The 2023 BMW M2, which packs 338 kW of power and the option of a manual gearbox, will be arriving in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of next year and, in early December 2022, BMW SA confirmed that the compact sportscar would retail for R1 503 975.

What you see here is the 2023 BMW M2 and despite the early leaks suggesting a quirky design, what we see here is more promising. The newcomer will be assembled at BMW’s plant in Mexico and it’s 104 mm longer, 33 mm wider and 7.6 mm lower than the outgoing model. Interestingly, it has picked up some weight, with BMW claiming 1 730 kg for the manual derivative, while the auto tips the scales at 1 754 kg.

The new BMW M2 faces stiff competition in the form of the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45 S. See how they stack up with our Compare Tool.

Speaking of transmissions, BMW says the brand-new M2 will be sold with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic. Given SA’s appetite for this model, we expect both derivatives to come to SA. The headline is the engine. It’s the S58, a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-6 petrol and in this application 338 kW and 550 Nm is offered. That’s 66 kW more than its predecessor and the performance claims are big.

It’s offered with a rear-wheel drive setup and when combined with the manual gearbox, 4.3 seconds to 100 kph is claimed. Go for the 8-speed automatic and the same sprint is dispatched in just 4.1 seconds. A top speed of 250 kph is claimed, but if you go for the M Driver’s Package, 285 kph is attainable.

The 2023 BMW M2 is all about the driving. The auto transmission offers 3 different modes, while the manual ‘box features rev-matching. The steering can be set between Comfort and Sport, and electromagnetically-controlled adaptive suspension is standard. BMW says its Dynamic Stability Control now has an M Dynamic Mode which allows for greater wheel slip.

You can now tweak the brake feel, one for comfort and one for track days. There are some fun features thrown in too, like a drift analyser and there are 10 settings for the M Traction Control. Sport lets you have some fun within reason and a safety net just in case, Track is safeties-off and no holds barred. Factor in additional money for replacement tyres as you commence glorious sideways burnouts.

Inside, there are some new touches. There are two options for seats, but we reckon these M Carbon buckets are where it’s at. Not only do they look great, but they’re also lighter than the standard units and still retain heating and electric adjustability. As far as infotainment goes, the 2023 BMW M2 features the latest iDrive 8 system, with a 12.3-inch info display and a 14.9-inch curved screen.

When is the 2023 BMW M2 Coming to SA?

The 2023 BMW M2 has been confirmed for South Africa and will be arriving in the second quarter of 2023.

BMW M2 Walkaround Video with M Boss