After opening its order books earlier this year, the all-new 2023 BMW M2 has now finally made its official debut here in Malaysia, at the ongoing M4NTAP Festival in Sepang over this weekend.
The compact performance coupe is available in two variants here in Malaysia, starting at RM598,800 for the base BMW M2, rising up to RM642,800 if you opt for the ‘Pro Package’, both prices on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the extended five-year unlimited mileage warranty and service package.
First things first, let’s talk numbers. The all-new 2023 BMW M2 is powered by the S58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, the same as you’d find in the M3 and M4, but slightly detuned to make 460 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Still, in such a compact form, the BMW M2 is able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.
Those numbers are of course achieved with the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which is the only gearbox option “officially” offered here in Malaysia. The optional M Driver’s Package – available for retrofit at any authorised dealerships nationwide – raises the M2’s top speed up to 285 km/h.
When it comes to the corners, the all-new 2023 BMW M2 relies on a six-piston fixed caliper brakes up front, alongside single calipers at the back, to slow itself down. The Adaptive M Suspension come as standard, and is controlled by the M Drive Professional system that also governs the M Traction Control system and Active M Differential on the rear axle.
As for looks, well, it’s really love it or hate it. The frameless kidney grille with horizontal bars, paired with the almost squared-off lower air intakes and a power dome on the bonnet, gives the 2023 BMW M2 a very aggressive front fascia – but some may think the mishmash of straight lines and curves is just a little too garish to look at.
It’s the same story on the sides, with sharp vertical lines contrasting the curved shut lines on the doors and horizontal shoulders. Fortunately, the rear end does have a slightly more conventional shape, while the massively flared wheel arches helps with the M2’s road presence.
WATCH: 2023 BMW M2 tested in Arizona – the only M you’ll ever need!
Standard equipment on the all-new 2023 BMW M2 in Malaysia include the Adaptive LED headlights upfront with High-beam Assistant, staggered double-spoke M light alloy wheels (Style 930 M Bicolour) measuring 19-inch in front and 20 at the back, and blacked out trims on the outside courtesy of the High-Gloss M Shadowline package.
The optional Pro Package adds even more black touches on the outside, including the lighting elements as well as the wheels, plus red-coloured brake calipers (as opposed to blue on the base M2) alongside a carbon fibre roof – so it’s not merely just an aesthetic upgrade.
Inside, the all-new 2023 BMW M2 retains the pared-down and driver-focused design that BMW is known for, headlined by the BMW Curved Display atop the dashboard that combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display under a singel curved pane of glass.
Other interior highlights include the Powered M Sport seats with “specific side bolsters” and an illuminated M logo on the headrests, M leather steering wheel with red M Mode buttons, an M2-first head-up display, three-zone climate control system, and a wireless charging tray. Opting for the Pro Package will see the Aluminium Rhombicle M interior trim swapped out for carbon fibre items, alongside the addition of M-themed seat belts, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The all-new 2023 BMW M2 also comes equipped with the Driving Assist Package as standard here in Malaysia, which includes features such as lane departure warning, lane change warning, cruise control with braking function (but not adaptive cruise control), autonomous emergency braking for both front and rear, plus a basic Parking Assistant package that consists of a reverse camera, Reversing Assistant, and Lateral Parking Aid.
Customers can opt between five exterior colour options: Zandvoort Blue, Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Black Sapphire, and Toronto Red. Inside, colour options include black Leather Vernasca with blue contrast stitching or “exclusive highlight”, or a Cognac upholstery with decor stitching.
GALLERY
