2024 BMW M2's Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Scores a Place on Wards Auto's 2023 Top 10 Engines List

The all-new 2024 BMW M2 has garnered a significant honor in the automotive industry, with its inline 6-cylinder engine making it to Wards Auto's 2023 Top 10 Engines list. This high-profile recognition emphasizes the advanced engineering and elite performance that the M2 brings to BMW's lineup of sports coupes.

2024 BMW M2: Powerhouse Engine with Advanced Technology

The latest M2 model, which is the most powerful and most advanced of its kind, boasts an inline 6-cylinder engine. Unique in its segment, the engine is mated with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, powering the rear wheels in traditional fashion. With 453 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, the M2's S58 engine outperforms its predecessor by 48 horsepower. Additionally, the engine produces a peak torque of 406 lb-ft between 2,650 and 5,870 rpm.

Notably, the M2 can sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.1 seconds with the eight-speed automatic transmission, and 4.3 seconds with the manual. It can reach from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 13.5 seconds (automatic) or 14.3 seconds (manual). These figures are indicative of the high-revving character that drivers expect from an M car.

The Prestige of Wards Auto's Top 10 Engines List

Wards Auto's Top 10 Engines list is a highly esteemed accolade in the automotive industry. This year, the Wards team evaluated 32 vehicles, including 13 internal combustion engines, 10 battery-electric vehicles, and nine hybrids. Their assessment includes a range of criteria such as horsepower, torque, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) management, observed fuel efficiency, and the incorporation of new technology. For an engine to be considered for the list, it must be either new or significantly enhanced, and it is rigorously tested in everyday driving scenarios.

Historical Context of Wards Auto's Engine List

The Wards 10 Best Engines list has been an annual affair for the past 29 years. Initially centred around internal combustion engines, the list has expanded over time to include a wide range of propulsion systems, including hybrids and electric vehicles. This shift reflects the broadening scope of automotive engineering and technological advancements. In 2021, Wards Auto also lifted a price cap on nominees, which had been in effect since 1995. Value, however, still remains an integral part of their evaluation criteria.

In summary, the 2024 BMW M2's inline 6-cylinder engine's inclusion on Wards Auto's 2023 Top 10 Engines list is a testament to BMW's dedication to performance, innovation, and advanced engineering. This distinction places the M2 in an elite category and further solidifies its reputation as a high-performance sports coupe.