It’s a brisk morning just outside Munich. The roads are damp, the clouds are low, and the Alpine air has a bite. But then you hear it — a distinct, assertive growl from behind a row of Bavarian townhomes. It’s not overbearing, but it’s confident. A few moments later, a Brooklyn Grey BMW M2 G87 pulls out onto the road, blending urban practicality with unmistakable performance presence.
This is the modern BMW M2: a compact powerhouse with real-world usability and track-ready dynamics. For 2025, the M2 G87 cements itself as a rare breed — a car that’s equally at home in traffic as it is carving mountain passes.
The Return of the Compact M Car
The G87 M2 continues the legacy of BMW’s smallest M-car, launched originally in 2016. But this is no simple update. With the G87 chassis, BMW has engineered a platform that balances the raw edge of a performance car with the refinement needed for daily driving.
It borrows much of its hardware from the M3 and M4 — including the drivetrain, suspension architecture, and digital interfaces — but compresses it into a more agile, compact footprint. That gives the G87 its distinct identity: M-grade capability in a smaller, more accessible package.
Performance Specs: Power You Can Actually Use
Under the hood sits BMW’s S58 engine — a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 producing:
- 473 horsepower
- 406 lb-ft of torque
- 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds (manual) or 3.9 seconds (automatic)
You get two transmission options:
- A 6-speed manual, standard
- An 8-speed automatic, with lightning-quick shifts and paddle controls
Rear-wheel drive remains the only drivetrain configuration, staying true to M2 tradition. There’s no xDrive here — just balance, precision, and purity.
Unlike larger M cars that can overwhelm the road with size or power, the M2 delivers usable performance. It’s fast, but not so fast that you can’t enjoy it on normal roads.
Suspension and Handling: Built to Dance
The M2 G87 rides on a version of the M4’s suspension system, with adaptive M dampers, forged aluminum control arms, and near 50:50 weight distribution. The track width is also wider than the previous generation, giving it a more planted stance and improved lateral grip.
BMW has tuned the chassis for:
- Responsive steering
- Minimal body roll
- Real feedback, even at moderate speeds
Whether on a twisty backroad or a quick Sunday morning run to the grocery store, the car feels connected and agile. It’s a chassis that encourages exploration without punishing you for commuting.
Interior: Familiar, Tech-Forward, and Driver-Focused
BMW has evolved the interior of the M2 to match its modern performance tone. Inside you’ll find:
- Curved dual-screen setup (12.3-inch instrument + 14.9-inch infotainment)
- iDrive 8.5 with voice control and customizable widgets
- M Sport seats with high bolsters and extended thigh support
- Optional carbon fiber bucket seats for track enthusiasts
Materials are a mix of leather, aluminum, and soft-touch plastics — with signature M contrast stitching and badges throughout.
Practicality is also a strong point:
- Rear seats (usable for adults on short drives)
- 13.8 cu ft trunk
- Daily comfort features like heated seats, adaptive cruise, and driver assistance tech
Design Philosophy: Aggressive But Accessible
The G87’s styling caused some controversy at launch, but in person it works. The boxy, squared-off fenders, wide stance, and angular bumper design give the car a bold, muscular appearance that fits its mission.
Design highlights:
- Flared wheel arches for that widebody look
- Quad exhaust tips
- Functional air inlets and cooling ducts
- Optional carbon fiber roof
The M2 is smaller than an M4 but feels just as impactful in person. It’s clearly a performance car — but not so exotic that it looks out of place in a parking lot.
Daily Driver Qualities: How Livable Is It?
While the M2 is capable of high-speed fun, it also behaves well in everyday situations. BMW has added just enough refinement to make it a viable daily driver without sacrificing its M heritage.
Key daily features:
- Comfort driving mode for relaxed throttle and suspension settings
- Excellent visibility and small footprint for urban driving
- Surprisingly good fuel economy for a performance car (17–23 MPG combined)
- Standard driver aids like blind spot monitoring and parking sensors
The manual transmission makes stop-and-go traffic a bit more involved, but the gearing is smooth and forgiving. If convenience is a priority, the 8-speed auto is refined and responsive.
Weekend Warrior: Track Days, Canyon Runs, and Road Trips
Where the G87 really shines is on weekends. Whether you’re headed to a track day, a winding mountain road, or a long-distance trip with spirited detours, it delivers a connected and exhilarating experience.
On track, the M2’s wide track, sharp turn-in, and high-revving S58 engine give it tremendous composure. Unlike bigger M cars, it doesn’t feel heavy or intimidating.
On backroads, the M2 invites confidence. It transitions quickly, communicates through the steering wheel, and has enough torque to overtake easily in any gear.
And on long trips, features like wireless CarPlay, Harman Kardon audio, and adaptive cruise keep it modern and comfortable.
How It Compares: M3 vs M2 vs M240i
| Feature | M2 G87 | M3 Competition | M240i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 473 hp (RWD) | 503 hp (AWD opt.) | 382 hp (AWD std.) |
| Transmission | Manual or Auto | Auto only (Comp) | Auto only |
| Curb Weight | ~3,800 lbs | ~3,900–4,100 lbs | ~3,700 lbs |
| Price (base) | ~$64,000 | ~$76,000 | ~$51,000 |
| Drive Feel | Raw and balanced | Powerful, refined | Sporty, but softer |
If you’re after balance, size, and the engagement of a manual transmission, the M2 G87 stands alone.
Verdict: The M2 G87 Is a Rare Balance
The 2025 BMW M2 G87 represents a dying breed: a rear-wheel-drive, manual transmission, inline-6 sports coupe that works just as well for your morning coffee run as it does for a weekend canyon blast.
It doesn’t try to be the fastest or the flashiest. Instead, it offers a refined yet connected driving experience that rewards skill and encourages use — every day.
For drivers who want one car that can do it all without losing its personality, the M2 G87 hits a very specific and rare sweet spot.
Specifications at a Glance (2025 BMW M2 G87)
- Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 (S58)
- Horsepower: 473 hp
- Torque: 406 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: 3.9–4.1 seconds
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
- Fuel Economy: ~17 city / 23 highway MPG
- MSRP: Starting at ~$64,000
Final Word
In a world leaning toward electrification and automated commuting, the M2 G87 is a reminder that driving can still be visceral, mechanical, and joyful — without needing to be impractical.
Whether you’re in traffic Monday morning or at the track on Sunday afternoon, the BMW M2 G87 has you covered.
