2023 BMW M2 (Manual) - POV Driving Impressions

MSRP: $62,200
Horsepower: 453 hp @ 6,250 rpm
3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine
Curb weight: 3,814 lbs
Transmission: 6-speed manual
MPG: 16 city / 24 highway
Cargo volume: 13.8 ft³
Exterior: Zandvoort Blue
Options:
Shadowline Package (M Shadowline Lights, Exhaust tips in black) $300
Carbon Package (M Carbon Roof, Bucket seats in black, Carbon Fiber trim, M Driver's Package, 19"/20" M Light Alloy Bicolor) $9900
Lighting Package (Adaptive Full LED Lights) $650
BMW M 50 Years Emblems $200
Live COckpit Pro (incl HUD) $1100
Destination $995
Total Price: $75,345
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Thanks for watching!

[@daltonhays5156]

"It looks like it had an allergic reaction to something" Is the best description of the new M2. That is exactly what it looks like to me, especially the front

[@dagboh3958]

Puffy cheeks with swollen eyes

[@benjaminkitchen7562]

Bmw styling so bad now I would be embarrassed to drive one

[@nutsackmania]

looks way better than the outgoing car to me

[@RYCSTEW]

I like how it looks. But I do agree that it could use a vehicular Epipen

[@liamj5091]

For some reason I actually think the 230i and m240i look better

[@notundermywatch3163]

For those of us who grew up watching Knightrider, hearing a car talk back to you is a dream come true.

[@emmanuelamundson5141]

Yess another 6 speed manual drive 🎉

[@davejoshuap]

I'm really starting to appreciate it! Cars like this nowadays ("Oldschool" sportiness, manual gearbox, etc.) are unfortunately increasingly rare...

[@fengstar1]

I'm just happy this is still being offered with a manual. With EV crossovers getting to 60 in 3 seconds nowadays, the fun to drive factor needs to stay alive for these performance cars!

[@NDEEZMiata]

Some cars you never want to get out of because they’re so great to drive. The new M2 is a car you never want to get out of because then you have to look at it 😂

[@ags911]

For the money what would you go for?

[@ags911]

Nice one though 😂

[@prescottspivey]

Bruh 🤣🤣

[@F80mthree]

@@ags911previous gen m2 is what I’d recommend. or you can join my team and grab an f80 with a 6 speed. (:

[@ags911]

@@F80mthree Really? I meant the modern competition like a A45S or an RS3. The older M2 is nice but is getting a bit dated. What about the M340i?

[@albinbiju7231]

There are a few small tweaks I’d wish for with regards to the design, but everything else the car offers makes it super easy to overlook the design, at least for me personally. I’m just glad the design at the front is nothing like the M3 & M4

[@AnDrEw122100]

In my opinion it looks amazing.

[@Jcas93]

The previous generation m2 is my dream bmw car. This one doesn’t look that bad. Especially after some aftermarket parts 👍

[@VEEZER1]

I actually love the way it looks. Pretty cool stuff. What beautiful city was this filmed in?

[@donkey82]

It looks good in person. So many salty comments from F30 328i owners.

[@kavjmen]

Hi Topher, now that you have driven the 2023 M2 and the 2022 Cadillac CT4V-Blackwing, both with 6-speed manual transmissions and both have similar base prices, which one would you pick is the better driver's car?

[@bodekbodek]

I feel like i drove this. Thank you. I would never afford this whole life. My corolla cost more than this times 2

[@riotousomen1773]

finally! a car that doesn't go beep beep beep beep beep when it starts lmao

[@bobbygoodman2875]

I think it's spectacular looking! Rowing the gears with 455 horses, what's not to love?!

[@jamescrayton9360]

Tic tic tic tic tic. No engine noise reduction

[@ThomasTwomey]

The adaptive cruise control is only available with the automatic. This is what I noticed in the configurator.

[@ARentz07]

I personally don't think the piped-in sound is ok. It is one of my biggest hang-ups with BMWs these days. It's ironic because they actually sound pretty good from the outside. Honestly, the car sounded better inside the cabin in the early driving segments of this video when the car was in the more efficient mode.

[@drivenmad2089]

Gotta be honest I actually dig this car. Saw one in person and it looks good to me. The colors are the only let down. Need to add the same color options that’s on the M3/M4. This in portimao blue or Isle of Man green would be awesome!

[@anthonyvitelli39]

The M2 is the most exciting BMW, from a driving experience point of view.

[@sidharthsureshkumar4426]

I can't fathom how design engineers are able to go from the previous generation m2 to the new m2 design in the right mind

[@edlorenz1552]

Got to love all the gravel and other heavy trucks everywhere on our roads. The perpetual cycle of ruining roads to fix them, and ruining while fixing them. SE Michigan is a complete Bleephole and always will be. You should film your vids on N. Territorial, west of 23 and hopefully not stuck behind a truck.

[@jackstanislow8051]

Just bought a 2011 E92 328i coupe with a N52 mated to a 6 speed manual. I was going to buy a new Integra because it checked MOST of the boxes, but then it hit me, I wanted my old Bimmer back because it checked ALL of the boxes. (I used to have an auto e92 328 coupe). The harsh reality is new cars (especially BMWs) are very different now. BMW used to make some of the best cars in the world; they were a car company. Now they are a technology company that makes cars… and thats a shame.

[@alexstealth27]

The new M2 looks like it means business. No pretty curves and no pretty m branding on the fenders. In your face ,, get out of the way simple design language. Love the simple retro boxy look. Old M2 looked like all prior bmws. Nothing different. This looks bad ass. I have an appointment tomorrow at BMW NC to order my Alpine White M2 🙏🥰

[@madhunter6420]

it looks awful

[@slurp3194]

Lol the old m2 comp and cs are the best looking m cars ever built. Without a question. This cars straight ugly. Keep coping that u bought an ugly car

[@gabegonzales8618]

So topher I’m actually in the market for the Supra manual but something about this M2 keeps peaking my interest. Since you’ve driven both. Which did you genuinely enjoy more? My car would be more of a weekend canyon toy/cruiser

[@chrisginoc]

I have a 2023 Supra 6MT and my buddy has a 2023 M2 manual. Ask me anything.

[@gabegonzales8618]

@@chrisginoc which do you enjoy driving more? I have a truck I use as a daily but would use the car more as a weekend driver! I plan to mod either car and know about the whole femto ordeal. That M2 looks good with some mods regardless of what other people say!

[@chrisginoc]

@@gabegonzales8618 I'm 5' 9" and weight 200lbs. M2 Pros: More comfortable ride, more tech inside (pro and con for some people), more HP with the S58 twin turbo, planted extremely well at high speeds. M2 Cons: Cliche manual feels a little rubbery (I'd go automatic all day long with the M2), the Mods and parts are more expensive than the Supra, after market support is gonna take 2-3 years to catch on, just Google M2 exhaust or anything and you'll see what people call the "M tax" is very real when owning a true M car, weights 3,800lbs versus the Supra's 3,300lbs and even though it helps keep the car planted there is no denying it. Supra Pros: Driving position feels more true sports car cockpit down low and not a luxury ride, the hype of the 6MT shifter being the best is true (toyota engineers added their own shifter), the auto rev match is unbelievably good, you get up to speeds fast because of how light the car is (can't imagine unlocking and getting up to 550-600HP), handles so well in the canyons and corners. Supra Cons: Inside is crammed, not as spacious as the M2, B58 puts the power down faster and at lower speeds, but at higher speeds the S58 shines more because it has more top end. Never forget power to weight ratio which is why fixed up VW GTIs beat a lot of cars or fixed up Honda Civics blow by high end cars. If I could buy all over again, I would only go M2 (auto) if I would find it at msrp. I'll wait for the M2 CS in 2025, but the Supra 6MT gives me a lot of smiles per gallon shifting my own gears. I look for excuses to get it out of the garage and run errands for the wife LoL! Any excuse to drive it.

[@marccandrift]

M2 would be the better day to day daily activities.. that is all.. both are going to be a blast to drive, also saving more money with a supra is a factor

[@arktopleura]

I was in one of those while i were in a RoRo vessel inside. The feel was great confortable and cool

[@Jason.W.]

Wow that’s a really nice tall 6th gear for highway commuting. 2.5k at 75mph.

[@KrazykidmanHD]

My very first impression of the external body changes were negative but after my second viewing, I fell for the fresh looks. Nowadays it's inched its way into being one of my many attainable dream cars. Hard to choose one car around the $45-$65k range in todays market

[@tolgaayazseven9139]

Test drove one, ordered one. It’s a bargain at 63K msrp for what you get in this market where integra type s goes for 60K (msrp + market adjustment)

[@tolgaayazseven9139]

@@FrozenThrone7998 Not that if you order one. In fact, you can find a in-stock one at msrp if you look around. I test drove the Integra Type S and even 52K msrp for that car is too much imho. You hear road noise just like a civic

[@BrianLouderback]

Agreed. This car is absolutely a bargain in the $60’s. But of course i’d have to get the $10k carbon package.

[@drjk7565]

@@FrozenThrone7998 In a way, it's almost better that a car is "hated" by journalists and the public in general as it usually means dealers cannot get away with stupidly high markups. A similar phenomenon happened when the VB Subaru WRX first came out. People hated its plastic cladding and the fact that Subaru were not producing a range-topping STI model. As a result, dealers didn't markup the car too much (if at all) since they follow media trends, and they know any major markups will further kill sales. In contrast, cars that are almost universally beloved by nearly everyone, such as the new FL5 Civic Type R or the coming Mustang Dark Horse, will undoubtedly see prices marked up to the moon and beyond because dealers are aware of the hype surrounding the car.

[@rembo183]

@@FrozenThrone7998- Dealers absolutely are adding market adjustment in Florida. They add anywhere from $10 to $20k depending on what the market is in the area. I was told it was $10k when I inquired in Tallahassee and discovered higher in S. Florida.

[@fzr1000981]

Still enjoying it? My 2025 in portimao blue should be here in another month

[@fauxkiss]

7:28 Just wanted to clarify that the adaptive cruise control function doesn't work in that car because it is for the automatic transmission only, not that it wasn't optioned on this vehicle.

[@halemotors4084]

Fabulous car with the perfect spec!

[@peterrusso7336]

1:42 “it looks like it had an allergic reaction to something” 💀

[@keurylara5948]

The white, black and red options look way better imo it fits the new body better

[@Shaxzara]

Fake Engine noise will never be okay!

[@Shaxzara]

@@lemcakes32422 i literately drive a V6 💀

[@Shaxzara]

@@lemcakes32422 good for you bro 👍🏼

[@ARentz07]

@@lemcakes32422 I also have a V-8, and I prefer to listen to its natural sound, thanks.

[@erudite1579]

I'm glad BMW is still offering manual shifters, but as the owner of a 2006 Z4 M Roadster, I can't get too excited about the recent generation of hi-tech M cars. They just don't offer the driver engagement I look for in a BMW M model.

[@shauncampbell969]

I would've programmed voice controls, to sound like DARTH VADER........but that's just me. All the best Shaun 🦉of NYC 🗽☕

[@erikg2493]

You said you had difficulty getting the back to slide out at all, but what settings did you have traction in? MDM? Traction off? Did you try out the 10- state traction control?

[@disophisis]

I dig the looks. The fender flares work for me.

[@xFlared]

Do you think the M240i looks better than this?

[@NawMan357]

Get that M2 color in Black and that should cover up most of the funky design. Key word **should**

[@reesecup4567]

that stupid flashing speed limit sign on the dash would annoy the hell out of me

[@ARentz07]

My wife's X3 has this. It is pretty annoying. I think there must be a way to turn it off.

[@TP50000]

I testdrived both the M3 Touring and the M2. Is it only me, or is the steering wheel of the M2 an ounce smaller than the M3‘s?

[@sveeny]

Thank you for this review and thanks for talking about how almost too competent this car is on the road. I heard this a number of times already and it is what keeps me from considering one, especially for someone living in a country with very strict speeding laws this just seems to be the wrong car.

[@John.Christopher]

Great video, but weighing as much as the M4 while having a detuned engine for the sake of slotting in the 2 series below is atrocious

[@springspriv4175]

it’s not about the design it’s about the performance

[@gati54uri094]

This car produces at BMW's Group plant which is located in Villa de los Reyes SLP, Mexico. But it's disappointing why manual config doesn't sell inside Mexican Market only for export to Gringolandia!

[@Glenwald]

Looks fantastic in black

[@Snowingdragon]

Question as the price for both vehicles is the same here so which one would you choose based on the driving experience … manual M2 2024 or Cadillacs CTS V5 black-wing 2024

[@emreonder3477]

I am tired to say hello from Turkey

[@Tsai-Chins-house]

are the carbon seats better than than the regular seats?

[@fusrodahing1993]

Honestly like the look of this over most other BMWs. As a person who isn't really a fan of BMWs in general, this catches my eye as the most unique. Plus it's nice and small to zip around in

[@ThePolarPanda]

it's a good looking car.

[@BrianLouderback]

Curious of your thoughts between this and the new Mustang GT? Both are around the same price, with options, and same horsepower.

[@muskistutter]

@TheTopher CT4-V BW 6MT or M2 MT?

[@maximus9401]

this is going to sound crazy, but I'd love to know which 2 door manual RWD sports car is the better pick: the new Mustang GT performance pack or the M2. Or even the Camaro SS. If I was in the market, I'd cross shop them. I know they're very different approaches to a sports car. I think a comparison would be nice!

[@John.Christopher]

Camero SS with 1LE package is AMAZING!

[@UnrelatedNonsense]

The Mustang Mach1 is the better buy between the two.

[@freddarau]

@@John.Christopher yeah put won't touch the new gt in performace, plus, parts for the camaro are going to stop being maufacured in 2025. which is massive downside.

[@Chad11491]

I had an S550 manual GT with a fully worked over suspension and tuned/headers/intake/full exhaust and moved to a G80 M3 manual and my M3 is way better in every way except the sound. It's noticeably faster, handles way better while not being as harsh, and it's way nicer inside. For the 5-6k price difference between a well optioned 24 GT premium and an M2, I'd take the M2 every time. The shifter is better than the MT-82, which I had no problems with, either. I loved my Mustang, don't get me wrong, but the price to performance is just not there with the price increase this gen.

[@benjaminwiner6220]

Never buy a BMW, their engines are plastic and melt. Mustang GT or Camaro SS is going to be the better ownership experience. Camaro SS has superior performance to the Mustang GT, but the Mustang GT is going to be easier/more comfortable to daily drive. Drive an SS to determine if you can live with the poor visibility. In fact, drive all three (perhaps even on the same day). Look into insurance costs and projected maintenance costs for each. Mustang GT is probably the best pick of the three to own. Never buy a brand new car, get a car that is between 3 and 5 years old.

[@FindingFlorida24]

i love how it looks... in a day of over processed space ship looking bs this stands out

[@Diddy_Do_It2037]

Amazing to me that people criticize this cars looks but think the g81 looks great. Crazy lol

[@Veyronp87]

the manual is a bit of an afterthought in these new M cars. kind of thrown in just to appease enthusiasts. the 8 speed is definitely better. but this is most likely the last manual M car so thats special.

[@chriswoollet]

I hate those huge screens in the dash. It’s obnoxious, doesn’t flow with the dash and look at the ad placements on the right side. Tacky

[@SerPurple51]

I feel like all modern BMW's are the same car, just variying size, power levels and price tags.😊

[@jayman3575]

Would you prefer this or ct4vBW as a daily?

[@nolanmattila6309]

the black wing would probably be more preferable just based on its practicality with more backseat space and larger trunk

[@tpolerex7282]

The marque has lost most of its elegant yet aggressive mojo at least in the looks department. Great performance though, even as it doesn’t necessarily exceed several competitors. That door close clunk, especially for such a heavy car, sounded alarmingly loose too.

[@ARentz07]

What is your high score on the M Drift Analyzer? 😛

[@sportsclubhub]

How does the gearbox and clutch feel? Are the throws short? Thx

[@thearousedeunuch]

Question: Do voice commands work on Track mode? Would the screen turn on and stay on, should you give it a command, or does it turn off again after a few seconds?

[@steverogers7211]

Oh my lord what did they do to that front end..

[@slappadabass1977]

BMW missed the mark in this one badly. The last gen m2 was beautiful as you mentioned. This is nasty.

[@pavan151]

I own an E30 and the M2 reminds me of a weird E30 x 2 series combo that BMW went for. I kind of like it, I kind of hate it hahaha.

[@thomasstorrs6345]

How did these cars get so heavy? Weighs more than my 2000 528it.

[@yeahohno4417]

Cars just be getting bigger nowadays I realized this when I compared my friends eg6 to my 10th gen. Its actually pretty crazy

[@WhatisaLee]

​@@jonathanwrx7805 The new 4-door liftback Acura Integra Type S weighs 3100lbs for reference. Even accounting for a larger engine, beefier powertrain, NVH, etc., I think BMW just tosses the money you spend on these things in the body panels as bundled $1 bills.

[@FenderUsa]

​@@jonathanwrx7805and yet the Miata is still as light as ever with all those modern features

[@FenderUsa]

@@jonathanwrx7805 I'm 6 ft 1 and fit in a Miata okay. I guess my problem is the fact cars keep getting bigger and heavier. I see no need for it. It's worse for our roads and costs more to run. Tires wear out quicker as do brakes etc

[@miraclemiler71]

@TheTopher… sincere question : this or a Honda Civic Type R?

[@Parthk6124]

the car looks like it had allergic to something XD ! accurate description 😂

[@fransvisser2568]

I am all for manuals but that gearbox make that car cumbersome and hard work. Stop driving it like you are scared of it!

[@niveketihw1897]

I'm kind of glad my father isn't alive to see this kind of electronics package in cars. He HATED menus -- for example, he had a lot of electronic keyboards and synthesizers and highly preferred toggles, sliders, buttons, etc. to endless nested menus. I'll bet he never thought cars would require surfing through rounds of menus or asking the car nicely, to do basic things. I'm not too big of a fan either...

[@zoomzoom3839]

Why is this so heavy? Almost 3,900lbs? This is supposed to be the little M car, a lightweight sports car. I feel like the Z4 M40i is more what an M2 really should be. I’m not sure what the M2 will be competing against, it’s like 700lbs heavier than a Toyota Supra or a Nissan Z.

[@maximus9401]

it's heavy because it's essentially a smaller form factor M3/M4. Same chassis/platform, same interior. Just different wheelbase

[@zoomzoom3839]

@@maximus9401 then you might as well just get an M4, you get much better performance.

[@Anko88888]

@@zoomzoom383930k more for not much more performance and an even uglier car? Yeah you tell me what makes sense

[@ARentz07]

My IS 500 with four doors, more interior space, and a V-8 weighs only a smidge more than this. That is a bit of a shame for an "M" car.

[@WhatisaLee]

​@@ARentz07 It really puts this pig into perspective, doesn't it? BMW lost so much of what made the previous 2 series special and gained it all back in weight.

[@busterb6562]

Much better looking than the previous model.

[@Spideymania100]

My girlfriend said it looks like a BRZ and she’s not into cars… *gave her a high-five*

[@auggith]

honestly the design really isn’t that bad. the rear does look rather bloated and just too squared off in places. other than that, it’s not too bad. the weight is the biggest disappointment to me

[@S92-x1m]

This car went to the wrong barber, messed up the BMW moustache lol

[@vipermoon_]

2:53 Why are there two!!!???

[@Taylorek2011]

Genuinely don't get the hate on the M2, I think it looks wonderful. Hoping to trade my MKV Supra in for one.

[@pocholodimaano2133]

I'm less than a minute into the video making this comment, the a-pillar speakers look like they're from in my dads accord

[@John.Christopher]

Not a fan of detuning an engine to separate a car in the lineup..

[@shrimpbagels5709]

Bruh no comments

[@shrimpbagels5709]

Dope modern style but bruh id prolly find a f87 comp prolly needs a few parts bmw bullshit idk morden tho warranty tho

[@John.Christopher]

@@shrimpbagels5709 F87 is beeeaauuuttiiful

[@drepop803]

I'm in the market and this is my price range. Do you recommend the GR supra or m2? Both will be in manual form.

[@nolanmattila6309]

m2 allll the way

[@MoonRammer]

to me, i like the g87 much more than the f87. the only thing i dont like on this car, is the massive tv screen of a dashboard

[@joeytuono3347]

Dealer by me has 1 " USED " listed at 89k lol

[@IB62846]

notification squad

[@SRR475]

Me

[@r1ckz0mb0]

I wanted to love this car so much. Saw it in person in every color at the big press event in AZ earlier this year and......yeah. I agree with Topher and many other reviewers. It is not an attractive car and looks pretty dorky.

[@rahulcharlie_1]

mk5 supra or the m2?

[@Sonic_1000]

I ended up with a Mk5.

[@leokerz]

Thats a great car! saw one in toronto red the other day and it looked sick asf… not a huge fan of that big old screen there. I drove a manual g80 m3 and I must say the manual is pretty decent IMO. second to third feels real good. Great vid sir

[@pjrupert]

You know the mic is good when the interior rattles almost ruin the whole video 😬

[@JuniorJr...]

😂 True! It looks like its had an allergic reaction and its face got swollen! Not the most beautiful BMW, but at least brings excitement while driving, especially because it's a manual transmission.

[@abhishekpawar5126]

This is the best looking BMW on sale today

[@yume6969]

You gotta be more gentle with that clutch

[@Scorpio29Degrees]

Im glad I got the ZF8. This thing has rev hang like my 2007 VW Rabbit. When I buy an M car - I expect the best, not some garbage sloppy 6 speed that is over 10 years old. Why does the CT4V and the dark horse get the tremac. The Civic Type R even has a much better transmission.

[@irelax8595]

62.200 MSRP is around 53000 EURO. Funny thing is, the new M2's are 100.000 EURO in Holland. What the hell is going on lmfao.

[@paultruesdale7680]

Aside from the front it does look muscular! 3800lbs is ok for a non sport version, but not very impressive for an M2. Glad they went with the straight six. I’ll take it with the automatic, a quick shifting transmission and that much grip makes for a quick car. Not sure that the choice of colors does it for the styling. Red looks the best color and black, then the front end looks better. The red calipers and black wheels look tasty as well. 👍T

[@kinosthetic]

imo it feels like it hasn't finished rendering yet

[@mujjuman]

rev hang in modern cars is a deal breaker for me

[@petersarian1577]

why didn't you rev the engine at 0:20?

[@brdllc]

What a random spot for him to rev it

[@yeboi2217]

it looks like it took the LEGO Flu lol