BMW M2 F87 vs BMW M2 G87

BMW M2
F87 · 2016 – 2021
The first-generation M2 (F87), BMW’s compact high-performance coupé on the F22 platform.

BMW M2
G87 · 2023 – 2026
The second-generation M2 (G87), on the CLAR platform with the S58 twin-turbo.
BMW M2
Pick the F87 for the purest, lightest modern M2 — N55 character or the S55 Competition, both manual/DCT and rear-drive only.
BMW M2
Pick the G87 for the S58-powered M2 that’s quicker, more refined and adaptive-damped versus the F87.
Performance
M2 Competition · Petrol vs M2 · Petrol
| BMW M2 | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
410 hp
|
460 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
550 Nm
|
550 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
4,2 s
|
4,1 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
|
250 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
260,3 hp/t
Winner
|
259,2 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
209 g/km
Winner
|
226 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
10,5 L/100km
|
10,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW M2 | 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 |
4,46 m
|
4,58 m
|
| Ground clearance |
12,0 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,7 m
Winner
|
12,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
0 kg
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW M2 | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | F22 (F87, rear-wheel drive) | CLAR (G87, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | N55B30 3.0 · S55 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT | 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
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (base M2)
- S55 crank hub (Competition, preventive work costly)
- Cooling system and differential seals
- Software/iDrive glitches (early examples)
- Cooling system and tyre wear under hard use
- High brake and maintenance costs (M brakes)
Pros
- Competition (S55, 2018) is more free-revving and stronger
- Sharp, communicative steering and playful rear-drive character
- Manual gearbox and DCT available
- 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 adaptive dampers (fixed sport setup)
- Base N55 carries known N55 risks (oil leaks/charge pipe)
- Bigger and heavier than the F87 (~1,700–1,790 kg)
- Cramped rear seats (2+2)
Driving experience
BMW M2
One of the most engaging modern M cars. Sharp, communicative steering, excellent balance and a playful rear-drive character. The chassis is taut and rewarding on twisty roads or track. The base M2 (N55) is responsive and characterful; the Competition (S55) is stronger, more free-revving and more aggressive. The manual gearbox is engaging; the DCT is quick and capable. Adaptive dampers are not fitted (fixed sport setup). Overall a focused, fun and involving compact sports coupé that prioritises driver involvement over pure comfort.
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