Since its debut in the middle of the last decade, the BMW M2 has carried the weight of expectation—perhaps unfairly—as the last true “Ultimate Driving Machine.” While its older, bigger M siblings grew softer, heavier, and more digitized, the F87 M2 distilled the old-school BMW formula into a compact, rear-driven riot of a coupe. It was raw, unapologetic, and most importantly, fun.
Enter the G87 M2, the latest iteration of BMW’s beloved baby M car. Bigger, faster, and loaded with tech, it promises to build on the F87’s legacy. But has BMW made it better, or has it lost the magic that made the first-gen M2 an instant classic? Let’s dig in.
Design: Evolution or Divergence?
BMW has never been shy about bold design choices, but the G87 M2’s looks have been about as controversial the first spy photos. While the F87 M2 was praised for its muscular yet restrained styling, the G87 throws subtlety out the window with boxy proportions, squared-off air intakes, and aggressively flared fenders. It’s the aesthetic equivalent of swapping a fitted tuxedo for a weightlifter’s hoodie—functional, but far from elegant.
For some, the G87’s wide stance and E30 M3-like proportions are a nod to BMW’s golden era. For others, its gaping front end and slab-sided bodywork feel less like an evolution and more like a design-by-committee experiment. As we’ve noted in the past, the G87 M2 is “closer to an M4 in size and weight with a modern drivetrain and plenty of tech.” In other words, the new M2 isn’t so much a compact scalpel as it is a shrunken-down hammer.
That said, beauty is subjective. Early critics of the F87’s “baby-1M” styling eventually warmed up to it, and the same could happen with the G87. Our take? We like the homage to the E30 M3 and see lots of motorsports nods in the design language.
Performance: A Step Forward
Where the G87 M2 trades some of its predecessor’s visual finesse, it makes up for it under 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 serious upgrade, launching the G87 from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds (auto) or 3.8 seconds (manual).
On paper, the new M2 is undeniably faster, more powerful, and more refined. But does that mean it’s better?
In our real-world experiences the G87 clearly delivers brutal straight-line speed. However it comes at the cost of nimbleness and feedback. The chassis is stiffer, the wheelbase longer, and the curb weight has crept up to nearly 3,900 lbs—a substantial gain over the relatively light F87 and even lighter 1M. In our time with the G87 M2, it feels more planted and poised while being less nimble and immediate.
For those who daily-drive their M2, this could be a win. The ride is more composed and less jittery than before, making it a better highway cruiser. But for purists who loved the F87’s tail-happy playfulness, the added weight and grip make the G87 feel less eager to dance.
Manual Transmission: The Purist’s Dilemma
For years, enthusiasts have begged BMW to keep the manual alive. BMW listened—but did they get it right?
The G87 M2 offers a six-speed manual transmission, but early reviews have been mixed. Some drivers praise the notchy, mechanical feel, but others say it lacks the crispness of past M manuals. BimmerFile observed that the manual’s “1st to 2nd shift felt long in comparison,” making it less precise than some had hoped.
Ironically, the eight-speed automatic—while sacrilegious to purists—has been praised for its quick, intuitive shifts and ability to extract the best from the S58 engine. In fact, performance numbers favor the auto, with faster acceleration and smoother delivery compared to the manual.
So, is the manual worth it? If you’re in it for pure driver engagement, absolutely. Even using it as a daily is pretty easy given the light clutch and easy engagement.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Successor?
The G87 M2 is faster, more refined, and loaded with tech—but in the process, it’s lost some of the scrappy, underdog charm that made the F87 M2 feel so special.
- If you want a modern M2 that’s comfortable, brutally quick, and easy to live with, the G87 is for you.
- If you prefer a lighter, more playful, and more old-school M car, the F87 (or even the 1M) might still be the better choice.
Either way, one thing is certain: the G87 M2 will continue to fuel debates at car meets and on forums for years to come.
Would we call it the last true M car? That depends on how you define it. But one thing is for sure—if this is the end of an era, at least it’s going out sideways.