All the leaks and speculations are over. On the occasion of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BMW M sports division this year, the Munich-based car manufacturer BMW officially presents another new product that is sure to appeal to all true drivers, sports rear wheel lovers and petrol enthusiasts. One of the most popular fast Bavarians of the last decade has received a full successor. Welcome to the new BMW M2!

The compact sport coupe has a long tradition in BMW’s past, and after the success of the original “em-two,” the German automaker’s management would have made a fatal mistake if they didn’t approve of the development of a successor. The new second generation continues in the footsteps of its predecessors and combines a driving experience with the latest technologies and distinctive classic concepts with inline six-cylinder, manual and rear-wheel drive.

And let’s start with the full technology, because that’s what really matters in the BMW M2. The novelty arrives in the world of sports cars as the more compact sibling of the latest BMW M4 and is served with a three-liter turbocharged petrol S58 inline six with a maximum output of 460 hp (338 kW) at 6,250 rpm. and 550 Nm of torque from 2,650 rpm. With a linear pull, it can also be rotated up to 7,200 rpm.

The result is the ability to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a standard top speed of 250 km/h. Additionally, the high-speed six-cylinder concept builds on decades of motorsport experience, with engineers outfitting it with race-inspired cooling and lubrication and a custom exhaust with electrically controlled enclosures for an even more intense soundtrack. Those interested in solid driving pleasure can choose between an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.

All BMW M2s are exclusive rear-wheel drive with active differentials, and in addition to the sportier BMW M240i xDrive, the new top “em-two” features special chassis reinforcement and specific wheel geometries. The standard adaptive chassis then works together with active steering and powerful brakes when speeding on the highway and race circuit. It combines 380mm front and 370mm rear discs with two pedal settings. A distinctive feature is also the fact that the rear wheels are always an inch larger than the front ones.

The new BMW M2 was unofficially revealed to the world in September, when behind-the-scenes photos of the spy surfaced on the Internet. The official debut only confirms another brand’s slightly controversial design. The latest “Em-two” has faced criticism from fans for looking a bit boring from the start. Next to its predecessor with more natural muscle curves, it’s less aggressive, but overall smoother and cleaner.

The novelty is based on the most modern 2-series coupe and is 119 millimeters longer, 16 millimeters wider and 11 millimeters lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase is increased by 54 millimeters, which makes the interior more spacious longitudinally. At the front, the wheel track is increased by 38 millimeters at the front and only 4 millimeters at the rear. Therefore, the new basic “eMko” fits perfectly into the more mature and powerful BMW M4 with its more straddle position.

From the driver’s point of view, the most striking interior feature is the cutting-edge architecture with digital instrument panel and iDrive 8 infotainment. However, the M Division provides a more dramatic racing feel, introducing upgraded standard sports seats, complemented by optional carbon bucket seats. The new “Em-two” simultaneously features an integrated M Laptimer and a fun M Drift Analyzer function, monitoring and evaluating your drifting talent.

The most demanding drivers can also pay extra for the optional M Race Track package, which brings lower weight and even better dynamics. It combines a custom carbon roof with carbon shells for the driver and front passenger and exclusive carbon interior trim. The maximum speed has been increased from the standard 250 to 285 km/h, and stickier tires are also available for riding on the race track.

The new BMW M2 will be produced at BMW’s plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and the automaker plans to launch global sales in April 2023. You can order it today, with official Czech prices starting at CZK 1,835,600.