BMW M2 G87 (2023–2025) Review: The Little Monster That Loves a Back Road
I’ve spent enough time with the BMW M2 G87 to see both sides of its personality. On a drizzly Tuesday commute it’s a civilized, premium coupe. On a deserted canyon road, it turns mischievous—like it’s daring you to keep your foot in. The latest BMW M2 G87 doesn’t just wear the M badge; it acts like it. Faster than the old one, broader in the shoulders, a bit heavier than purists wish—sure—but deeply, hilariously effective where it matters: in the way it makes you grin.
What’s New: BMW M2 G87 (2023–2025)
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six (S58)
- Power: 453 hp (2023–2024); 473 hp for 2025 update
- Torque: 406 lb-ft (manual); up to 443 lb-ft (automatic, 2025)
- 0–60 mph: roughly 3.9–4.2 seconds depending on gearbox and conditions
- Wheels/Tires: 19-inch front, 20-inch rear, typically on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Tech: Curved display with iDrive 8/8.5, expanded driver assists
- Styling: Boxier, more muscular stance; quad pipes remain non-negotiable
On the road, the BMW M2 G87 feels wider than the spec sheet, because it is—its footprint and track mirror the big brothers. Yet it’s still a two-door that fits in tight city spaces and feels right at home on twisty tarmac.
BMW M2 G87 Performance: The Heart of the Matter
The S58 engine is the M Division’s hit single, and here it’s tuned to that sweet spot where you get immediate shove without the laggy theatrics. Peak torque arrives early; the thrust from 2,500 rpm to redline is laugh-out-loud strong. The 8-speed auto is the point-and-shoot choice—brutally effective on a track day—while the 6-speed manual adds the kind of old-school involvement you remember long after you’ve parked. I’ve driven both; I prefer the manual on mountain roads, the auto when the stopwatch comes out.
On Real Roads
With the adaptive M suspension in its calmer modes, the M2 is firm but livable. I tried it on some beat-up suburban streets; you’ll feel the sharp edges, but it never thwacks your spine. Steering is clean and accurate, though in Sport it can feel a touch artificially heavy—Comfort actually gave me the best front-end conversation. Brakes? Big, dependable bite from the six-piston fronts. The initial pedal sometimes feels a hair soft in city driving, but lean on it and the confidence is there.
Track Taste Test
Give the M2 a fast third-gear sweeper and it keys in, neutral and planted. The active M differential pulls you out of tighter bends with a little tail wag if you’re greedy with throttle—safe, progressive, addicting. With DSC in its more permissive M Dynamic mode, you can scrawl your own signature without getting written up by the nannies.
Did you know?
- The BMW M2 G87 shares core hardware with the M3/M4 family—engine, brakes, electronics—just packaged shorter and feistier.
- Weight hovers around 3,800–3,900 lb depending on spec. Yes, it’s stout; no, it doesn’t feel clumsy.
- EPA fuel economy lands around 18–19 mpg combined (manual vs. automatic). It’s a gym membership, not a juice cleanse.
BMW M2 G87 Interior, Tech, and Accessories
Inside, the BMW M2 G87 blends serious intent with a touch of lounge flair. The driving position drops low and centered—wheel right where you want it, pedals aligned, visibility good. Rear seats are fine for kids or short hops with adults. Cargo space at 13.8 cu ft means you can absolutely do a weekend away (helmet bag and a soft duffel fit with room for coffee beans).
The curved display running iDrive 8/8.5 looks premium and is quick enough, though I wish BMW left basic climate controls as physical buttons. You do get superb wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, clean navigation graphics, and a digital gauge cluster that’s busy at first but easy to live with. One note: lane-keep assist can be overprotective on narrow country lanes—quick tap to disable and it stops nagging.
Protecting the Cabin (and Your Sanity)
I learned this the messy way after a rainy track session: soggy shoes will tattoo a car’s carpets. If you’re living with the M2, proper mats are a must. AutoWin stocks form-fitted options that actually look the part.
- Premium protection: snug fit, easy to clean after winter slush or beach runs
- Style to match the M vibe: stitching and materials that don’t cheapen the cabin
For more, browse BMW floor mats and accessories at AutoWin, including options tailored specifically for the BMW M2 G87.
BMW M2 G87 vs Rivals: How It Stacks Up
| Car | Power | Torque | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Layout | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M2 G87 (2025) | 473 hp | 406–443 lb-ft | 3.9–4.1 s | RWD, 6MT or 8AT | Brutal pace, everyday usable |
| Toyota GR Supra 3.0 | 382 hp | 368 lb-ft | 3.9–4.2 s | RWD, 6MT or 8AT | Lighter, playful, less polished cabin |
| Audi RS3 | 401 hp | 369 lb-ft | 3.6–3.8 s | AWD, 7DCT | Monster launch, five-cylinder charm |
| Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | 394 hp | 309 lb-ft | 3.9–4.1 s | RWD, 6MT or PDK | Purist handling, less rear-seat practicality |
Quirks, Costs, and Everyday Reality
- Quirks: Climate controls buried in the touchscreen; lane-keep a bit bossy.
- Ride: Firm but acceptable in Comfort. Sport+ is best saved for smooth roads or circuits.
- Fuel economy: Expect around 18–19 mpg combined; highway in the low-20s if you behave (you won’t).
- Insurance/tires: Performance rubber isn’t cheap; budget for a set every 15–20k miles if you drive spiritedly.
Verdict: The BMW M2 G87 Is the Right Kind of Trouble
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. The looks are punchy, the curb weight is no feather, and the tech can be fussy. Two drives later, I got it. The BMW M2 G87 is a proper modern M car—fast enough to humble bigger stuff, compact enough to feel intimate, and refined enough to take on a Miami night out or an Alpine ski weekend. If you want a premium coupe that still talks to you, this is it. And if you want to keep that cabin tidy after the fun, AutoWin’s BMW floor mats are a smart, good-looking add-on.
BMW M2 G87 FAQs
How much power does the BMW M2 G87 make?
The 2023–2024 car makes 453 hp; the 2025 update bumps it to 473 hp. Torque is 406 lb-ft with the manual and up to 443 lb-ft with the automatic (2025).
Is the BMW M2 G87 available with a manual?
Yes. A 6-speed manual is available alongside an 8-speed automatic. The auto is quicker; the manual is more involving.
What’s the real 0–60 time?
BMW quotes around 3.9–4.1 seconds depending on spec. Independent tests have seen similar or slightly quicker figures with the automatic.
Can you daily-drive the M2?
Absolutely. It’s firm but livable, with usable rear seats and a decent trunk (13.8 cu ft). It’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back—ask me how I know.
Which accessories are worth adding first?
Floor protection. Check out AutoWin for fitted BMW floor mats tailored for the BMW M2 G87; they keep the cabin looking fresh, even after track days or muddy hikes.
