BMW’s M division has grown considerably in recent times, because of SUVs, M-lite fashions and electrified autos. Certainly, it achieved a gross sales report in 2023 with 202,530 deliveries, propelled by the best-selling all-electric i4 M50. That stated, BMW M’s total standing continues to be formed by the extra typical and hardcore autos, notably the M2 (G87)/M3 (G80)/M4 (G82) triumvirate.
In fact, all three of them share elements, together with the S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, so prospects are likely to cross-shop. Nonetheless, doing that will not be straightforward or easy given the similarities. Therefore, on this article we’re going to consider M2/M3/M4 and verify which mannequin is finest for which sort of purchaser.
M2 for the Enjoyable Issue
The S58 within the M2 produces 473 horsepower, permitting the coupe to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. It’s out there in each guide and computerized transmissions, which ship the ability to the rear wheels. As a result of the M2 is smaller than the M4, it is usually extra agile and nimble, making for a extra entertaining driving expertise. The truth is, when it comes to dealing with and dimensions, the M2 reminds us of the 1M and it’s no shock that the previous has taken dwelling prestigious awards just like the MotorTrend 2024 Efficiency Car of the 12 months, the Auto Specific 2023 Efficiency Automobile of the 12 months and the Evo 2020 Automobile of the 12 months.
However, the M2’s enjoyable issue does come at the price of practicality, at the least in comparison with the M3 (extra on this later). However then with an MSRP of $65,500, the M2 is just not solely cheaper than the M3/M4, but it surely additionally undercuts the Porsche 718 Cayman ($72,800). And with BMW engaged on an all-wheel-drive iteration, the times of the rear-wheel-drive guide M2 are numbered, so that you may as properly settle for the G87 for what it’s. Automobiles with this sort of persona are a dying breed in spite of everything.
M3 for the Practicality
The S58 generates 473 horsepower within the base M3, 503 horsepower within the M3 Competitors and 523 horsepower within the Competitors xDrive. Consequently, the bottom mannequin goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, the Competitors rear-wheel drive in 3.8 seconds and the Competitors xDrive in 3.4 seconds. Evidently, the M3 is extraordinarily fast.
However that’s not its foremost promoting level. As an alternative, it’s practicality and utility. The G80 is by far the most effective each day driver and household automobile on this comparability because it offers higher house, rear legroom and baggage capability than the M2 or the M4 (with none consequential sacrifice in efficiency and driving pleasure). It’s also out there as an property (G81 M3 Touring), which affords further usability.
The one concern with the M3, although, is its barely extreme pricing—the bottom mannequin begins at $76,700, the Competitors rear-wheel drive at $80,900 and the Competitors xDrive at $86,000. If that weren’t sufficient, the Carbon Bundle, which incorporates carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon bucket seats, provides $14,300 to the MSRP.
M4 for the X-Issue
Some label the M4 as an ‘overpriced M2,’ and sure, in the event you merely need a fun-to-drive premium two-door coupe, the G87 could also be a greater possibility. Nonetheless, the M4 has an X-factor that the M2 lacks. For starters, the G82 has a stronger highway presence, owing to its extra aggressive design. The sharp kidney grilles will not be for everybody, however they serve their function. In addition to, because the quickest BMW across the Nurburgring race monitor, the M4 has extra efficiency heritage than the M2. And the recognition of the M4 GTS, the M4 CSL and the three.0 CSL special-edition fashions solely reinforces the marque’s halo positioning. Keep in mind, the three.0 CSL has a valuation of over $1 million within the secondary markets (its manufacturing was restricted to 50 models solely).
Once more, not everybody goes to really feel that the M4’s premium over the M2 or the M3 is justified. However the M4 is a press release automobile—akin to the $150,000 M8 Convertible, the $175,000 i7 M70 or the $185,000 XM Label —and people who want to stand out shouldn’t thoughts paying the premium(!).
