BMW 2 Series F22 vs BMW M2 G87

BMW 2 Series
F22 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Coupé (F22), on the rear-wheel-drive F20 platform.

BMW M2
G87 · 2023 – 2026
The second-generation M2 (G87), on the CLAR platform with the S58 twin-turbo.
BMW 2 Series
Pick the 2 Series Coupé for a usable, daily rear-wheel-drive coupé with a strong engine range.
BMW M2
Pick the G87 for the S58-powered M2 that’s quicker, more refined and adaptive-damped versus the F87.
Performance
220i · Petrol vs M2 · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
460 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
|
550 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
|
4,1 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
232 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
126,9 hp/t
|
259,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
Winner
|
226 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
Winner
|
10,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
390 L
|
390 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,69 m
|
2,75 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,43 m
|
4,58 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,0 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,9 m
Winner
|
12,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
Winner
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | F20 (rear-wheel drive) | CLAR (G87, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · N55/B58 3.0 petrol · N47/B47 2.0 diesel | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- N20 timing chain and oil leaks (pre-2016)
- N55 wastegate and oil consumption (M235i, high mileage)
- iDrive glitches and battery drain (early cars)
- Software/iDrive glitches (early examples)
- Cooling system and tyre wear under hard use
- High brake and maintenance costs (M brakes)
Pros
- LCI (2017) brought better B48/B58 engines and infotainment
- M240i (B58) is the enthusiast favourite and holds value
- Post-facelift (2017+) cars are more reliable
- S58 twin-turbo is strong and free-revving with excellent mid-range
- Shorter wheelbase makes it more agile than the M3/M4
- Adaptive M suspension offers a range between sporty and comfortable
Cons
- Cabriolet (F23) roof mechanism can be costly
- N20 (pre-2016) chain wear — buy only with proof
- Bigger and heavier than the F87 (~1,700–1,790 kg)
- Cramped rear seats (2+2)
Driving experience
BMW 2 Series
Genuinely engaging, with a rear-drive balance that is rare at this size. The F22 steers quickly and talks clearly through the wheel, turns in keenly, and its tail is happy to help rotate the car under power. Rear-drive is the pure choice; xDrive adds traction but blunts some of the playfulness. The B48 four is smooth and willing, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and characterful, and the 220d is the sensible distance choice. The 8-speed automatic is quick; the manual is genuinely rewarding. It is the last true compact rear-drive BMW coupe, and it feels like it.
BMW M2
Engaging, balanced and fun. Sharp, well-weighted steering, excellent chassis balance and a playful rear-drive character. The shorter wheelbase makes it feel more agile and responsive than the larger M3/M4. Adaptive M suspension offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual is involving; the ZF 8-speed is quick and smooth. Overall a focused, involving compact sports coupé that prioritises driver engagement while offering better refinement than the F87.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 2 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment