BMW 2 Series G42 vs BMW M2 G87

BMW 2 Series
G42 · 2021 – 2026
The second-generation 2 Series Coupé (G42), on the CLAR 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 |
300 Nm
|
550 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,5 s
|
4,1 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
236 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
119,5 hp/t
|
259,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
150 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 |
2,74 m
|
2,75 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,54 m
|
4,58 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,0 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,1 m
Winner
|
12,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
Winner
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel drive) | CLAR (G87, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol · B47 2.0 diesel (mild-hybrid) | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Steering-related campaigns (early cars, VIN-specific)
- Software/iDrive glitches (early examples)
- Cooling system and tyre wear under hard use
- High brake and maintenance costs (M brakes)
Pros
- Bigger, wider and more mature than the F22
- B48/B58 are a clear reliability step over N20/N55
- M240i (B58) remains the enthusiast favourite and holds value
- 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
- No convertible in this generation
- No manual gearbox available
- Bigger and heavier than the F87 (~1,700–1,790 kg)
- Cramped rear seats (2+2)
Driving experience
BMW 2 Series
Bigger, heavier and more grown-up than the F22, but still rear-wheel drive. The G42 rides with better isolation, steers accurately with decent weighting, and remains balanced and adjustable through corners, if a touch less playful than before. Rear-drive is standard; xDrive on the M240i adds grip and pace. The B48 four is smooth and efficient, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and fast, and the 220d is the economical distance pick. The 8-speed automatic is excellent; there is no manual in this generation. It is a more mature, more comfortable car than the F22, with the same rear-drive character and less of the edge.
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