New BMW M2 teased with M Performance parts

BMW has finally teased its new-generation M2 via a two-image Instagram post and the release of a number of other images of a camouflaged 2023 BMW M2 Coupe at the official BMW M webpage.

The social media teaser shows the angry little coupe kitted out with a series of M Performance parts including a fixed rear wing (likely carbon-fibre) and a set of gold CS-spec alloy wheels.

Meantime the additional web images reveal a central, diagonally stacked quad-exit exhaust system like the one optionally available on the BMW M4, and a far more aggressive rear bumper design to match.

There’ll no doubt be other cosmetic and performance-enhancing M Performance goodies lurking around the impending catalogues and options list – some of which may be fitted to the previewed vehicle but are hard to see under all the camouflage.

The new BMW M2 will no doubt raise the bar in terms of power and performance over its predecessor and the already lauded BMW M240i xDrive, with drive widely expected to come from a mildly detuned version of the M4’s S58 twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine.

Two versions of this engine are anticipated to be offered: a 306kW/580Nm ‘base’ tune and a gruntier Competition tune offering 321kW.

A power output like that will put the rear-wheel drive M2 within spitting distance of the M4 in terms of performance given the Competition should offset its 37kW power disadvantage with a much lighter kerb weight.

An all-wheel drive system – based on the one seen in the M240i xDrive – would close the gap further but, if it eventuates, an AWD M2 would likely follow down the line as it did for the M4.

For reference, the bigger M440i xDrive was eclipsed initially by the rear-drive M4 (and Competition), before the Competition xDrive version was revealed six months later.

Beyond the new M Performance parts, the teaser images don’t reveal anything we haven’t already seen in previous spy shots, with headline features including a more traditional quad-exit exhaust, subtle lip spoiler, E92 M3-derived door mirrors and the obvious lack of a vertical kidney grille.

“The new BMW M2 Coupé is getting ready to once again set the benchmark in its class,” said BMW M in its latest release.

“With an outstanding combination of performance, agility and precision, the dynamics chapter receives maximum attention in the new BMW M2.”

According to the M2 landing page on the BMW M site, the new M2 should consume around 10L/100km on the combined cycle and will be launched internationally in the third or fourth quarter of this year.

BMW Australia is yet to nominate a local ETA, but we expect the new-gen performance coupe to arrive Down Under in the first or second quarter of 2023.

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