Introducing the new 2023 BMW G87 M2 Plus UK Pricing

Now before you even read this blog, you’ve already made your mind up the looks of the new G87 M2. At first glance you could say that BMW don’t appear to have learnt their lesson from the recent launch of the G80 M3 & G82 M4. Or... have they? You see, despite what you might think about the look of the new M2, that’s not the most important thing. What BMW argue is most important is the fact that you feel anything at all. In a sea of Mercedes C Class’ that look like S Class’ or Audi A3’s that are indistinguishable from Audi A4’s; the BMW range is unique.

In truth, I am already a fan of the looks of the car – although the team do consider my taste to be a little weird. However, I wasn’t a fan of the G80 M3 & G82 M4 when they launched. But somehow the divisive looks have a way of improving over time. Experience tells us this. The G42 M240i that this car is based on was also subject to much debate on launch – now this little car is praised by people almost everywhere we go with ours. 

So that’s why my views on the looks of the new BMW M2 are a little pointless at the moment – yours, mine and the internet’s views on the car will change over time; soften, or strengthen. I will now remain objective on the looks and merely highlight the differences to the car it’s based on. We can now focus on the thing that matters most, the way it feels. Just as BMW wants.

What’s under the hood?

Picking up where the F87 M2 Competition left off, the 2023 BMW M2 also borrows its bigger brothers’ engine. This time benefiting from motorsport-spec S58. This motor has been hailed as a “masterpiece” by critics. From factory it features a number of forged internals, with most of the engine being carried over as is and dropped straight into the M4 GT3 that’s competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Yes, that one.

This is all secured safely within the engine bay with additional bracing, again carried from its bigger brother; providing additional torsional stiffness and as a result better, more predictable handling.

 

In the new 2023 G87 M2, the S58 Twin Turbo Charged Straight-Six engine is in a slightly detuned state, this time producing 453hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All of this is being driven to the rear wheels through either a 8-speed ZF automatic or yes (are you sitting down…), a 6-speed manual.

Other bits that are carried over from the big brother M4 include the exhaust, suspension components and brakes. More on the brakes a little later.  

Visually, what’s different?

Front & Rear Bumpers have been completely remodeled. The front bumper include frameless twin-slat kidney grilles, three lower air intakes and additional intakes near the headlights. The headlight units themselves remain the same as the G42 2 Series.

 

On the rear bumper, BMW have really taken the design and turned it to 11. That is to say its bold, controversial and aggressive. The rear diffuser takes up almost the entire bumper, meanwhile the rear reflector housings have been exaggerated to further add to the aggressive stance of the car.

Speaking of the stance, this car has it in bundles. The front & rear arches have both been widened by 2.36 inches (60mm) versus the G42 2 Series, with the overall rear track now being the same as the G82 M4 at 63.2 inches. This all whilst being 4 inches shorter that the M4. This car is one boxy-bwoi!

Historically reserved for the hardcore version of M cars, for the first time ever, an M2 is being delivered standard with a staggered wheel size fitment with 19” front and 20” rear wheels. Wheel and tyre set up is essentially the same as the G80/G82 with 275/35 ZR19 and 285/30 ZR20 at the front and rear respectively.

Another first for the new G87 M2 is the optional carbon fibre roof. This again, normally reserved for the more hardcore variants of the M cars, is now a factory fit option for the M2. No word on the weight saving on this at the moment, but typically carbon fiber roofs will save 1-2kg.

The Interior

BMW have launched the new G87 M2 with their brand new iDrive 8 system – this is the first thing you’ll notice when you step into the car. This ‘S Class-esque’ display and dashboard combo make the car feel very futuristic, though arguably take away from the sporty nature of the car.  

On top of this BMW have introduced a number of M-specific changes to the interior. This includes a number of M-mode buttons (2 on the steering wheel and 2 on the centre console). The M lighting on the door cards that’s is optional on the M240i is standard here on the G87 M2.

 

The new stuff isn’t just limited to the dashboard though. There’s more. BMW have included a number of new technologies carried over from the M3 & M4 – the most notable being the 10-way adjustable traction control and 2-way adjustable brake pedal feel. This will give the driver further control on the dynamics of the car from the cockpit – particually the dynamic traction control, which we’re told has been set up from factory to allow controlled drifts. In fact, you can track them with the ‘M Drift Analyser’. We love you BMW M, never change.

One of the most notable features I’ve yet to mention on the interior are sensational optional Carbon Fibre Buckets seats. There are 3 variants of seat available in fact. You have the standard M Sports seats, the non-carbon fibre buckets and the full-fat lightweight (yes, it doesn’t make sense, I know) carbon fibre bucket seats. These save 10kg over the standard seats. Tick this option.

 

Other notable additions? The new M2 has 5G built in, so if you spec the optional eSIM, you’ll get fibre-optic level internet speeds in your 453hp drift monster. Not sure what you would need that for, but it’s there. Maps in this generation are now cloud-based, gone are the days of having to insert a disc to update your sat-nav. Also, normally optional, dynamic cruise control is standard. This makes me happy.

So now the most important question of all. What does it cost? In the USA the base cost is $62,200. For context, the M240i is $50,100. UK pricing, the M240i starts at £47,515 so expect the brand new 2023 M2 to cost around £63,800 in its base form and £64,900 in manual.

Want to go for the BMW M Track Pack in the UK? That's going to cost you £6,345. But that will include the all important carbon fibre bucket seats, carbon fibre roof, carbon fibre interior and an increased top speed to 180mph. They also include a voucher to go to an "M Intensive Training" day at the BMW Experience Centre, which is nice. 

So, what’s our summary on the M2? We love it. We cannot wait to get this thing in the shop and begin to play around with it.

In the meantime, check out some videos on the M2 by our favourite YouTubers: