BMW M2 G87: High-Performance
I’ve been waiting for the BMW M2 Second generation (G87) since the old F87 waved goodbye. Two days on mountain switchbacks and a messy coffee run later, I can confirm: the new BMW M2 G87 is exactly the kind of compact sports car that makes you take the wrong exit just to keep driving. It’s the rowdy little brother with graduate-level talent—more precise, far quicker, still a little cheeky.
First impressions: the BMW M2 G87 looks mad and means it
Photos don’t quite capture it. In person, the squared-off fenders and stubby proportions give the BMW M2 G87 a bulldog stance—nose down, tail ready. It’s polarizing, sure, but it also reads “purpose-built.” I noticed right away how the hood catches light along its creases and how the front apron, while busy, frames the cooling like a track day priority list. Around back, the quad pipes aren’t subtle. Good.
Did you know?
- The G87 runs a staggered wheel setup from the factory: 19-inch fronts, 20-inch rears with 275/35 and 285/30 rubber.
- Adaptive M suspension is standard in many markets, and the active M differential is always along for the ride.
BMW M2 G87 performance: numbers are great, but the feel is better
Under the hood sits BMW’s S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six—an engine I trust like an old friend. Output is a burly 453 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. With the 6-speed manual (bless them for keeping it), figure roughly 4.1 seconds to 60 mph; the 8-speed automatic will shade that to the very high threes. On a cool evening, the M2 bites hard and stays there—no drama, just a fat midrange and a willingness to spin to redline.
- Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six (S58)
- Power/Torque: 453 hp / 406 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: ~3.9 s (auto), ~4.1 s (manual)
- EPA economy: about 19 mpg combined (your right foot may disagree)
Steering? Not old-school chatty like an E46, but it’s precise and predictable. I liked it best in the mid setting—Comfort felt a touch lazy, Sport Plus borders on heavy-handed. Brakes (six-piston front) are mighty; after a few hard stops on a curvy downhill, pedal feel stayed stout, though the initial bite can be grabby in city traffic. Ride quality on knobbly backroads surprised me—firm, yes, but compliant enough that I didn’t wince at expansion joints.
Side tip
Set the M buttons with your best “daily” and “fun” splits: Engine in Sport, Chassis in Comfort, Steering in Sport, and the M diff with a relaxed traction setting. It turns rush hour into a sneaky backroad detour mode.
Living with it: BMW M2 G87 interior, tech, and the stuff you touch
Inside, the BMW M2 G87 pairs tight packaging with grown-up tech. The curved display with iDrive 8 looks premium, and the hardware is quick. I still prefer a physical climate dial—everything’s on-screen now—so I ended up saving a couple of climate shortcuts. Wireless CarPlay played nice; the audio system is clean if a touch clinical. Seating position is low and spot-on; the optional buckets look track-ready but are kinder to your spine than they appear. The back seat? Adult-capable for short trips; ideal for kids and duffels.
Cargo space is better than you think. Two carry-ons and a camera bag fit without Tetris. It’s a genuine daily driver—even quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back about who gets aux. Not that they get it.
BMW M2 G87 vs the usual suspects
On paper and in practice, the BMW M2 G87 sits between precision tools and theater kids. Here’s how it stacks up with rivals.
| Car | Layout | Power | 0–60 mph | Base Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M2 G87 | Front-engine, RWD | 453 hp / 406 lb-ft | 3.9–4.1 s | $64k+ |
| Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Mid-engine, RWD | 394 hp / 309 lb-ft | 4.3 s (PDK quicker) | $98k+ |
| Toyota GR Supra 3.0 (Manual) | Front-engine, RWD | 382 hp / 368 lb-ft | 4.2–4.4 s | $56k+ |
The Porsche is purer, lighter on its feet, and more expensive. The Supra’s a terrific value and feels eager, but the BMW’s breadth—ride quality, back seat, long-haul comfort—makes it easier to live with. If you want everyday usability with track-day credibility, the M2 hits a sweet spot that’s frankly rare.
Protecting your BMW M2 G87: keep the cabin fresh
Small confession: after a rainy hike, my M2’s floor looked like a swamp sampler. A few owners mentioned to me they run custom mats, so I tried a set sized specifically for the BMW M2 G87 from Autowin. Fit was tight around the pedals (as it should be), and cleanup was a two-minute hose-off. If you’re going to live with a performance coupe year-round, floor protection is a no-brainer.
- Custom-fit to the BMW M2 G87 cabin
- High-sided edges help trap mud and grit
- Easy to lift and rinse; dries quickly
If you’re shopping mats for your BMW M2 G87, Autowin’s range is easy to browse and backed by a satisfaction guarantee—find them here. Not the flashiest accessory you’ll buy, but arguably the smartest.
Fun fact
The M2’s exhaust note is at its best in Sport with the valves open—lively without being obnoxious. There’s some synthesized sound inside, but it doesn’t drown out the real thing.
What stands out on the BMW M2 G87
- Engine that always feels on boost—no laggy dead zones.
- Manual gearbox option that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
- Adaptive suspension that does “firm but fair” daily ride comfort.
- Usable back seat and trunk—weekend trips are easy.
- Infotainment is powerful, if a bit menu-heavy until you set shortcuts.
Verdict: why the BMW M2 G87 is the right kind of trouble
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first whether the BMW M2 G87 would lean too hard into numbers and lose the mischief. It hasn’t. It’s quick, yes, but also approachable and playful in a way that makes you want to keep learning it. As a premium performance coupe that you can daily without apology, it’s right on the money. And if you plan to use it like it begs to be used—rain, shine, random detours—don’t forget to armor the interior. The BMW M2 G87 deserves to look as sharp inside as it drives outside.
BMW M2 G87 FAQ
Is the BMW M2 G87 available with a manual?
Yes. A 6-speed manual is standard in many markets, with an 8-speed automatic optional.
How fast is the BMW M2 G87 from 0–60 mph?
Expect around 3.9 seconds with the automatic and roughly 4.1 seconds with the manual, depending on conditions and tires.
What’s the real-world fuel economy?
Officially about 19 mpg combined. I saw low 20s on the highway and mid-teens when driving like a teenager. Your mileage may vary—quite literally.
Can you use the BMW M2 G87 as a daily driver?
Absolutely. The ride is firm but livable, the tech is modern, and the back seats work for kids or short adult hops. Trunk space is genuinely useful.
Where can I find custom floor mats for the BMW M2 G87?
Autowin offers custom-fit mats for the BMW M2 G87. Browse the options here.
