Here’s Why the New 2023 BMW M2 Is Better Than You Think

[@Anti4skingang]

I dont think anyone was mad about the wide fenders at all

[@Minnevan]

The majority of complaints seem to be about the bumpers and headlights

[@Anti4skingang]

@@Minnevan 100 percent agree

[@skinnynotlegend]

@@Minnevan absolutely.. I never heard anyone talk about the wide fenders

[@shinobi-zensei]

More about the cross eyed tail lights

[@yamatokawa]

@@Minnevan yeah, that bumper looks odd, like every part of it is competing to catch your eye, so they each portrude too much in a non-harmonical way. And the completely square air intakes adds up to the lack of coherence

[@MrCashMoneyD18]

I thought people were upset about the front end mainly not the fenders. The fenders have been the part of this car since it was shown. The side profile in general is really cool. The bumpers just feel over squared and chamfered. Oh and the rear under the taillights that Doug pointed out is terrible.

[@UhOhUmm]

BMW styling is pure whack once they started using "global" designers. But I guess that is the point, make a controversial car and get people to look at it on the street and point it out in the articles. It's as if you couldn't be more obnoxious buying a BMW.

[@hexgraphica]

Agree, the fenders were the part of the car already when it was unveiled

[@MrChoklad]

Seems pretty stupid to me tbh, most bmw nowadays look quite terrible, especially those beaver tooth grills, this one I think it's alright, it looks fine, nothing absurd. Some people just love to complain

[@maksymfedoriaka2851]

@@UhOhUmm as much as people hate other new BMW designs, this one is the ugliest by far, IMO. M3/M4 grew on me, the SUV stuff I'm not interested in, but even that isn't as bad as the new M2

[@usaclaimsthemoon4198]

Yeah it’s the awkwardness of the random hard angles that turn me off

[@Pk1998AMG]

I never complained about the fenders, the thing that puts me off slightly is the grill just looks a little too boxy for the rest of the car.

[@RA-ui8yw]

@Abe Lincoln and the tail lights and headlights are miniature and look strange. The whole front and rear end looks like a confused mess

[@blueazure9658]

Sure but I like the grill But the car doesn’t look good in bright colors would look better metallic like gunmetal silver

[@julianevans9548]

The whole car is a hideous mess. Because BMW.

[@Mr.Marbles]

it looks like back in the day when the european cars had to retro fit these american bumpers to sell them in the usa. they pertrude so much and look weirdly proportioned.

[@chartreux1532]

This car being controversial just proves that People now hate any BMW no matter what and no matter how small it is what they don't like. XM i get, M4 and M3 large Grille i get (though people are used to it and with the M3 Wagon they now even say it looks good) Prost & Cheers from the Bavarian Alps (from an Audi Driver where every Grille is gigantic and was hated when they were new)

[@WubbaDubba5361]

I think the biggest issue people had with it (myself included) is the out of place blocky rear bumper. The rest of the car isn’t too bad looking, but some of the styling cues don’t match the rest of the body. It’s grown on me a bit, but the rear bumper is just too out there

[@juancruz-jg5pq]

And excesive added weight( 3800 lbs ) basically heavier than a large audi A6 , 1.000 lbs heavier than a porsche cayman , 400 lbs heavier than previous generation M2 base , 400 lbs heavier than a focus RS. So heavy for a small coupe. Close to M5 weight .

[@rainmannoodles]

Totally agree. The blocky styling *does* look bad on this car. Doug is wrong. 😂 It honestly looks like BMW took Polestar bumpers and glued them on. It just does not match anything.

[@nckidlynch]

Rear and front is ugly. Side looks OK. That's all I like about the exterior

[@realgucman]

I think rear is fine, but I hate the front.

[@TheReapersSon]

BMW has had the inmates running the asylum over in the design department for some time now. It's astounding how they haven't made a tasteful looking car since the early 2000's

[@DerCharacter]

I think the M2 Pro version will be better, the Max and Ultra versions might be a bit too expensive.

[@Kxji]

Forgot the Ultra Pro Max S.

[@Scisca1a2a]

@@Kxji I'm waiting for the Ultra Pro Max S Lite myself

[@kev7co]

Damn companies…. 😂😂

[@marcusjackson2874]

I'll wait for the limited edition pink version that plants trees in the amazon

[@melvrv90]

The Ultra Pro Turbo Boost Plus will be the fastest.

[@realbarries]

To me, fenders look amazing, no complaints there. The things I don’t like about the car are the front and rear bumpers. Not a fan of how boxy and angular they are. Liked the outgoing M2 bumpers much better. This car will definitely look so much better with some kind of body kit or F/R bumpers… and a aggressive hood too.

[@julianevans9548]

Car gains 250kg - 550lb - on predecessor and has a face and arse like a deformed stormtrooper, and he's wittering about the fenders (arches) that nobody has complained about.

[@realbarries]

@@julianevans9548 I wouldn’t be too worried about the weight difference if I actually had the money to buy one. Bumpers need some work 100%

[@jreyes2464]

@@julianevans9548 it is 300 pounds no 500. You have to take into account that it is the same drivetrain that the m4 but still it is smaller and it should weight less than the m4.

[@bwofficial1776]

That, and BMW's new coupes look like a Mustang from the side. This one still looks BMW-ish but the 4-Series and 8-Series look more Mustang from the side.

[@bradenmchenry995]

@@julianevans9548 it’s not 500 pounds 😂😂😂 old M2 Competition weighed 3,600 pounds this weighs in the mid 3,700s

[@416tdot647]

The weight of this vehicle is one my biggest gripes and I'm very surprised Doug didn't touch on this point.

[@vladimirchervenkov6949]

I’m also surprised Doug didn’t mention that it’s produced at BMW’s plant in Mexico. I’m surprised by this decision since all M cars have been made in Germany

[@carrama3540]

facts

[@danieltackett4089]

Z3M, Z4M, and all M SUVs are not built in Germany. All current 2 Series and many current 330i’s are made in Mexico. As are the Audi Q5, Mustang Mach E, RAM and Silverado pickups, some VW models, and more to come in the future. Long before I owned my M2, I had a Jetta TDI built in Mexico. The parts that failed were built in Germany: the rest of the car held up great for 175K miles.

[@Pahang.bend17]

Weight this weight that. Its for safety standards and what does the weight matter if you cant even notice it? This car drives as well as any other tiny m if not the best. Lets all go back to wooden airplanes cause its the lighter option so that must mean they're better...

[@65hi863dhyu]

​@j you've obviously never raced anything. Nothing kills fun more than extra weight. It's the worst thing to add to a sports car. Bar none. Because transient response. Stop reading the brochure and go to an Auto X. You'll be profoundly enlightened. Pun intended...

[@RileyNewcomb]

I drove a 2019 M2 comp Manual and it drove like an absolute dream, I can only imagine how this new 6 speed will feel, pulling up hills cracking through the gears was just amazing

[@flagtaker6431]

I'm pretty sure it's basically the same.

[@RileyNewcomb]

@@flagtaker6431 we shall see

[@easyaussietarget3355]

They are beasts So good to drive, very balanced and the manual gives so much to the driving dynamics in my opinion!

[@michaelmichaelmotorcycle2174]

@@flagtaker6431 pretty much the same just less ugly

[@DanikPanterovski]

Only an idiot would complain about the styling

[@Svall23]

my biggest complaint is it’s weight which i’m surprised you didn’t mention (might be a good thing that you didn’t notice it) but it weighs 3800lbs which is almost as heavy as the g8x m3/m4 and it’s heavier than the f8x m3/m4

[@ericbishop6861]

That's because it's literally an m4 with a different face. Same CLAR platform as the other G8X cars. It's only like 6 inches shorter than the M4 and it's an inch taller. If I were to sell my M2C I'd just get the M3 because at least then I have usable backseats to go with my 2 tons.😂

[@djyoutubo]

"Its"

[@topshelfdustin3300]

yeah it's a whale!

[@topshelfdustin3300]

@@ericbishop6861 sad!

[@KingChadKennedy]

If BMW was able to make this as raw as they made the E30 M3 it would have been light but people these days want modern amenities

[@zollotech]

Saw one of these at the dealer the other day. Looks pretty good, but the front grill is more rectangular than I expected,but finally BMW got rid of that huge grill.

[@Tristand09]

Yeah. I don't go to bmw but when I just went there for the heck of it. I think it looks nice; might buy one later. What do you think of the car overall?

[@kidstarr100]

I love the side profile. it looks amazing from the side but the front and back just isn't it.

[@bwofficial1776]

I may be in a minority here but the snout grille on the M3/4 looks all right in person. It doesn't photograph well but in person it works. This M2 isn't bad but the squared-off bits on the bumper don't really flow. That, and BMW's coupes look like Mustangs from the side.

[@Tristand09]

@@bwofficial1776 I like the m3

[@kidstarr100]

@@bwofficial1776 I love the grill on the M3/4 but this one one the M2 is just idk

[@piersyem5253]

From the feedback I've heard, most of the complaints regarding styling are about the front end. If anything most of the positive feedback seems to be the flared fenders. M2 CS or M2 CSL will be interesting.

[@Kid_Ellipsis]

Yep, no beaver face but still a horribly weird almost unfinished homemade body kit look.

[@shaft9000]

BMW was going for that *Tonka / Lego* aesthetic I guess. ...no "grille", just holes in molded plastic.

[@BingBangBrine]

@@shaft9000 yeah the car looks like it was made for grand theft auto v

[@julianevans9548]

Car gains 250kg - 550lb - on predecessor and has a face and arse like a deformed stormtrooper, and he's wittering about the fenders (arches) that nobody has complained about.

[@flybriur]

​@@Kid_Ellipsis Bingo. Looks like a kinda crappy aftermarket body kit.

[@Jakeyythetr]

Comment section is full of complainers. This will go down as one of the last great BMWs/sports cars that still uses their iconic straight 6, manual transmission, and real wheel drive with tossable dimensions. Everyone complaining will lust after one of these in 20 years when all we have are EVs and SUVs.

[@josephcrus370]

I like how Doug is trying to persuade us to buy the new m2

[@quantrellbishop9263]

@@richardbirkenwald811 cocaine is made in mexico its still amazing

[@porscherain]

3,800lb just no. Also, how can Toyota take the BMW components in the Supra and build a better shifter than BMW can?

[@ouethojlkjn]

he failed

[@chamaldealwis9]

@@porscherainthey supposedly add d a Toyota touch

[@NoNotThere]

​@Anonymous A Toyota outsources their manuals, they don't make them in house.

[@gbekkema]

Love it where Doug say's that there is no delay in the infotainment, literally while showing the enormous delay and stuttering. Priceless

[@colbiocin]

I guess it's all about the reference point.. for sure it wasn't a tesla :))

[@JACKINBENCAP]

I’ve noticed that in a few videos, always as they are saying “there is no lag”. I wonder if it looks worse on film, a bit like how LEDs look weird depending on frame rate.

[@artemartemtwo7257]

++++

[@tuberculelapatate221]

Yeah, it's because of the video. Cameras don't pick these screens well.

[@JaroPivarci]

He's a sell off 🤣

[@2pini18]

The badge was not introduced a few years ago and is not supposed to look like an old badge. The badge is only available in 2023 as it is the 50th anniversary of BMW's M Division. It is optional on all M cars this year.

[@gangsterbroccoli]

surprised he doesn’t know this

[@MitchM240]

2022 was the 50th anniversary of M not 2023 and you where able to get it last year as well.

[@ogloko]

I love the wide fenders. I actually like it, it looks pretty good. I especially like the front end and that it’s manual.

[@OGSiX33]

Yeah but *nobody* complained about the wide fenders. The OG M2 had some thicc hips as well. Doug is just pulling that out of thin air.

[@Oorakhhye]

Yeah it actually looks great in person. Photos and videos don’t do the car justice.

[@iancain1348]

“Won’t it fail, won’t it break…and the answer is of course, yes!” Hahaha, thank you Douglas for your honesty 5:44

[@denisnedeloiu1601]

agreed... but I see the small 2L plug in hybrid from MB failing before that...😂

[@hassanger8128]

BMW 6 cylinder engine is the most reliable engine in the auto industry. Toyota put it in the Supra for a reason.

[@TodorKatsarski]

TIL that Doug is actually Douglas. It's quite obvious when you think about it, but I never thought about it (and I've been following him for many years already).

[@gordtulk]

@@hassanger8128 they didn’t do it for it’s reliability. They did it because bmw has far more experience wringing power out of an engine. It’s worth noting that it’s not the block that’s unreliable it’s all of the accessories attached to it.

[@jegerm6752]

I feel like the wide fenders are actually the car’s best exterior styling. The front and rear bumpers and the headlights are ugly, but maybe they’ll grow on me. The grilles are small for sure, but they’re far from what I’d call “normal.” I’m not a fan for now. I like the interior but I do miss physical buttons. I’m sure this car drives wonderfully, and maybe the styling will grow on me that I’d consider getting it in 3 years, depending on how the lci looks like.

[@okthen515]

The need a complete overhaul with the LCI to make it appealing.

[@redlinedrifts69]

Agreed. This car is disgusting and BMW should be ashamed of themselves. Their design team is smoking so much crack

[@dylansweeney1972]

I personally think the previous generation m2c is the sweet spot. Great looking car with a real M engine in it sized nearly the same as an e46 with a fairly modern interior. For my money that would be the one to get

[@papa_pt]

smaller, lighter and had usable rear seats

[@ihatekpeng]

Facts.

[@julianevans9548]

Car gains 250kg - 550lb - on predecessor and has a face and arse like a deformed stormtrooper, and he's wittering about the fenders (arches) that nobody has complained about.

[@blahblahblah1787]

@@papa_pt I don't know about rear seats but i fit a 6' x 3' tabletop from IKEA in the back of mine with the rear seats down. It's more practical than it gets credit for.

[@doncarrera601]

I might be the only person who loves all of the exterior styling of this car. And they look amazing when you add cosmetic mods

[@timeslowingdown]

Nah I think the outside looks great too. It's a great balance of old school with some modern elements, I predict it will end up being a relatively timeless design compared to the other BMWs on the market right now.

[@jltgp6221]

Doug is the kind of guy who films a video before his softball game.

[@Freddy_Confetti]

Your the kinda guy that makes weak Doug the kinda of guy jokes

[@rdrewnelson539]

Hard tip darts, manual scoring…

[@SSruh]

@Ritual Victual He's talking to the OP not you

[@adamzimmerman2464]

@Ritual Victual yeah we can call him Doug Dedarto lol

[@SSruh]

@Ritual Victual Original poster.

[@kona6451]

My 2014 228i was my favorite car I've ever owned. I could only imagine driving this M2. I'm in love.

[@rogersmj]

I think you missed a bit on this one, Doug…you did hit on the many good points it has, but you skipped over a couple things. For one thing, it has power levels like the next class up because it *weighs* as much as the next class up, pretty much right in line with the M3 and nearly as much as the old V8 C63. Also, I’ve heard almost no one complaining about the fenders. What I hate is the very upright front end, and while I’m glad they kept the more “normal” BMW grille, they still somehow managed to make the whole front end look ugly.

[@ruvindap66]

Is there an explanation for why a ice car weighs that much? Besides to justify selling a cs version?

[@iamweasel1022]

Yea, this really annoyed me and seemed a little dishonest. Not to mention the picture of the M3 he showed, was actually the M3 competition, NOT the base M3. Almost like he wanted to prove his point, without showing all the evidence. Really disappointed in Doug.

[@DoctorSkillz]

Anyone caught up on the weight issue clearly hasn’t owned a 2 Series of any generation. They are feature filled and put together with quality.

[@Traxxmaciek]

Exactly. Doug mentions the new M2 has a straight6, manual and RWD. Do you know what had that? THE OLD M2 it also in addition had way less weight and a lighter chassis

[@iamweasel1022]

@@Traxxmaciek it’s unforgivable. the new m2 weighs nearly the same as a freaking m3 and m4.

[@MG-ot2yr]

I just bought a 2024 M2 a few days ago, its black sapphire with manual transmission. So far its been truly enjoyable to drive, and I like the wide fenders! Yea I agree with the normal grill vs the M3/M4 that looks like a whale shark! I've always had manual BMWs, the one before this one was a 2015 435....and I can say if you're familiar with manual BMWs it does shift as expected, no surprises that I've found.

[@protectork9831]

How much was it

[@MG-ot2yr]

@@protectork9831 about 68k

[@georgidetelinov4357]

People complain not of the flared fenders, but the strange headlights and tail lights…

[@justinturner4850]

The carbon bit in the “crotch” area appears to be for a 5 point harness. So the harness doesn’t mess up the seat. I love that this car exists in a manual transmission. Too bad dealers will probably mark it up to oblivion.

[@acecombatplayer1]

my buddy just got one for "only" 5k over sticker in a stick. not bad considering the hype behind this thing

[@matthewjudge3763]

Its not a limited production car. Just wait a year or two, that's what I did with my last gen one.

[@Thewinnerscircle_]

It’s not for a 5 pt harness. If it was, they would’ve figured that out on the m3/m4 by now. Also, you wouldn’t want a gap that big between your crotch and where the harness would come up thru that area. That defeats the purpose of the 5th point of safety on a 5 pt belt.

[@homiefizzle5260]

​@@Thewinnerscircle_the same seats are in the M3/m4

[@Thewinnerscircle_]

@@homiefizzle5260 yea that’s why I said they would’ve figured out how to do a 5pt harness by now.

[@wreckinball11]

As the second owner of my 2003 M3 I got the window sticker with it. $54,000 in 2003, this car is an M bargain.

[@dillonsrt]

54,000 usd in 2003 is roughly the equivalent of 88,000 today for those who are curious

[@MacDaddyC7Z06]

54k in 03 is not a bargain bro

[@DoctorSkillz]

@@MacDaddyC7Z06 he’s saying the current M2 is a bargain.

[@wreckinball11]

@@MacDaddyC7Z06 the M2 is a bargain.

[@MacDaddyC7Z06]

@Dr. Skillz I guess I misread but if that's what he means then yes this M2 is a good deal for sure.

[@TheBigJebus]

"it's actually not that expensive!" Oh really? That's great I like this car! What is it, like 40 thous- "Starts around 65 thousand" 😐

[@shack2800]

I went to the only plant in the world that produces these, in Mexico, recently and I do have to say it looks much better in person. Very cool car and seeing how it was built made me think a little bit more of it

[@elkinrubio3102]

How did you do that bro? Do you need special permision?

[@ogvztjch]

I still think it's weird that this thing weighs nearly the same as the M3

[@damilolaakanni]

It having the exact same engine as the M3 might contribute to its weight increase.

[@Minnevan]

Even small cars are getting bigger and heavier

[@jacktodd3768]

It's not the fenders that bother me, it's the front grill/bumper. I love almost everything else about it.

[@AlexxTehGreat]

Much better than the ridiculously oversized grilles they've been using as of recent. The grill reminds me of a classic kidney grill in the e46/e90

[@mikechang6737]

BMW fan here, and this car looks absolutely horrible. I have no idea what Doug was smoking before this video. I honestly think this thing makes the m4 and m5 look good in comparison. It looks blocky, not fast or sleek like a sports car should. BMW's entire design department should have been fired a couple years ago. Its sad because other departments are delivering, the powertrains are great, the cars are handling monsters, they are giving customers what they want, funs cars with great handling, speed, keeping manuals and ability to throw it around... etc.Yet the design are so bad it hurts my soul.

[@georgepapo]

It doesn't look bad, it just has a Need for Speed autosculpt body kit.

[@fillyjonkxiioflowersaxony]

My frist thought was gta 5

[@RidgeRunner4501]

I’m curious to see what aftermarket bumpers will do for this car

[@v_stands_for_value124]

It can only get better lol

[@alexroda7069]

No bumper can save this thing

[@RidgeRunner4501]

@@alexroda7069 the taillights are unsaveable most likely but the rest has potential

[@costafilh0]

If the new CSL has a clue, is that anything is possible! Hard part is to justify spending 5K on a full body kit for this when you can have the previous gen with a light tune and be better the this in every single way.

[@BeastModeXCIII]

this was the best Doug review ive ever watched. honest, objective, and gave the car and manufacturer the credit they deserve while acknowledging the publics knack to over criticize and then recant years later. thank you Doug

[@bicyclist2]

I love that BMW brought back the manual transmission. I really don't hate the look at all, but I don't think it's their finest looking M coupe ether. This is a great tribute to the original M cars. I hope to be able to afford something this nice some day. Thank you.

[@jtthebrick3]

The fact that this is rated above a C8 Corvette is pretty wild to me.

[@evanhooper1]

Doug don't care about Corvettes unfortunately. They hardly ever impress him. Only the new Z06 got close.

[@prawdziwyateista11lat50]

That's because the C8 Corvette is shoddy for an American car befitting an American car.

[@evanhooper1]

@@prawdziwyateista11lat50 Thing is Doug isn't impressed by any generation of Corvette

[@AnotherYoubue]

The C8 looks like a kit car, Has odd proportions not to mention GM quality control

[@philipkircher2848]

Doug has always been somewhat biased against American cars. I think he only bought the Ford GT because he knew it would appreciate in value.

[@imsteevin]

I think I prefer the previous version but I'm sure this is great to drive too.

[@plamenvasilev]

You'll get use to it eventually. People hates the E60 M5 when it 1st came out. Can you imagine hating the E60 M5? I can't...

[@inactiveaccount]

@@plamenvasilev the car community just loves to hate until what they were hating on isn’t there anymore, then all of a sudden it was the best thing ever made and it should come back

[@Oorakhhye]

It’s extremely fun to drive and looks leaps and bounds better in person. It isn’t a photogenic car.

[@christopherprose3881]

The M2 is practically the ONLY BMW that seems to emulate the Ethos of what BMW meant back in the 80s. It is the spiritual successor of the first M3. They styling is fine, not great, but good enough from most angles. Also, you are absolutely right, those flared fenders make up for all the other styling blunders (read head and taillights) to the point that no one should care. If you want a great little modern BMW, this is the one to buy. Who knows how long it will be around as well? It shocks and impresses me that BMW still makes any car like this. With the "M" division now making EVs (and not great ones), the days are numbered for gems like the M2. Also, cool color!

[@rlsedition]

I say the Alfa Romeo Giulia is the real spiritual successor to the E36 BMW. The right size, weight and handling focus. BMW has lost its way.

[@tomciopaluch7235]

M3, M4, M5, M8 are also brilliant cars much better than the competition from Audi, Lexus or Mercedes.

[@antekqwe]

@@rlsedition What a silly thing to say in what Alfa Giulia is better than the M3??The handling and driving pleasure they have at a very similar level, and in every other respect BMW is better.

[@rlsedition]

@@tomciopaluch7235 C'mon now. Some of these BMWs are impressive and others not so much. In general the engines perform better than promised, but the ride is a concern on 3 and 5 series Ms and the grilles appearance is dreadful on the M3/M4. Better than the competition? Depends on what you want/need.

[@rlsedition]

@@antekqwe You must live under a rock. BMW steering has received "devoid of feel" complaints by every automotive journalist. Alfa steering is on an entirely different level, as in "great". And the 3 series styling is overdone, especially the M grilles, as many have stated. The Giulia, though several years old now, looks way better than any current 3 series. And that new digital dash looks entirely tacked on and eliminated all the knobs for control of such basics as HVAC and radio. Hasn't anyone at BMW ever driven their cars at speed and attempted to turn up the cabin heat without taking their eyes totally off the road ahead? I'll give BMW credit for powerful engines, but as a total package the Giulia excels. I used to be a BMW fanboy when the E36 M3 existed, but now the Giulia QV is the car BMW used to be - a true driver's machine.

[@brimsum]

I think BMW has peaked in terms of performance and refinement of their 6 cylinders. Next generations definitely gonna have some sort of EV attached to it. Also, I never heard anyone complain about the fenders, it was more so about the front and rear look. Especially the rear, those taillights look really dinky in my opinion.

[@steadyeddy_]

I’m at the “it’s not worse than the XM so I’ll take it” stage of my relationship with BMW

[@ianlasken6109]

Beautifully stated

[@westenbrugge20]

Exactly

[@el_manu_el_]

😂 lol

[@elvisvalla3953]

Thank you for reviewing this car, it is nice that BMW has finally built a 21st century car that I want, 2drs with a manual & no "buck tooth" grille.

[@quirksandfeatures3215]

Doug the kind of guy who tells everybody he has a Discover Card

[@michaelpinnow5015]

Great reviews. I just purchased this car in the new blue color and I absolutely love it! The new unique look of this M2 is wild, different than everything else and I think fantastic. In person it just works. The driving position is perfect. I owned an 318Ti way back when, I’ve also owned an M135i and newer gen M4 and none of them had the individual in your face looks that this one does. Can’t wait for warmer weather to go enjoy it more. So much tech you will never get bored I must say but the S58, the 6 speed manual and the amazing seats makes this a future classic in my opinion. Love it!!!

[@wolfbane8290]

The right angles in the bodywork and the weirdly boxy styling for BMW just give this car a strangely Volvo/Polestar look and not just because of the color. What you said about the excessive hood length is spot on and accentuated by that several inch gap protruding beyond the headlights. Simply put, the lines/proportions just don't flow on this car and the boxiness just elicits poorly executed 80s retro throwback styling.

[@rizato1]

Car looks pretty good

[@Shadowx157]

@@rizato1 Get your eyes, and taste checked.

[@thedog5k]

@@Shadowx157 ^ It looks so bad XD

[@robertnicholls9917]

I love it!

[@rizato1]

@@Shadowx157 ok

[@1huffmani]

We aren’t complaining about the fenders, we are complaining about the front end and the rear end. Side profile is decent.

[@TacoPotatoMustang]

I was one of those who didn’t love the new M2 when it debuted…and I still think some of the styling elements are bizarre, BUT that being said, since seeing a few on the road, I do think it looks better in person. Especially in darker colors.

[@okthen515]

So it still looks rubbish lol. Is a shame I think, this car on paper is amazing. Engine is amazing but the exterior design..... There's nothing wrong with the fenders.

[@flightevolution8132]

@@okthen515 I like it just fine. Plus the performance and drivability so so damn phenomenal, it makes up for any issues with the looks. You gotta drive one if you get the chance

[@okthen515]

@@flightevolution8132 good for you, honestly if you don't mind the looks this car is truly amazing. I can't afford one myself anyway so my complaints doesn't mean much. I drive a f22 m240i and even that machine with the b58 engine is just truly amazing

[@juancruz-jg5pq]

Extremely heavy for a small coupe : 3800 lbs . basically close to M5 weight. Even heavier than a large sedan Audi 6 .

[@okthen515]

@@juancruz-jg5pq not ideal of course but at then end of the day, the way it handles is the key that's the whole point of having a light car (chuckable). It is impossible to have a light coupe with all the "luxury" and tech in there. I think unfortunately modern cars have always had this trend of just being bigger and heavier. I doubt it but it is possible that the whole chassis and handling will make up for it.

[@rayjoedef]

I agree...I've owned 5 M cars, 2 of them being M2's. Once you see one of these on the road, most will change their minds. 450hp will be tuneable to 550 with ease. I honestIy can't believe how much car you're getting for the money. I've ordered my bsm/auto and can't wait for it to arrive!!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

After driving both the 230 and 240 models. I was excited for this little car. The new 2 series chassis is a lot of fun to drive. With or without the M badges. If someone wants and needs a fun car that can also be a GT. These new 2 series models will not disappoint. I personally think it's more power than it needs but whatever.

[@derekgardin1512]

3900lbs, thing is a pig

[@juancruz-jg5pq]

Basically 100 lbs heavier than an audi A6 .

[@surellow]

Its not as long as one my mistake but still HUGE

[@pilot9412]

I just bought a Brooklyn gray 2023 230i and I love it! Super fun to drive and the interior/exterior looks incredible. I’m averaging 30+ MPGs too.

[@mikemayers8672]

I tested 230i several times I wouldn’t get that power train

[@fuzzycuffs]

Flare fenders are awesome. It's the front and back end. Just too boxy that contrasts with the rest of the curves. If it were all boxy or all curves it would work better, but as now it looks like the top half is one car and the bottom half is another.

[@rmp5s]

God love them for making this...manual, RWD, not crazy expensive...awesome. If they didn't make it look like it was designed with a ruler, they'd sell them faster than they could make them.

[@julianevans9548]

Car gains 250kg - 550lb - on predecessor. For what reason?

[@rmp5s]

@@julianevans9548 More and more tech, safety and comfort shit.

[@jreyes2464]

@@julianevans9548 dude are you gonna say the same false thing in every single comment ? lmao

[@bwofficial1776]

@@jreyes2464 It's a valid question.

[@marktheshark7006]

Right now year and a half wait, and really no allocations just yet.

[@anchoragealaska3104]

This car is what every (modern) BMW should be....

[@Luka23567]

Pause the video at 3:21…

[@superregera799]

What a stellar recommendation from Doug! I'm very surprised at how good it apparently is. I'm not sold on the styling, but it actually looks great from the side. However, I'd never want to own one once the warranty is up if my AMG is anything to compare it to.

[@danieldebono7116]

That's why you buy the BSI plan.

[@costafilh0]

How is this better than the previous gen?

[@Powaup]

No one was upset about the Fender. The weight was the problem. How come Doug didn’t mention that? 🤔 It’s fine to be subjective but I really feel like Doug didn’t give us a well rounded review here. No mention on how it stacks up against the Manual Supra, Mustang or Z

[@areufkingkiddingme]

I know it’s too heavy just like your mom

[@gookieboo]

The bumpers, the lights. the grill. The fenders? No one complained about that lol

[@jacksonfrizzell9631]

Hey Doug! Love your reviews. Just wanted to point out at 10:20 the door panel lights actually flash red when the door is open to alert other cars coming from behind in traffic. So there is a bit of functionality built in!

[@BeepasGarage]

At least the grille isnt gigantic like other BMWs. This is probably the best looking BMW right now.

[@thisnameistoolong9169]

The weight ruins it for me. It's approaching M4 territory when i think the two products should provide very different experiences. It should be small, light and raw. But that's just me. They'll probably still sell a ton

[@Johnnygga]

Have you driven the M2? You seem like you’re posting in a way that you’ve compared the M4 and M2 by driving both of them back to back. Is this true? Or is this benchmark internet speak?

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I hope they sell A ton so I can get one that doesn't run in 10-20 years for cheap

[@aitorgallego98]

As an Alpine a110 buyer I agree this thing is a whole 1500lbs- 700kg more than my car LOL

[@cls63amgwagon34]

I don’t think people are complaining about the box flares or grill, those are great, but just how much the bumpers stick out. Everything else is good 👍🏻 great car

[@chrismullins8061]

The fact that the rear bumper looks like its bolted to the ground.

[@jwalster9412]

The box over the rear funder really reminds me of a hirochi sunburst (use google)

[@vladvulcan]

There's no CLS 63 AMG wagon. they call it a shooting brake

[@cls63amgwagon34]

@@vladvulcan I’m aware. Shooting brake and wagon are used interchangeably in a modern context.

[@cameronharvey4746]

I adore this car, I think it looks absolutely amazing. And you can not beat a 2 door, rwd, turbo 6 manual. If I had the funds to buy a luxury performance car this is what I would buy today.

[@ethanboyle6750]

well said

[@xBanditzTTV]

Seeing it in full detail now it’s kind of a breath of fresh air to me, yes the rear is blocky but looks nice tho, I recently lost my X5 so I’m hurt atm

[@connerowens8831]

Doug is saying EXACTLY what ive been saying about the new m2 for months now. It looks like those amazing classic older bmws that are the real staple of their racing brand.

[@PLpecior]

Hi Doug! Thanks for the great video, as usual. I've noticed you haven't talked about the back seat at all, and I was kind of wondering how practical it is and if there are any isofix points at the back.

[@topshelfdustin3300]

the back of the new 2 series in general is much smaller than the old 2's despite being bigger...in other words, it's 5'6 and under on a good day

[@Bpeitz]

"An old school BMW turbo 6 cylinder". Damn, that made me and my E46 feel old as hell.

[@Ven0mSRT]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 I actually smiled when he said about old school turbo))

[@rileygally2967]

I really respect and appreciate Doug's passion in this video. Somewhere out there there's a (richer) version of me that is buying this car because of Doug's enthusiasm for what it offers

[@felipe_silve]

I think your 1st 3 camera shots show its best angles. Looking at it straight from the front or back it looks weird, but from the side or rear 3 quarters, it really looks nice with the fender flares

[@ironmaidenfan66670]

If I could afford it, Id go out and get one. Im not even a beemer guy, but I appreciate what they've done with this. An I6, manual, RWD coupe, with some classic beemer styling queues..Theres alot to like.

[@EvilCouncil]

A "Beemer" is a motorcycle 🤫 But yeah, where I live it's almost double the price of the US price and we still want it here! Although BMW's manuals aren't really the best in business while the ZF is arguably the best automatic alongside the PDK.

[@JahyMoonwalker]

If you want speed and handling there are better ways to spend your money, in the US anyways.

[@Procur3]

Your comment about the clutch hook is 100% accurate. My E46 M3 was the same way- easy to figure out but much different than every other manufacturer. Pretty heavy clutch too but I actually like that

[@TechTokOffical]

Clutch delay value..pop that bad boy out...

[@Nope-again]

I often feel alone in this remark but I think this style is one of the best

[@joshuad1716]

I just hope this brings the prices for the last generation m2 competitions back to earth, those are the REAL winners

[@yt_Ajay_]

The grille and the wide fenders aren't the issue. The last M2 was a genuinely gorgeous car and this is a pretty sharp step down.

[@waheeddoesstuff]

it’s also so heavy! Nearly 4000 pounds

[@GreedyGlo]

“Beaver tooth grill”🤣 Can’t unsee it now

[@DailyDownshift]

You're 100% right, this car is a BEAST. I'm enjoying it a lot more than any of my previous F87's and base C8 stingray, great review Doug!

[@mikedelape6609]

i have a c8 and i disagree this M2 is better, it’s definitely not faster and i dont believe it handles better

[@DailyDownshift]

@@mikedelape6609 The M2 is a lot faster, you can watch any race online. It's got about 50-60 extra WHP

[@niradgupta4075]

I love the way it looks. It reminds me of an 80s tuner car or rally car, with it's huge fenders and boxy look.

[@tylerfitzgerald266]

It's boxy in all the wrong areas tho. If the car was all boxy like the Ioniq5 then it would work but this is so over styled with round and squared edges in certain spots

[@SalvadoreanKOV]

Recently saw this car in person; looks much better than what you see in videos or photos!

[@Johnnyscarcarereviews]

Flared fenders are AWESOME!

[@wesley7753]

I love this car. It truly brings a tear to my eye that there are still some new cars being made that have that old school charm

[@supraa-bh7yp]

Facts this car is dope

[@Johnnyscarcarereviews]

Not sure I like the new front end but the rest is great. Mind you beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Let's see how consumers take to it

[@zacisler]

As an owner of a 23 m240i I can say this car looks amazing. I really don’t know what people are thinking when they say the new 2 series is ugly. It’s gonna grow on all of you much like the current M3 and M4 have. BMW is the only German manufacture pushing the limits with design language right now and we should be rooting for them for taking risks!

[@Minnevan]

You’re absolutely spitting facts. Taking risks is exactly what they’re doing, and it’s unfortunate that so many people can’t take their rose tinted glasses off and appreciate that.

[@theejpp]

The M240i looks very different from this car. I like the M240i, I don’t like the M2

[@DescartesRenegade]

Imagine thinking that everyone is supposed to like what you like. Get out of your bubble.

[@jkliao6486]

There is a fundamental difference between pushing the limits and getting it wrong completely, and the public survey results suggesting only 20% of the people liking it shows. For example, running naked on the street is not pushing the clothing limit despite nobody doing that, because everyone else knows it's a stupid thing to do and does NOT do it. Also, no, the 2 series doesn't look good, the more I look at it, the worse it looks. You are still allowed to like it, just like how people are still allowed to dislike it, plain and simple.

[@ryannatividad3137]

Some of those limits...shouldn't be pushed. WTF were they thinking when they released the BMW IX!? But the 2-Series (coupe) and M2 are I think where BMW should keep going in terms of design. It's not perfect, but I think its simultaneously futuristic and retro BMW. They simplified the surfacing, got the BMW coupe proportions just right, and I like the clean, squared off graphics overall. The rear could use some finessing, but the front has similar lines/proportions to the first gen 1-series coupe, as well as cars like the E30 and E46.

[@jacobyo99]

I think the car that competes best with this car is the CT4-V Blackwing with the 3.6 twin turbo and 6 speed manual

[@jonlosito2004]

Yea but Doug probably doesn't like that car

[@haviiithelegogunner907]

Because it is US crap

[@craigster1234]

With sales tax - in Canada - this M2 costs $92,000.00. PRICES ARE INSANE!

[@Luka23567]

For a 3D printed car

[@LucasChoate]

I like it. I had a Triumph TR-6 car with an inline 6. It sounded great, wouldn't pass emissions, caused me untold pain and I loved it. This could be that. I agree with Doug. This is what we want.

[@papa_pt]

This is SO far from your triumph. I'd say only similarities are two doors, straight six and rwd This probably weighs nearly 2x, and has been tuned to leave the driver disconnected from both steering and shifter 😢

[@whitekj03]

I like the rear end the most on this, actually my favorite 2023 BMW design. Hope this car will be in the next Forza game, a little out of the scope of my financial situation right now 😂

[@jonathanelton6818]

I think this is really one of the last true enthusiast’s car. I really loved the old M2. I will concede that the new one looks a little off in proportions but I kinda like it. The grill is not so pretty I have no idea what was wrong with the old one, but anything is better than the M4 beaver tooth grill!

[@CarlRencer]

People continue to say "last of enthusiast cars" but companies keep making them. Aren't you tired of being proven wrong time and time again?

[@ryanjonathanmartin3933]

@CarlRencer "No we must play the victim and pretend that we are being persecuted by the dEeP StaTE, and, uh, Hillary Clinton's DNC hack! Crooked Hillary!"

[@bunsenn5064]

My main turnoff with the styling is actually the grille. Yeah, it’s normal-sized, but it’s also really rectangular for some reason, and slanted forward at a weird angle. In terms of performance, I feel like 3,800 lbs is way too heavy for an M2. And in terms of the inside, I don’t like the massive touchscreen/gauge cluster thing that’s going on. The thing with this car is that it’s a bunch of styling traits that uncool on their own, but look not-so-cool when they’re put together like this. It really rubs in the feeling that this car was designed by a corporate design team instead of just one person.

[@Seemashe]

They tried to go to a normal size grill but again they screwed the design especially with that thick line divide in middle .. shocking

[@ShadetreeArmorer]

I also like the styling, it has an 80's vibe and I'm here for it. Even though I just bought a manual Supra.

[@davidbarrett8451]

You chose wisely.

[@jeasongagnon4332]

Love it from the shifter to the fenders. The vents all seem homemade.

[@BertrandDussert]

My one gripe with this car is the curb weight. The F80 M3 was 250 lbs lighter... Does it drive like 3,800 lbs? The power is definitely underrated, so I'm sure acceleration is strong, but I'm more wondering about track chops on a hot day (braking and tire burn). Can you equip the car with ceramic brakes? Thanks for the great review. I'm going to take a hard look at this.

[@waheeddoesstuff]

Great comment. If they got it to handle “harder” than the M4 is essentially is then that would be a big win.

[@gamersinghking4167]

When you said that people didn't like the looks of this car, I was confused. There's nothing to dislike about this design.

[@markwgundert4251]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the miniscule rear spoiler during your quirks and features section. Regarding the track mode turning off the infotainment screen, they should have integrated gauges such as trans, diff, and brake fluid temps...weird they didn't think of that

[@jamesmurmurzancone4532]

Doug the kind of guy to wear a tuxedo to a funeral

[@leeeinfield]

Nice

[@jwalster9412]

Doug is the type of guy to drive a CGT to a wedding in the pouring rain and still wear flip flops.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

​@@jwalster9412 Doug the kind of guy to move into the garage to be with Carrera GT

[@Yarmox]

The front looks like one of those body kit mods in old need for speeds.. but I think it looks interesting. Kind of different then other cars in its class. I would definitely give it a go

[@zeeromaya1562]

I purchased one about 14 months ago I love it , it’s manual , very fast fun to drive , small seat in back my 75 lb Golden doodle dog love the seat .

[@powerfuse0]

I think the new styling is an interesting turn for BMW. Typically their newer designs tend to grow on me. I really love that colour though!

[@milehighboost5521]

Not a huge fan of the color but love that they are coming out with new or different ones here and there. Too bad no green option.

[@powerfuse0]

@@milehighboost5521 Makes me think of the i30n colour. I like that acid yellow on the m4 too though so maybe i just like unusual colours 🤣🤣

[@umarsalimjr.9116]

I've been waiting for this review🔥🔥

[@jend4367]

I love the front grill. Overall like the car a lot actually.

[@mannygomez154]

Doug the badging was only done for a limited time (until this April), it’s only available on M cars and it celebrates the 50th anniversary of M. Guarantee you that in about 10-20 years they’ll be a big deal. It’s a $250-300 option.

[@nickj583]

I like most of it, my main complaints is the grill looks too much like a dodge. also those boxed exclamation points on the back that you pointed out. Also one item that you didn't point out is that the lower grill has such large openings that rocks can easily take out your radiator, and they are not cheap

[@johnm1008]

There's a huge difference between an engine that is working hard to make 400 horsepower and an engine that isn't working hard to make 450 horsepower. An under stressed engine will always feel better

[@K9V1]

I like it. Never really hated it as such, but after seeing multiple reviews and actual photos, I can honestly say I think it's pretty cool. Definitely looks better than the "normal" 2-series.

[@AkuNoHana]

Nobody's complaining about the fenders. The problem is the front grill with horizontal slats that looks like a mockery of itself, and the body lines are an absolute mess. Aspects of the car does not come together as a cohesive package, far from it.