The all-new second generation 2023 BMW M2 has been officially unveiled today, combining compact dimensions with powertrain and chassis technology from the latest BMW M3 and M4 to create a new iteration of the baby M car.

Availability of a six-speed manual alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission, the new M2 continues to appeal to the pure enthusiast while maintaining its unique offering in the segment.

The BMW M straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that powers the new M2 has been upgraded to produce 338kW of power at 6,250rpm, 36kW more than before. It develops a peak torque of 550Nm which is produced between 2,650 and 5,870rpm. The TwinPower Turbo unit revs to a maximum of 7,200rpm.

The build-up of power is accompanied by a richer soundtrack generated by the M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps.

The sports coupe completes the sprint to 100km/h from rest in just 4.1 seconds with the eight-speed automatic transmission and in 4.3 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Powering on, 200km/h arrives in 13.5 seconds (automatic) or 14.3 seconds (manual). The limited top speed of the new M2 can be raised from 250km/h to 285km/h by specifying the optional M Carbon Experience.

The new M2 rides on 19-inch M light-alloys at the front and 20-inch items at the rear, with customers able to choose double spoke designs in either black or bicolour styles.

The new M2 is set to launch in Australia in the first half of 2023 with the highest level of standard specification.

2023 BMW M2 Specification:

• 19”/20” M light alloy wheels
• Active M Differential
• Adaptive LED headlights incl. High Beam Assistant
• Adaptive M Suspension
• Alarm system
• Ambient light
• Automatic climate control, 3-zone
• BMW Head-Up Display
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3” Instrument Display and 14.9” Control Display w. BMW Operating System 8
• BMW M 50 year anniversary badging (available until March 2023 production)
• Comfort Access system (incl. BMW Digital Key for 8-speed M Steptronic transmission)
• Connected Package Professional
• DAB+ digital radio
• Driving Assistant
• Active cruise control with Stop&Go (automatic transmission)
• Electric seat adjustment
• Leather ‘Vernasca’ Upholstery
• harman/kardon Surround Sound System
• Lumbar Support for driver and front passenger
• M Compound Brake, Blue (also available with red high gloss callipers)
• M Drive Professional
• M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
• M interior trim finishers Carbon Fibre
• M Lights Shadowline
• M seat belts
• M Sport Seats for driver and front passenger
• Metallic paintwork
• Parking Assistant
• Seat Heating for driver and front passenger
• Smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Steering wheel heating
• Storage compartment package
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Tyre repair kit
• Wireless smartphone charging

Equipment program

M Carbon Experience: $14,500
Package comprises the following:

M Carbon bucket seats
– 10.8kg weight reduction

– Cut-outs in the rear seat backrest, side sections and functional belt guides for
multi-point seat belts

– Visible carbon surfaces across back sections

– Removable headrest cover for additional helmet space

– Trimmed in Leather ‘Merino’ upholstery with exclusive highlights

BMW M Driving Experience Advance 1
– Voucher for BMW M Driving Experience Advance 1 course at BMW Driving Experience

M Driver’s package
– Vmax increase from 250km/h to 285km/h
– Voucher for BMW M Driving Experience Advance 2 course at BMW Driving Experience

Paint finishes (all no cost options):

Non-metallic

Alpine White
M Zandvoort Blue

Metallic

Black Sapphire
M Toronto Red

M Brooklyn Grey

Alloy wheels (both no cost options)

• 19″/20″ M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 930 M with mixed tyres, Jet Black
• 19″/20″ M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 930 M Bicolour with mixed tyres

Upholstery

Leather ‘Vernasca’ (both no cost options)

• Black with exclusive highlights
• Cognac with décor stitching

Leather ‘Merino’

• Black with exclusive highlights (included with M Carbon Experience package; see above)

Interior trim 

M ‘Carbon Fibre’: Standard equipment
(Incl. CFRP inserts in steering wheel and CFRP gearshift paddles on steering wheel)

Price (Excluding on-road costs): $119,900

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The updated 2023 BMW Z4 roadster will launch in Australia early next year with a host of key revisions.

The open-top two-seater will feature fresh design accents for the exterior, newly available paint finishes, a new alloy wheel design and an expanded range of equipment to boost its appeal.

BMW Australia will continue its existing two variant line-up via the Z4 sDrive20i and M40i, with both providing a balance of performance and efficiency from their turbocharged petrol engines and eight-speed sport automatic transmissions.

Delivering a fresh and sporting look to the front fascia of the new Z4 is a new BMW kidney grille design that features horizontal slats and new front apron side air curtain intakes.

Complementing the new face is a new 19-inch alloy wheel offering. The M light V-spoke style 772 M Bicolour Jet Black matte wheels with a diamond polished edge add to the Z4’s aesthetic and sporting allure.

The revised M Sport Plus package now integrates M Lights Shadow Line, which replaces chrome touches for the headlight element surrounds with black.

Three new metallic exterior colours are also available, including M Portimao Blue, Thundernight and Skyscraper Grey.

Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine powers the Z4 sDrive20i M Sport with 145kW and 320Nm, while the punchier 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder turbo petrol engine motivates the flagship z4 M40i with 285kW and 500Nm.

2023 BMW Z4

Key updates for the 2023 BMW Z4, which add to and enhance the existing specification and equipment offering, are summarised below:

Three new metallic paint colours:

• M Portimao Blue
• Thundernight
• Skyscraper Grey

One new alloy wheel design:

• 19″ M light alloy wheels, V-spoke style 772 M Bicolour Jet Black matte

M Sport Plus package

Z4 sDrive20i: $3,500
Z4 M40i: $2,500

• 19″ M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 799 M Bicolour
• M Sport Brakes, Blue or Red
• Tyre Pressure Indicator
• Adaptive M Suspension
• M Seat Belts
• M High-Gloss Shadow Line with extended contents, featuring the following in Black High-Gloss:

– Kidney Grille frame

– M Lights Shadow Line

– Tailpipe trim

– Inserts in front bumper (M40i only)

– Rollover protection bar (M40i only)

– Mirror caps in body colour (M40i only)

Precision Package

Z4 sDrive20i: $3,600

• Steering Wheel Heating
• Lumbar Support for driver & front passenger
• Ambient Lighting
• Adaptive LED Headlights
• Harman Kardon Surround Sound System

 2023 BMW Z4 line-up:

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Australia will receive the third-generation BMW X1 in the fourth quarter of this year with the sDrive18i and xDrive20i the first to arrive.

Priced from $53,900 and $65,900, respectively, the new X1 is $6,000 dearer than before and will debut BMW’s new Features on Demand, where buyers subscribe to features like heated seats via the BMW ConnectedDrive store.

The sDrive18i is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, an increase of 12kW and 10Nm. The engine is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch Steptronic transmission driving the front wheels, with fuel consumption rated at 6.5L/100km.

Meanwhile, the xDrive20i pumps out 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque, courtesy of its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol mill and an increase of 9kW and 20Nm over the outgoing model. Its dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels and is claimed to return an average of 7.4L/100km.

The new X1 has undergone a growth spurt, measuring 53mm longer, 24mm wider and 44mm taller than its predecessor on a 22mm longer wheelbase. Boot space has also increased by 35L with the second row up.

Underneath, BMW says the suspension and damping systems have been extensively upgraded to improve long-distance comfort.

Inside, the X1 and iX1 are the latest BMWs to receive the brand’s new BMW Operating System 8 and the Curved Display, which brings a 10.25-inch digital instruments cluster and 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

As BMW OS 8.0 supports greater use of voice prompts via its BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the iDrive controller has been banished from the X1’s cabin.

Other feature highlights include:

• 18-inch wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Automatic tailgate
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional
• Comfort Access
• Connected Package Professional
• Head-up Display
• M headliner
• Remote software updates
• Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The xDrive20i adds:

• 19-inch wheels
• Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control System
• Heated front seats
• Electrically adjustable front seats

There are two optional packages available. The Enhancement Pack ($6,000 on sDrive18i, $4,000 on xDrive20i adds:

• Metallic Paint
• Panoramic sunroof
• Harmon Kardon sound system
• Sliding rear seats
• Driving Assistant Professional (sDrive18i)
• Power front seats (sDrive18i)

The M Sport Pack ($3,000 and xDrive20i only) adds:

• 19-inch M Sport alloy wheel
• Adaptive M suspension
• M Aluminium Hexacube interior trim
• M leather steering wheel
• M high gloss Shadow Line trim
• M high gloss roof rails

The petrol engined BMW X1 will be joined by the electric iX1 xDrive30 in the first quarter of 2023.

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With just a few months remaining until the world premiere of the new BMW M2, the final test phase in the development of the new high-performance car is in full swing. In keeping with its affinity with the racetrack, the car’s driving dynamics were subjected to an intensive test at the Salzburgring in Austria.

The new M2 shares many performance parts with the M3/M4, including its engine and transmission. With the twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six cylinder engine in the M3/M4 producing 375kW and 650Nm, we can expect the M2 to share the same figures if not dialled down a little – for hierarchical reason.

Purist will be pumped to learn that the M2 will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox alongside the eight-speed automatic. Adaptive M chassis and rear-wheel drive will also be on the spec sheet, so will the powerful brake system from the M3/M4.

The sporty appearance of the new BMW M2 is rounded off by a selection of special equipment options, including a carbon roof to reduce weight. M carbon bucket seats for the driver and passenger, also available as an option, emphasise the racing look of the new BMW M2.

The BMW M2 will have its world premiere in October, with market launch to follow in April 2023.

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BMW M is adding its M2 CS Racing-based safety car to the MotoGP’s fleet.

Fitted out with special livery and extra light bars for its new role, the car features a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six that produces up to 331kW (444hp/450PS) depending on the setup. Compared to the road-going M2 CS, the track-only M2 CS Racing gets upgrade Drexler mechanical limited-slip differential with separate cooling, tweaked ABS and DCS, ZF Sachs dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and new engine mounts amongst others.

While it may soon be superseded by the impending launch of the brand-new M2, the M2 CS Racing is still a potent high-performance two-door coupe capable of fulfilling its new role.

It’s also not the first time an M2 has been used as a MotoGP safety car, as a non-CS version was enlisted in the 2016 season. In fact, BMW M has been a regular supplier to the race since 1999. Other than the M2 CS Racing, this year’s fleet includes the M3 Competition, M4 Competition, M5 CS and M8 Competition Gran Coupe safety cars. MotoGP also uses the X5 M Competition as a Medical Car.

The M2 CS Racing MotoGP Safety Car will make its inaugural run at the Grand Prix of Qatar on March 6.

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The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe brings an extra set of doors for added practicality, without looking any less sexy than its coupe sibling. The stretched 4 Series variant not only carries over much of the coupe’s front fascia and rear styling, but also retains the coupe’s swooping roof line for a low slung, elegant look.

But the ultimate sleek, hunkered down stance, nothing beats a set of lowered suspension. And that’s where suspension specialist H&R comes in. The H&R lowering springs drops the 4 Series Gran Coupe by up to 40mm at the front axle and up to 35mm at the rear.

The result is a sportier look without the unsightly gap between the wheel arch and tyre. The springs are designed to work with the factory fitted M Sport suspension and adaptive dampers. According to H&R, the lowering springs give a flatter and sharper handling around corners without compromising ride comfort.

For those keen to go a step further, the tuner also offers a set of wheel spacers to complement the lowering springs. The spacers push the wheels out by 6mm, making them perfectly flush against the fenders, giving the 4 Series Gran Coupe the best stance possible.

The sport springs for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe cost 327 euros while the wheel spacers will set you back a further 64 euros.

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Enthusiasts rejoice! The 2022 BMW M2 will be offered with a six-speed manual when it enter production from December 2022.

Set to be based on the recently unveiled 2 Series’ G82 chassis, the G87 M2 will be powered by the familiar S58 engine borrowed from the current M3 and M4 pair. However, the 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged inline-six will be detuned from its current 353kW to 339kW in order not to undercut its larger siblings.

Despite the power trim, the second-generation M2 will still be significantly more powerful than the current model’s N55 twin-scroll, single turbo inline-six which pumps out 272kW.

No xDrive all-wheel drive system is expected, either, with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.

It is not clear whether BMW will carry over the current M2’s six-speed manual or utilises the newer unit from the M3/M4. Similarly, it remains to be seen whether BMW will carry over the existing seven-speed dual-clutch or switch to its new ZF-built eight-speed torque converter automatic.

While the 2022 M2 will feature an all-new outlook, it will use parts derived from the current model, including its electronic limited-slip differential and re-tuned suspension. An optional carbon fibre roof and adaptive dampers will be on offer.

With manuals getting ever rarer by the day, the M2 along with the M3 and M4 will be the only models available with three pedals in BMW’s current line-up.

Sales of the highly anticipated G87 M2 is expected to start in 2023.

Note: BMW M240i shown

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The BMW M4 may have the most controversial kidney grille ever, but it sure isn’t short on performance. Packing a 3.0-litre twin turbo six-cylinder in-line engine with up to 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque, the rear-wheel drive sports car can dash from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

Already equipped with an M body kit and widened fenders, the BMW M4 looks raw and imposing straight out of the factory. The only thing left to do, perhaps, is to throw in a set of lowering springs.

And that’s where suspension and chassis specialist H&R comes in. Specially tuned to work with the factory adaptive dampers, the springs lower the M4 by up to 30mm at both axles. The subtle drop is enough to set off a properly aggressive stance, eliminating any unsightly gap between the tyres and the wheel arches.

As the spring rates are the same as the factory specifications, the tuner says ride quality is not compromised while handling is improved and roll is reduced in corners. It’s also claimed that all suspension components are German made and have been TÜV tested and certified to guarantee durability and high performance.

H&R is also beefing up the M4 with a set of wheel spacers which push the wheels outwards by 11mm, ensuring they sit properly flush with the wheel fenders. Combined, the lowering springs and wheel spacers give the M4 a much more aggressive, hunkered down look, with the 20-inch M lightweight wheels now filling up the wheel arches nicely.

The sport springs for the BMW M4 costs 444 euros while the wheel spacers will set you back a further 94 euros.

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The BMW 3 Series G20 has been around since 2019. In a model’s lifecycle, this means a mid-life facelift is almost due.

While we have not seen anything official from BMW so far, a leak has surfaced from China. And the leak is for what’s claimed to be the actual updated 2022 BMW 3 Series sedan.

The snaps appear to be taken in a workshop, with a white 3 Series hoisted and parts strewn on the floor. The 3 Series’ kidney grille is removed, but the front bumper wears a new design, so are the headlights.

 

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If this is all too challenging for the brain’s imagination, creative studio Sugar Design has pieced everything together to produce a realistic rendering of the freshened up 3 Series.

The revised headlight cluster gives a bolder appearance, beefed up by the widened intake of the front bumper. The overall front fascia is one that is both aggressive yet classy, exactly how we like it.

While we hope we are really looking at the real thing here, nothing is concrete until BMW drops the official photos, which we expect will happen sometime late this year or in early 2022.

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The all-new 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Sporting a sleek new look that looks more muscular than ever before, the new 2 Series Coupe is, thankfully, not plagued by the bucktooth grille of the larger 4 Series.Instead, featuring a decently sized grille that is flanked by a pair of sweptback headlights, along with angular air intakes.

Side on, those pumped out wheel arches give the entry-level coupe a seriously muscular stance that looks even better than it’s larger sibling.

Moving to the back, there is a clear continuity in design from its predecessor, especially in the taillights, albeit with different light graphics.

The M240i shown here gets a more aggressive front bumper than the standard model, along with a cerium grey grille surround and M-like mirror caps.

Size wise, the 2022 model is 109mm longer (4.3 inches), 66mm wider (2.6 inches) and 25mm lower (1 inch) than before, while wheelbase has grown by 51mm (2 inches) for better rear room.

Inside, the new 2 Series’ interior is a big step up from the outgoing model with higher quality materials and a more modern design.

Overseas models come standard with analogue gauges and an 8.8-inch infotainment system but can be optionally equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Both run on BMW’s iDrive 7 operating system instead of the newer iDrive 8 in the iX.

Nevertheless, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant are standard. The latter responds to natural language and can learn routines, such as automatically lowering the driver’s window at a carpark entrance.

In terms of safety, the 2 Series comes with Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Blind Detection and Speed Limit information.

Under the bonnet, the entry-level 220i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol pumping out 135kW (181hp/184PS) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100km/h takes 7.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 236km/h.

The mid-range 230i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol churning out 190kW (255hp/259PS) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It is married to an eight-speed automatic transmission which propels the car from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, the M240i xDrive Coupe is motivated by a 3.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder engine generating 275kW (369hp/374PS) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system with an M Sport rear differential. 0-100km/h is taken care of in just 4.3 seconds, while top speed for both models is limited to 250km/h.

In Europe a 220d which comes with a mild hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is also available. It delivers 140kW (187hp/190PS) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, enabling it to hit 100km/h in 6.9 seconds before topping out at 237km/h.

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