Is the 2023 BMW M2 a Good Car? 5 Pros and 4 Cons

The M2 coupe is the smallest model in BMW’s M performance lineup, and it’s arguably the most fun to drive. With two doors, rear-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, it’s also the closest thing to a pure sports car that BMW makes. A 2023 redesign brought a larger, heavier and more powerful M2, but thankfully, it didn’t take away from its core appeal.

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The refresh also brought more technology to the M2, including additional driver-assistance safety features, new screens and the latest version of BMW’s iDrive multimedia interface. And while the M2 remains the most affordable offering from the good people of M, affordable is very much a relative term in a car priced north of $67,000 as tested. That said, the M2 delivers impressive performance for the price.

Cars.com’s Road Test Editor Brian Normile recently spent a week with a new M2 and came away with a lot of positive things to say — even though his test car was equipped with the available automatic transmission rather than the stick. However, a few niggling annoyances took away from the experience, which you can read about by tapping the link above for his expert review. For a quicker look, read on to learn five things we like about the 2023 BMW M2 and four things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Plenty Quick

The redesign brings a 48-horsepower boost to the M2’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, raising output to 453 hp. The result is a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds with the automatic, according to BMW’s numbers. Though we were unable to confirm that, we can tell you the M2 is seriously quick, with power that comes on in a steady, smooth rush that pushes you back in your seat.

2. Agreeable Automatic Transmission

A conventional eight-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter is a no-cost option and replaces the previous M2’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The new transmission is a gem, snapping off quick and positive upshifts and downshifts. In spite of some occasional stumbles, the new transmission is far smoother overall than the old DCT.

3. Two-Lane Champ

A new suspension and a stiffer chassis help make the M2 more entertaining on twisty roads than the somewhat tamer M240i. A firm ride contributes to the M2’s sporty feel, along with powerful and easily modulated brakes. Electronic wizardry lets the driver customize settings for just about every aspect of the driving experience, from throttle and brake response to suspension firmness.

4. Digital Dash

A new standard curved display incorporates both a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster and 14.9-inch center touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Both screens provide crisp and vivid graphics, although the multiple configurations can be overwhelming at first. However, there’s no need to spend much time messing with menus once you have things dialed in the way you like.

5. Interior Accommodations

The standard sport seats are comfortable and nicely cushioned, with bolstering that keeps you in place without being overly confining. There’s decent room for two up front, and visibility is good for a small car. Additionally, M-specific touches dress up the cabin with special badging and colorful inserts on the seats and doors. Overall, the look of the cabin is clean and modern.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Uninspiring Exhaust

The M2’s exhaust produces almost a hint of a burble at idle and is far quieter than what might be expected in a car with this level of performance. As much as we enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, too much seems out of place here. Even when the rowdiest setting is chosen, the sound is more lackluster than invigorating no matter how hard the accelerator pedal is pressed.

2. Tight in Back

Don’t let the four-seat layout fool you — the M2 is really a car for two. The rear seat is more of a nicely upholstered package shelf for groceries or pets than it is a place for transporting humans. A serious lack of head- and legroom makes the backseat all but uninhabitable, further limiting the M2’s usability as a primary vehicle.

3. Dynamic Drawbacks

As much fun as the M2 is to drive, the ride is unrelentingly firm regardless of which setting is chosen. We didn’t find it to be a deal breaker, but the degree of suspension firmness is something buyers should be aware of. In contrast, the steering felt overly numb for a car with this level of performance and offered little feedback.

4. Electronic Oversights

The optional head-up display looks good and can show turn-by-turn directions using either the onboard navigation system or Apple Maps. The downside is that polarized sunglasses wash out most of what’s on the display, making the option a questionable value for drivers who wear them. Another disappointment is the lack of standard wireless phone charging at this price point; it’s only available as a $200 option.

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