW does say is that the new M2 will "boast a similar performance level to the BMW M2 CS," which means roughly 444 hp and 406 lb-ft.

Other news also includes a look at the M2's interior. It will, of course, feature BMW's iDrive 8 software. Extrapolating for a few still-covered details, the new interior looks very similar to the current M240i, including the controls surrounding the transmission. Moreover, BMW has shown the M2's pre-set drive modes, which include road, sport, and track.

Road leaves everything in "comfort" as far as we can tell, with Sport nixing the lane departure system and turning up your typical settings, such as throttle response, suspension stiffness, and exhaust. Track will likely take that to another level, while also disabling brake assist.

As if to reassure us they hadn't totally overblown the face of the new M2, BMW also shared a close-up of the M2's grille, which appears to simply be an uprated version of the one found on the 2 Series Coupe, featuring the new M strakes and a deeper bezel.

This year's run of cars will also all feature the 50 Jahre BMW badging we saw on the M3 and 4. Speaking of, BMW also says the "brake system" from those cars will be on the M2 as well. We're assuming that means the whole nine yards, but BMW has yet to elaborate on that. At least we know it'll be rear-wheel drive. For now, we'll have to wait for more info from BMW to further confirm the new M2's specs.