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BMW 2 Series G42 vs BMW M2 G87

BMW 2 Series

BMW 2 Series

G42 · 2021 – 2026

The second-generation 2 Series Coupé (G42), on the CLAR platform.

VS
BMW M2

BMW M2

G87 · 2023 – 2026

The second-generation M2 (G87), on the CLAR platform with the S58 twin-turbo.

First car
Second car
Pick this one if…

BMW 2 Series

Pick the 2 Series Coupé for a usable, daily rear-wheel-drive coupé with a strong engine range.

Best engine: The 220i (184 hp) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

BMW M2

Pick the G87 for the S58-powered M2 that’s quicker, more refined and adaptive-damped versus the F87.

Best engine: The M2 (S58, 460 hp) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide

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

BMW 2 Series
  • Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
  • Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
  • Steering-related campaigns (early cars, VIN-specific)
BMW M2
  • Software/iDrive glitches (early examples)
  • Cooling system and tyre wear under hard use
  • High brake and maintenance costs (M brakes)

Pros

BMW 2 Series
  • 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
BMW M2
  • 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

BMW 2 Series
  • No convertible in this generation
  • No manual gearbox available
BMW M2
  • 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

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers