When the F87 BMW M2 rolled into the hands of experienced drivers, it quickly became a community favourite. Some even went so far as to call it the successor to the E46 M3. After its launch, the M2 was soon replaced by the more powerful M2 Competition – then the range was expanded to include the M2 CS or Club Sport.
The German brand has now removed the skins from the second generation M2. Dubbed the G87 internally, the new 2023 BMW M2, while controversial in design, is a serious step up from its predecessor in all other respects.
There’s more power, better technology and improved handling. But what’s really disappointing is the design. While it’s a matter of perspective, we’re honestly not big fans of it BMW’s recent design attempts. We’re sure many people agree with us, but of course there are others who disagree.
We think BMW is trying to modernize and impress far too many people. However, the end result is weird design choices and a ton of hate. Even if the new BMW M2 doesn’t sport the M3’s monstrous kidney grille, the exterior is still a step in the wrong direction compared to the F87 M2. Can the new M Performance Parts change that? let’s find out
BMW is preparing M Performance parts for the 2023 M2
According to photos shared by Instagrammer Wilcoblok, BMW is working on M Performance parts for its latest compact sports car. Though BMW hasn’t officially announced the accessory just yet, Wilcoblok claims it’s as official as it gets. Parts include a new front chin spoiler with blades that go up the sides of the bumper. The front air intakes are given a sharper look thanks to sporty diagonal strips. There are other design elements behind the front and rear wheels, perhaps for aerodynamic reasons. Flanking the sides are rather aggressive L-shaped rocker arms that look like they serve an aerodynamic purpose.
It looks even sharper on the back. The bumper design is enhanced with a new stacked exhaust layout similar to the M3 and M4 with M Performance accessories. You can also see two spoilers, one on the roof and the other on the trunk lid, in the form of a very large wing. The spoiler exercise gives us some serious JDM vibes, with similar designs seen on Lancer Evolutions and Subaru WRX STIs.
M Performance Parts look like Mansory as a BMW
Honestly, the M Performance bits don’t do much to make the new M2 look any better. Yes, it makes the car more aggressive, but the basic design remains untouched. For reference, it’s like slamming a set of HRE rims onto a Pontiac Aztec or PT Cruiser. Still no head-turners, but now they’re less unattractive than before — at least from the waist down.
In a way, the M Performance-equipped BMW M2 looks more like a Mansory item than an OEM. Controversial? Maybe, but we think Mansory cars can be a bit over the top.
But in BMW’s defense, we quite like how the rear looks. The exhaust design and overall symmetry are worth appreciating. In fact, we think the stock G87 M2 could look a whole lot better with an aftermarket front bumper. The car is still proportional, but it’s the front end that perhaps ruins the design. The overly boxy design elements somehow don’t add up compared to the rear. If the styling isn’t right, then the whole car is just asymmetry on wheels.
Styling aside, the 2023 BMW M2 is an absolute corker
At the heart of the 2023 M2 is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Dubbed the S58 internally, this very engine powers the all-new M3 and M4, albeit to a stronger tune. In the M2, however, the unit makes 53 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque – an increase of 48 hp over the outgoing F87 model. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic.
As far as technology goes, the car is equipped with the latest and greatest. Unlike the new 2 Series, the M2’s dashboard features a huge, one-piece digital display – a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system.
According to BMW, the chassis of the new M2 is stiffer than before, thanks to increased front-end rigidity and reinforced middle and rear sections. We are sure that the new 2023 M2 will be superior to its predecessor. Is it leaps and bounds ahead? Probably not. In our books, the F87 trumps the G87 as being more affordable, particularly in terms of design. Will the G87 M2 grow on us? Not sure at this point. Maybe seeing it in the flesh, preferably with the M Performance parts, will change our minds.
Sources: Instagram/wilcoblok, BMW
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