2023 G87 BMW M2 fixed by Rivian designer

The F87 BMW M2 still looks good today, its brutal fender flares, gaping air intakes and broad stance lend it immense road presence.

But with the new BMW M2 – due to land in 2023 from $119,900 before on-road costs – punters aren’t so convinced.

After seeing it in the flesh, publishing director Mike Stevens informed us the new M2 isn’t as bad as it is in photos… but it could be better.

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And that’s exactly what Rivian Automotive designer David Schneider did.

Schneider shared these concept sketches on his Instagram. To emphasise the width of BMW’s baby M car, he’s pulled the grilles out making them wider and narrower. The headlights have been given a similar treatment.

The front bumper’s lower air dams have also been addressed, with Schneider retaining the squared off outer profile of the new car's bumper, but blending it more naturally into the central intake with flowing turns rather than right angles.

Long time BMW fans will have noticed the G87 M2’s character line is much less pronounced than the previous F87, giving it less muscular definition in profile. The same is true of the G82 M4.

To restore the surface tension of the previous M2, Schneider has implemented BMW’s signature character line that arcs effortlessly from the head to the tail lights, and really emphasises the flared guards.

Schneider hasn’t tackled the rear end of the M2 – arguably its most awkward angle – but the concept sketch proves that there’s room to grow for the current M2.

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Look at the M2's character line against the new one

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Bristling with intent and completely sideways, we'll never forget the F87 M2

On his Schenider.sketch Instagram profile, David doesn’t keep it solely Rivian despite having worked at the EV startup for nine years. Instead, he plays around with a whole host of current vehicles, including the Subaru BRZ, BMW 3 Series Touring and more.

What do you think? Is the new M2 growing on you, or do you prefer Schneider’s sketches? Let us know in the comments.