Since its debut in the midst of the final decade, the BMW M2 has carried the load of expectation—maybe unfairly—because the final true “Final Driving Machine.” Whereas its older, larger M siblings grew softer, heavier, and extra digitized, the F87 M2 distilled the old-school BMW system right into a compact, rear-driven riot of a coupe. It was uncooked, unapologetic, and most significantly, enjoyable.
Enter the G87 M2, the most recent iteration of BMW’s beloved child M automobile. Larger, sooner, and loaded with tech, it guarantees to construct on the F87’s legacy. However has BMW made it higher, or has it misplaced the magic that made the first-gen M2 an immediate traditional? Let’s dig in.
Design: Evolution or Divergence?
BMW has by no means been shy about daring design selections, however the G87 M2’s seems have been about as controversial the primary spy images. Whereas the F87 M2 was praised for its muscular but restrained styling, the G87 throws subtlety out the window with boxy proportions, squared-off air intakes, and aggressively flared fenders. It’s the aesthetic equal of swapping a fitted tuxedo for a weightlifter’s hoodie—useful, however removed from elegant.
For some, the G87’s large stance and E30 M3-like proportions are a nod to BMW’s golden period. For others, its gaping entrance finish and slab-sided bodywork really feel much less like an evolution and extra like a design-by-committee experiment. As we’ve famous previously, the G87 M2 is “nearer to an M4 in dimension and weight with a contemporary drivetrain and loads of tech.” In different phrases, the brand new M2 isn’t a lot a compact scalpel as it’s a shrunken-down hammer.
That stated, magnificence is subjective. Early critics of the F87’s “baby-1M” styling finally warmed as much as it, and the identical might occur with the G87. Our take? We just like the homage to the E30 M3 and see plenty of motorsports nods within the design language.
Efficiency: A Step Ahead
The place the G87 M2 trades a few of its predecessor’s visible finesse, it makes up for it underneath the hood. BMW has ditched the F87’s N55 and S55 engines in favor of the S58—a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six borrowed from the M3 and M4. With 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, it’s a severe improve, launching the G87 from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds (auto) or 3.8 seconds (guide).
On paper, the brand new M2 is undeniably sooner, extra highly effective, and extra refined. However does that imply it’s higher?
In our real-world experiences the G87 clearly delivers brutal straight-line velocity. Nonetheless it comes at the price of nimbleness and suggestions. The chassis is stiffer, the wheelbase longer, and the curb weight has crept as much as practically 3,900 lbs—a considerable acquire over the comparatively gentle F87 and even lighter 1M. In our time with the G87 M2, it feels extra planted and poised whereas being much less nimble and speedy.
For many who daily-drive their M2, this may very well be a win. The journey is extra composed and fewer jittery than earlier than, making it a higher freeway cruiser. However for purists who cherished the F87’s tail-happy playfulness, the added weight and grip make the G87 really feel much less keen to bop.
Handbook Transmission: The Purist’s Dilemma
For years, fanatics have begged BMW to preserve the guide alive. BMW listened—however did they get it proper?
The G87 M2 presents a six-speed guide transmission, however early critiques have been blended. Some drivers reward the notchy, mechanical really feel, however others say it lacks the crispness of previous M manuals. BimmerFile noticed that the guide’s “1st to 2nd shift felt lengthy compared,” making it much less exact than some had hoped.
Mockingly, the eight-speed automated—whereas sacrilegious to purists—has been praised for its fast, intuitive shifts and talent to extract the most effective from the S58 engine. In actual fact, efficiency numbers favor the auto, with sooner acceleration and smoother supply in comparison with the guide.
So, is the guide price it? In case you’re in it for pure driver engagement, completely. Even utilizing it as a day by day is fairly simple given the sunshine clutch and straightforward engagement.
Closing Verdict: A Worthy Successor?
The G87 M2 is quicker, extra refined, and loaded with tech—however within the course of, it’s misplaced among the scrappy, underdog attraction that made the F87 M2 really feel so particular.
- In order for you a contemporary M2 that’s snug, brutally fast, and straightforward to reside with, the G87 is for you.
- In case you want a lighter, extra playful, and extra old-school M automobile, the F87 (and even the 1M) would possibly nonetheless be the higher selection.
Both approach, one factor is for certain: the G87 M2 will proceed to gasoline debates at automobile meets and on boards for years to return.
Would we name it the final true M automobile? That is dependent upon the way you outline it. However one factor is for certain—if that is the tip of an period, no less than it’s going out sideways.
