2023 BMW M2 Now Officially Comes with M Performance Parts

Often considered as the pseudo-successor to the famed BMW E30 M3 by fans, the BMW M2 is a beloved sports coupe that blends excellent driveability with a clean, sporty look.  While the first-gen M2 garnered praises from all four corners of the automotive world, the same can’t be said for its next-gen successor.

The 2023 BMW M2 has sparked numerous debates online, especially pertaining to its overall design and look. Said debate is going to get heated even more as the Bavarian marque unveils the M Performance Parts catalogue for the second-gen M2 at the recent 2022 Essen Motor Show.

Said unveiling has confirmed previous leaked images of  M Performance Parts for the new M2 that circulated online within hours after the model’s global debut back in Oct 2022.

The M Performance Parts sees the M2 getting a rather bold and distinctive modification, thanks to the addition of multiple carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) attachments. The M2’s stock front bumper and side skirts are now being added with racecar-like skirts with canards, finished in carbon weave pattern.

The M2’s rear part now houses a massive rear spoiler, as well as a redesigned rear bumper. The new bumper comes with a pair of gigantic rear vents a la Honda Civic Type-R (FK8) that pairs well with the new blackened rear diffuser. M division claims the additional aerokit serves more than cosmetic purposes, as it will also give “a positive effect” on the M2’s aerodynamics.

Sitting in the middle of said diffuser are brand-new titanium quad tailpipes that are 8 KG lighter than the standard unit. The M Performance Parts addition also sees the M exhaust system being tweaked, enabling it to scream louder than the standard ones.

This add-on also sees the M2 rolling on a new set of wheels, 19-inch for the fronts, 20-inch for the rears.

Inside, the upgraded M2 boasts Alcantara and carbon-laden interior. The dashboard, as well as the seats’ armrests and knee pads are made from Alcantara. The carbon elements come in the form of its bucket seats and some trims on the gear shifter panels as well as the steering wheel.

However, the M Performance Parts upgrade didn’t include any real-time performance upgrades, especially with its powertrain. This means that the souped-up M2 still employs a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged mill that produces 454 HP and 550 NM. The M2 also comes standard with an eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox, with a six-speed manual being offered as an option.

Aside from the M2, there’ll also be M Performance Parts for other BMW models such as the M3 Touring, M240i, i4 M50 and M135i.

This selection of M Performance Parts will be offered as options for customers buying the M2 or other models mentioned earlier. The 2023 BMW M2 is poised for launch in mid-2023 for key markets such as Europe and North America. Price starts at around £61,495 (RM319,087), excluding the M Performance add-on parts.

Folks, what are your thoughts on the M Performance-equipped M2? Digging the JDM-esque, Need For Speed-inspired look or is it too much for you? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments below…