As arguably one of the most fun-to-drive models in the high-performance M lineup offering the purest driving experience, the 2025 BMW M2 will arrive soon with a bit more power from its turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. It’ll continue to come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a manual transmission, though a quicker automatic with more torque is made available at no cost. The new M2 also has design updates inside and out and features a fully digital gauge display and a centrally located control for drive-mode settings.
The two-door, RWD M2 coupe is one of three select models in the German luxury sport automaker’s lineup that includes a manual transmission as a standard feature. It is rare in the sports car market, as manual transmissions are becoming increasingly scarce. Indeed, BMW will also soon no longer offer stick shifts. Upgrading to the available—and free—eight-speed automatic transmission helps route a bit more torque that gets squeezed from the turbocharged engine to the rear wheels.
Based on the BMW 2 Series Coupe, the M2 has a wider, more aggressive stance to accommodate larger tires for increased grip on the road and track. For 2025, new colors, including vibrant options like Java Green Metallic and Voodoo Blue, are available. All 2025 M2s have black wheels with staggered sizes in the front and rear. The new models will also feature black quad exhaust tips and black badging with silver borders.
The focal point of the interior is the new leather flat-bottom steering wheel, which BMW also offers trimmed in Alcantara. The leather seats are now customizable in black with red accents, and a Carbon package includes carbon fiber bucket seats. The dashboard features a large gauge cluster and infotainment screens that seamlessly merge into a single curved display, integrating all controls, including climate settings, for a more streamlined and modern look.
All M2s upgrade to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 473 hp and up to 443 pound-feet of torque—an increase of 20 hp over the prior model year. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a helpful automatic rev-match system.
BMW says the new M2 will reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with the manual transmission. When equipped with the available eight-speed automatic, the engine pumps out more torque, and the automaker says the zero-to-60-mph time shrinks to 3.9 seconds. According to BMW, M2s top out at 177 mph when equipped with the optional M Driver’s package.
A new setup button on the M2’s center console toggles settings for the engine’s power delivery, standard adaptive suspension, steering and brake feel, and traction control. This is also where you control the auto rev-match feature on manual-equipped models. Things like adaptive cruise control and active parking assistance tech are also available.
BMW also highlights a new augmented-reality view on the dashboard available in the M2. It supplements the in-car navigation with a live video of the driver’s view on the screens that can be overlayed with helpful information.
Only a few new high-performance sports cars provide the thrilling driving experience that comes with a manual transmission. The number of German competitors offering manual transmissions is decreasing, as the Audi RS 3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class have only been available with automatics for years.
If you're willing to spend a little less and sacrifice two cylinders, you can opt for a manual transmission in the new Civic Type R-based Acura Integra Type S. However, the BMW M2 still stands out as one of the best driver's cars available today, allowing BMW to live up to its iconic tagline, "the ultimate driving machine."
BMW is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of June 12, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Connor Hoffman has worked in the automotive industry since 2018 in both editorial and public relations. He has tested and written about hundreds of cars and helped lead the media launches of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Land Cruiser. Connor started his career at Car and Driver after a summer internship and has contributed to Edmunds, U.S. News & World Report, and Capital One Autos.
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