New BMW M2 India bound in May with manual gearbox option

BMW is gearing up to introduce the second-gen M2 (G87) in India, with a price announcement for the new BMW M2 set to take place around May 2023. Sources tell us that bookings for the new BMW M2 will commence soon.

1. BMW M2 rivals the Porsche 718 Cayman globally
2. Will get two gearbox options for India
3. M2 automatic does 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds
4. M2 manual does 0-100kph in 4.3 seconds

Also see: BMW X5 facelift India launch by August; Z4 facelift launch by May

New BMW M2: styling and other upgrades

As far as dimensions go, the new M2 is 219mm shorter than the M4 – at 4,575mm bumper to bumper – but 114mm longer than the previous-generation M2. The new BMW M2 gets an aggressive body kit, which includes a stylish and functional rear spoiler, a low-slung GT-style rear diffuser, quad-exit exhausts and a unique front end with frameless horizontal kidney grilles and wide-set headlights. On the inside, the new BMW M2 gets a curved display for infotainment and instrumentation with M specific graphics.

As far as structural upgrades go, the new M2 gets unique stiffening braces for the front struts and a bespoke aluminium sub-frame, reinforced C-pillars and track-focused, M-specific adaptive suspension and steering calibrations. Stopping power, meanwhile, is provided by huge 380mm front and 370mm rear discs, which are gripped by six- and single-piston calipers, respectively, and painted blue as standard.

New BMW M2: will be a full import for India

The second-gen BMW M2 will come to India as a “standard” M2 and not get the hardcore competition variant, which was the only version available on the previous-gen car here. The new BMW M2 competition, based on the second-gen car is yet to see a global debut. The latest-gen BMW M2 that's headed here is being built in Mexico, and will be sold as a full import in our market. It's the final pure-combustion model from BMW’s M division as all BMW M cars and SUVs that have been revealed post the M2, will get an electrified powertrain.

New BMW M2 for India: powertrain and options

The M2 comes with the BMW R6 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline engine that’s good for 460hp and 550Nm of torque. The 8-speed Steptronic transmission will be available as standard, with a 6-speed manual transmission available as an option, even for buyers in India.

Five exterior paint shade options will be available on the M2 in India, including Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Black Sapphire, Toronto Red and Zandvoort Blue. On the inside, customers will be able to choose from either Black or Cognac shades, while BMW M Sport seats will be standard along with the aluminum highlights on the dashboard.

Standard equipment on the India-bound BMW M2 will include Comfort access system, power seats with memory function, M seat belts, Adaptive LED headlamps with high beam assist, Harman Kardon sound system, BMW connected package, wireless charging, M shadowline trim with extended contents and staggered silver finish M light 19-inch alloy wheels (930M) in the front and 20-inch at the rear.

Optional equipment on the India-bound BMW M2 – other than aforementioned manual gearbox – include remote engine start, adaptive cruise control, BMW Driving assistant, M Carbon roof (reduces 6kg weight), M compound brakes with Red high gloss finish, all-black alloy wheels, M branded puddle lamps, M carbon-fibre bucket seats, full leather Merino upholstery and M carbon-fibre trim on the interior. BMW will also offer these options as dedicated packages – M Sport Pro package or the M Driver’s package.

New BMW M2 for India: launch details and pricing

As mentioned above, the new BMW M2 will go on sale in India sometime in May this year, and bookings are expected to commence soon. The M2 is expected to be priced around Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom).

What are your thoughts on BMW offering the manual gearbox at a premium over the auto? Let us know in the comments.

Also see:

BMW XM launched in India at Rs 2.60 crore

BMW 3.0 CSL returns to celebrate 50 years of its M division