BMW M2

Overview

First Generation: The BMW M2 (F87)

Introduced in 2015, the first-generation BMW M2, codenamed F87, was instantly hailed as the spiritual successor to the iconic 1M Coupe and even drew comparisons to the much-revered BMW E46 M3 in terms of its size, philosophy, and driving dynamics. It was praised for recapturing the essence of what made BMW's M cars so special: a perfect blend of size, performance, and driver engagement.

Sporting a muscular and compact design, the first-gen M2 featured aggressive styling cues, with flared wheel arches and a wide stance that hinted at its racetrack capabilities. Under the hood, it boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine (N55) that delivered 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque, coupled with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring a visceral driving experience.

The M2 was celebrated for its exhilarating performance, characterized by its sharp handling, responsive steering, and balanced chassis. The car's rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with its potent powertrain, provided a pure, engaging, and thrilling driving experience, reminiscent of BMW's earlier M models.

Second Generation: The BMW M2 (G87)

The second-generation BMW M2, codenamed G87, launched in 2022, builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor, enhancing its performance, technology, and design. It refines the concept of the compact, high-performance sports car with advanced engineering and state-of-the-art technology.

The latest M2 showcases a more aggressive and aerodynamically optimized design, with even wider fenders and larger air intakes. It houses an upgraded 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine (S58), now producing around 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This engine is linked to a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, pushing the boundaries of the compact sports car segment even further.

The G87 M2 incorporates BMW's latest advancements in chassis engineering, weight reduction, and technology. It features adaptive M suspension, an improved M xDrive system (available in certain versions), and a cutting-edge interior with the latest iDrive system, offering a blend of performance-oriented features and everyday usability. The car's dynamics are fine-tuned to deliver a more connected and immersive driving experience, maintaining the M division's ethos of creating driver-focused vehicles.

The transition from the first to the second generation of the BMW M2 reflects BMW's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. While the first generation was a nod to the past, embodying the spirit of classic BMW M cars, the second generation embraces the future, enhancing every aspect of the vehicle to meet the demands of modern drivers without sacrificing the engaging driving experience that defines the M2.