It’s got bigger, faster and pricier siblings, but the BMW M2 has car enthusiasts on a hook. The question is: has BMW finally created the perfect M car?
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So, for this latest episode of Road Test, Duncan Vincent has got his hands on a G87-generation M2, finished in Voodoo Blue. It’s the entry point to BMW’s M range, but don’t let that fool you; this compact coupé is packed with serious performance and everyday practicality.
Looks-wise, it’s muscular, boxy and unapologetically aggressive, with big square intakes inspired by the racetrack, a squat stance, and bulbous rear arches that sit above a diffuser housing quad exhausts. Our test car also gets the optional carbon fibre roof, which lowers the weight at the highest point of the car and helps the chassis feel sharper on the corners.
Inside, it’s classic modern BMW, with a low-set driving position, supportive Vernasca leather seats, an Alcantara steering wheel and carbon trim across the dash and centre console. And it’s more practical than you think: there are four seats and a usable boot, so this is a car you can live with every day, not just save for weekends.
But for all its compact looks, it’s what’s under the bonnet that really counts. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six S58 engine, shared with the M3 and M4, produces 480hp and fires the M2 from 0-62mph in just four seconds. It’s just at home on the track as it is on the weekly run to the shops. And with two customisable M buttons to tweak the engine, suspension, steering and brakes, you can go from relaxed cruiser to full-blown track car at the touch of a button.
Prices for the M2 start from around £74,000 for our well-specced test car, which is a lot of money. So, does the driving experience justify it? Let’s find out.
Highlights
🚀 480hp and 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds
🏁 Aggressive, motorsport-inspired design
🎯 Sharp handling and superb grip
⚙️ Customisable M driving modes
🛋️ Comfortable enough for daily use
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:46 – Exterior styling and design
02:42 – Price and specification
03:11 – Interior and driving position
04:28 – Engine and performance
05:49 – Handling and driving dynamics
06:59 – Everyday usability and braking
07:57 – Criticisms and drawbacks
08:33 – Final verdict
Yes, IMHO this is the best M car they've ever made. Manual transmission for me but auto is apparently better for track performance.
It would be perfect if it was 500 lbs lighter and didn’t look so ugly. Heck the m240i looks better than this.
Just got mine a couple of months ago. Absolutely love it.
I didn’t like the manual and the unfinished looking front grill which is a bug magnet, also small gas tank with bad mpg. Traded for M340i. I wanted a more user friendly daily driver and don’t track.
G87 is the best modern M car
I hope they will still have this Model and color by mid 2027.
Great review 🙏. Got my LCI version last year and it’s been a great daily but it really comes to life with those M buttons. For me it is the perfect M car because of its size – very close to E46 dimensions with a ** load more horses. Wot’s not to like ?!
more than half the challenge is reconfiguring your buttons after BMW runs and update and flashes you back to default again… They do this to anyone who doesn't load their personal data into their BMW app to keep track of what you're doing to sell it off to a 3rd party. I said goodbye to my M2 in less than a year.
Taking my M2 to a track day, overtaking the majority of track only cars that were trailered there and then driving it back home again.
Modern M. Cars are absolute monsters
If you know nothing about cars and still want the experience, BMW has you like the big bro taking little man to a car meet.
The little bro has to grow up eventually, but not right now.
Of course, it only means that the car is that good. Nobody can argue with that..
Currently driving a 2022 TTS which is a great car and when I change next year Im seriously considering an M2 hopefully the lci version or a 2024 earlier version. Love the "beefy" look.
Should have done a review on the Xdrive instead. Think everyone knows by now what the M2 is. 🙃
I'm not one to take form over function but I get Dodge Caliber vibes from that front end.
I never owned a BMW before. Test drove an M2 and ordered my own as soon as I got back to the dealership… with a manual gearbox.
Had to wait roughly 3 months for it to be produced in Mexico but was the best automotive decision I ever made.
Great review really enjoy new content especially as i'm finally collecting my M2 in 3 days time..AW manual 🙏
Love it ever single day . And this is my 3rd G87 in manual T since launch in 2023 . I had the G80 M3 MT as well and a G82 Competition Xdrive .
Nothing like the G87 a glorious car to drive everyday and on track as well .
Just equipped in full carbon package seats/ roof/ trim and enjoy it 😊
Had 2 pre LCI ones 2023-2024 and now LCi 2026 .
500 ho rear wheel drive M modern car what a blast to drive .
No need for Xdrive . The car so well balanced that with the right winter tires you can drive in any conditions and it’s tons of fun . Snow / ice anywhere.
The g82 M4 Xdrive used to pull for understeer a lot during winter slippery roads. Never with the rear wheel drive M2 .
Keep the good work M division.
Save the manuals .
Bit late to the party mate, should've been the new Xdrive version
👍