2023 BMW M2
We just recently crowned the manual-equipped 2023 Toyota Supra a victor in a fight between it and a manual 2023 Nissan Z. But it's not the only BMW-based sports car to pick up a manual transmission. In fact, BMW itself has an even meaner manual coupe, the M2. It builds on the 2 Series coupe in almost every way, most importantly with a much beefier turbo 3.0-liter straight-six. It makes 453 horsepower and 409 pound-feet of torque, that's about 70 more horsepower than the aforementioned Supra (and its cousin the Z4). It's backed by either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, and it gets a bunch of other upgrades such as bigger brakes and calipers, wider tires, a fancy rear differential and equally fancy suspension. It's all wrapped in an extra wide body with chiseled body work. I got to spend a few days running around Detroit with the hottest 2, and I've rounded up some of the key things that stood out to me about it. And if you'd like to read more about the M2, be sure to check out our first drive. 1. It's got a manual transmission In a world where even the hottest sports cars are going automatic-only for fast shift speeds and broad usability, the M2 bucks the trend as the only 2 Series variant with user-operated clutch and shifter. It's something to celebrate for sure, and the more widely spaced gears let the driver savor the rising revs for a little longer. At the same time, it's not a particularly great shifter. The throws are a little long and notchy, and when its close cousin the Toyota Supra has a tighter gearbox, we do wish it was a little better. But we can't be too bothered because BMW is giving people at least one more opportunity to have a small, light, six-cylinder, rear-drive, manual sports coupe. Plus, if you really aren't won over by the manual, the automatic is a no-charge option, and BMW's automatics are some of the absolute best in the business. 2. The engine rules One thing that BMW almost never misses with is its engines, and the M2's is wicked. It makes 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet, but as with basically every BMW engine, it feels much more potent. Maybe it has something to do with the fact its in a fairly small package, since BMW's estimated 3.9 seconds 0-60 mph time is 0.2 second faster than the base M3 sedan and M4 coupe that has 20 extra ponies. It's brilliantly slick in its refinement, though interestingly, boost doesn't come on quite as immediately as some of BMW's less potent sixes. That lends a bit of visceralness to it. It has a bass-y, slightly blatty exhaust note, which can be quieted down at the press of a button. It's good, though the crisper howl from say, the Toyota Supra, is more pleasing to my ears. 3. The chassis rules Just as good as the engine is the chassis. …
Full Review
We just recently crowned the manual-equipped 2023 Toyota Supra a victor in a fight between it and a manual 2023 Nissan Z. But it's not the only BMW-based sports car to pick up a manual transmission. In fact, BMW itself has an even meaner manual coupe, the M2. It builds on the 2 Series coupe in almost every way, most importantly with a much beefier turbo 3.0-liter straight-six. It makes 453 horsepower and 409 pound-feet of torque, that's about 70 more horsepower than the aforementioned Supra (and its cousin the Z4). It's backed by either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, and it gets a bunch of other upgrades such as bigger brakes and calipers, wider tires, a fancy rear differential and equally fancy suspension. It's all wrapped in an extra wide body with chiseled body work. I got to spend a few days running around Detroit with the hottest 2, and I've rounded up some of the key things that stood out to me about it. And if you'd like to read more about the M2, be sure to check out our first drive. 1. It's got a manual transmission In a world where even the hottest sports cars are going automatic-only for fast shift speeds and broad usability, the M2 bucks the trend as the only 2 Series variant with user-operated clutch and shifter. It's something to celebrate for sure, and the more widely spaced gears let the driver savor the rising revs for a little longer. At the same time, it's not a particularly great shifter. The throws are a little long and notchy, and when its close cousin the Toyota Supra has a tighter gearbox, we do wish it was a little better. But we can't be too bothered because BMW is giving people at least one more opportunity to have a small, light, six-cylinder, rear-drive, manual sports coupe. Plus, if you really aren't won over by the manual, the automatic is a no-charge option, and BMW's automatics are some of the absolute best in the business. 2. The engine rules One thing that BMW almost never misses with is its engines, and the M2's is wicked. It makes 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet, but as with basically every BMW engine, it feels much more potent. Maybe it has something to do with the fact its in a fairly small package, since BMW's estimated 3.9 seconds 0-60 mph time is 0.2 second faster than the base M3 sedan and M4 coupe that has 20 extra ponies. It's brilliantly slick in its refinement, though interestingly, boost doesn't come on quite as immediately as some of BMW's less potent sixes. That lends a bit of visceralness to it. It has a bass-y, slightly blatty exhaust note, which can be quieted down at the press of a button. It's good, though the crisper howl from say, the Toyota Supra, is more pleasing to my ears. 3. The chassis rules Just as good as the engine is the chassis. …
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Retail Price
$62,200 - $62,200
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | 3.0L I-6 |
| MPG | Up to 16 city / 24 highway |
| Seating | 4 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd man w/OD |
| Power | 453 @ 6250 rpm |
| Drivetrain | rear-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 3,814 lbs |
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