November car of the month: 2023 BMW M2

by Steven Perez

posted on November 28, 2023

M power for the people

Most of BMW’s products occupy an alluring lane that combines luxury with bonafide aggression. Models adorned with their mighty M badge skew toward the latter quality and have a rich heritage to live up to, in motorsports and on the street. Though it seems BMW has adopted a more liberal use of the M designation these days, the serious cars from the M division still use a single number — the M3, M4, and M5 are the best known. But the top-selling M car of all time is the smallest and most affordable: the M2. Let’s have a look at Matthew’s 2023 BMW M2 for November’s car of the month.

2023 BMW M2

The M2, of course, shares its bones with the standard 2-Series, which was redesigned for 2022. One year later, we have the new M2 — a compact, muscley sports car that packs an enormous punch. Like the outgoing model, this M2 is a rear-wheel drive coupe that comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. This is the combination that made the last-gen M2 such a success at dealerships.

This version, though, comes with a load of new tech, a digital dashboard, and a host of driver assistance features. And, yes, a bunch more power. The M2 uses the same turbocharged three-liter engine as the M3 and M4, which pumps out 453 horsepower in Matthew’s car — almost 50 more than the old version.

This car is good for 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which is plenty quick, but the magic lies in the feel of the total package. The M2’s specially tuned (and programmable) suspension, enhanced chassis, prompt throttle response, and lively pedal feel are all traits that driving enthusiasts will fall in love with. Those who’ve driven the M2 report positively crispy steering and seriously entertaining power. So while the M2 is indeed the “baby M car,” its undeniable athleticism makes it an alluring choice compared to its larger siblings.

Matthew’s black-on-black M2 boasts a racy design inside and out. The broad shoulders, gaping air intakes, and quad exhausts are hallmarks of BMW M cars. This one has the Carbon Package, which includes a carbon fiber roof, many carbon-draped interior surfaces, and dramatically bolstered bucket seats. In addition to the slick appearance, all this carbon shaves somewhere around 40 pounds off the total weight.

A dual personality is the classic trick of a proper M car. Matthew says you can “dial the car back down to a luxurious, comfy cruiser for traffic, around town, and highway driving.” Considering its smile-inducing abilities, the M2’s well-appointed interior, reasonable trunk space, and back seats (though barely adequate for small children) make for an overqualified daily driver. Plus, the M2 can be had with an eight-speed automatic transmission for a more hands-off experience.

If you find yourself in Waco, give Matthew a shout. His new M2 offers an inviting taste of Bavarian muscle, and is more car than most ever need.

*Daily price is subject to change

Steven Perez

Steven is an avid car guy and content maker at Turo. Between Golden State Warriors games he can be found getting lost somewhere in California.

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