The 2025 BMW M2 Gains More Power, Keeps Manual

BMW’s lifecycle update for the M2 is here, and the main takeaway is a boost in power. The changes for the M2 mirror those we’ve been seeing in other updated models from BMW’s Motorsports division, including the recently unveiled 2025 M3 and M4.

Those who already liked BMW’s approach to the M2 will be pleased to note that the fundamentals remain unchanged. Straight-six engine: check. Rear-wheel drive: check. The option of a manual gearbox: double check.

More: The 2025 BMW 2-Series Coupe Gets A Small Refresh And Price Bump

With 20 more horses under the hood, the 2025 M2 gets roughly 4.5 percent more poke than the outgoing model, with 473 hp. It’s an incremental improvement that sets the tone for the rest of the model year changes, which include a new wheel color, expanded paint options, and an upgraded infotainment system.

Underhood Tweaking

While the M2’s power upgrade is marginal, BMW implies that the main thrust of the work for the 2025 model year has been around improving responsiveness. That means remapping the accelerator pedal response and improving the torque curve of the twin-turbo six-pot engine.

For the enthusiasts who cling to the engagement that a clutch brings, we’re happy to report that the six-speed manual transmission option remains. We’re less happy to inform you that it’s now handicapped by offering less torque than the automatic.

While the peak torque figure for the six-speed manual stays the same at 406 lb-ft, owners who select the eight-speed M Steptronic slushbox will get to feel a touch more smug, with 443 lb-ft on offer.

But before the two-pedal drivers feel too good about their exclusive increase, it’s important to note that the window in which peak torque is obtained is smaller in the auto than it is with the stick shift. In fact, the manual ‘box’s torque window has been increased for 2025, with all 406-lb-ft being accessible between 2,650 and 6,130 rpm, whereas the outgoing model would taper off at 5,870 rpm.

Read: Designer Fixes The Styling Of His BMW M2 With Nothing But Duct Tape

These small improvements all add up to a small reduction in 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) times. The manual 2025 M2 can get to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the 2024 model. With the eight-speed auto, the time remains the same as the outgoing model, at 3.9 seconds. Top speed remains electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), or 177 mph (285 km/h), with the optional M Driver’s Package.

The Other Stuff

We were really hoping for some changes to the design, especially the rather wishy-washy rear end that, even after a few years in production, has failed to grow on us. Strictly speaking, there is one change to the rear, and that’s the exhaust pipes. The signature M quad tailpipes are now finished in black as standard.

Further changes include model designation badges on the trunk lid and grille, which are now black and bordered in silver. While these differences may be so minute that they barely warrant a mention, think of it a different way. If you own a 2024 model M2 and want to make your car look like it’s a 25MY, all you need is a black rattle can and a silver Sharpie.

Okay, so the color palette has been expanded, with a choice of three solid colors, seven metallic shades, and four BMW Individual paint finishes. Meanwhile, the wheel design stays the same, with 19s at the front and 20s in the rear, but at least you can now opt for a “bright silver finish” if, like us, you think the trend of black wheels has passed us by.

Fewer Buttons

The interior is where you’ll find the most changes, with BMW’s divisive but screen-tastic curved displays making their appearance. You’ll find BMW’s Operating System 8.5 with iDrive 8.5 and those all-important M-specific graphics. Just make sure to pour one out for the fallen buttons that would have controlled the temperature, ventilation, seat heating, and steering wheel heating settings — they’re all baked into the infotainment interface now.

Speaking of the steering wheel, you’ll find a newly designed version, now with a flat-bottomed rim, 12 o’clock center marker, and different spokes. If you truly want that race-car feel, you can get it in Alcantara (just be sure to wear gloves).

And for the track-day enthusiasts, you can now order the weight-saving M Carbon bucket seats as a standalone option. If you can spare the extra pounds, then the M Sport seats can be ordered in Vernasca leather, in Black with a Red highlight.

The 2025 BMW M2 will be available from a base MSRP of $64,900 + $1,175 destination and handling. Deliveries will commence worldwide in August 2024.