There's a wonderful episode of The Grand Tour where the boys spend a week driving luxury SUVs through central Europe in Spring. Jeremy goes on endlessly about how his Range Rover (the big one) is the most sensible choice of the three. The other two SUVs are a Bentley Bentayga W12 and a Jaguar F-Pace. That's the BMW M2 in a nutshell. You could buy a 911 GT3 Touring or a Ford Mustang Dark Horse, but the BMW M2 is the right decision.
It's the model successor to what many hail as BMW's best modern M car, now evolved into a more refined yet ferociously fun (and fat phat) coupe. As the second-generation model, it builds on the F87's legacy with sharper looks, more power, and everyday usability that doesn't sacrifice its track-honed soul. I spent the past week piloting this Brooklyn Grey beauty around Sydney, complete with those classy 50 Years of M badges and a drop-dead gorgeous Cognac interior that is p-u-r-e luxury. If you're in the market for a proper sports car, the M2 demands your attention.
Design & Exterior
First impressions? This M2 turns heads like few others. The G87's road presence is aggressive without screaming - wide haunches, a gaping grille, and those flared arches scream performance from 50 metres away. I wasn't sold on the initial renders, but seeing it in the flesh, especially in that exclusive Brooklyn Grey M-only paint, changed everything. It's brooding, muscular, and perfectly proportioned at 4580mm long, 1887mm wide (2068mm with mirrors), and just 1403mm tall, sitting on a 2747mm wheelbase that promises planted handling.
The M2 sits on 19-inch front (275/35 R19) and 20-inch rear (285/30 R20) Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres, wrapped around the double-spoke M Jet Black light alloys - and it looks the business. The spec sheet for my tester confirms the M Compound brakes with high gloss painted callipers peeking through, plus adaptive M suspension that's firm but compliant for Aussie roads. Overall, the M2 is not subtle suburbia fodder, but for open-road escapes, this design delivers presence that lasts.
A side-by-side comparison with the previous M2 shows exactly where this new model has been worked over. From the M Carbon roof (saving 22kg over a steel roof and glass sunroof) to the distinctly wider track, this new M2 is sadly no longer as dainty nor pin-sharp as BMW M cars once were.
The other very clear design cue is the lack of vents and air channels that BMW M could have put on this car. The bonnet could look like a relief map of the Snowy Mountains, but it's simple. Behind the doors, there could have been venturi tunnels to manage airflow, but there's just a lovely curvature running from the Hofmeister Kink through the muscular, wider wheel arch to the door sill. However, at the front, there are openings you could park a bus in, but these intakes are essential to keep the wonderful six-cylinder engine and those massive M Compound brakes cool.
When I first saw this M2 in the flesh, I did not like it. I did not like its proportions. I did not like the styling. It had been over-styled where no styling was necessary, and lacking where it was. However, in this colour and spec, I think it's one of the most perfect and visually striking cars I've ever seen or driven.
Interior & Technology
Slide inside, and the M2 surprises with a cosy cockpit that's luxurious without feeling cramped - ideal for a 2+2 setup seating four at a pinch. The leather ‘Vernasca’ Cognac with 'décor stitching' sports seats hug like a wetsuit, offering memory power adjustment, heating, and multi-way lumbar for the driver. Thigh support is manual on the passenger side, but everything feels 'M premium' and supportive on long hauls. The colour and tone is captivating - and hard to photograph. It's the colour of leather you would find on a high-end overnight travel bag or in the Rodd & Gunn shop in Queenstown, NZ (the most beautiful retail location on earth).
Tech-wise, as my daughter would say, 'it's cooked': a 14.9-inch curved touchscreen pairs with a 12.3-inch digital cluster, both razor-sharp and intuitive. Head-up display projects key info onto the windscreen, while the iDrive 8.5 system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dual-zone climate keeps things cool, and there's a wireless phone charger and plenty of USB ports. Boot space is generous at 390L, easily swallowing weekend bags or golf clubs, making it surprisingly practical for a GT coupe.
The thick M steering wheel feels spot-on, and the ambient lighting ties it all together. Behind the wheel, things can get a bit busy. You've got the usual indicator and wiper stalks, but you've also got to contend with the carbon-fibre gear-shift paddles. They aren't in the way, so much as unnecessarily tall. Regardless, the M2's interior is a very nice place to be. Cosy? Yes. Cramped? Not even close.
Performance & Driving Experience
Here's where the G87 shines: addictive real-world driving. Under the bonnet sits the S58 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six, pumping 338kW at 6250rpm and 550Nm from 2650rpm. You'll easily hit 100km/h just over 4 seconds from a standing start, and the top speed is electronically capped at 250km/h - numbers that become very satisfying on twisty back-roads.
My tester rocked the fantastic 8-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission by ZF, which snaps through gears with paddle precision, though I'd kill to sample the six-speed manual for that raw connection.
Around town, the M2 can be a handful - the low 120mm-ish ground clearance scrapes speed bumps, and the wide stance demands care in tight carparks. But unleash it on open roads? Magic. Rear-wheel drive with mechanical limited-slip diff lets you play with tail-out slides (very carefully), while variable sport steering and adaptive dampers keep it composed. Fuel thirst is real at 10.2L/100km combined (13.8 urban, 8 extra-urban), so the 52L tank and premium 98RON fuel will only give you about 510km range - plan for a few stops on road trips.
It's a stunning GT: comfy at highway speeds, explosive when provoked, and more usable daily than its predecessor. The 1,700kg kerb weight feels light, braking is fade-free with those massive ventilated discs, and the engine's surge above 3,000rpm is intoxicating.
Safety
Safety isn't an afterthought. The standard kit includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors and camera, and driver attention monitoring. The spec confirms front and rear parking aids, speed limit info, and traffic jam assist for the cruise control. No ANCAP rating yet, but BMW's five-star pedigree shines through with robust build and active tech. Multi-function heated seats with height/telescopic adjustment ensure you're always in command.
Shortcomings
No car's perfect, and the M2 has its gripes. Fuel economy bites hard - that 10.2L/100km is thirsty for commutes, and the 52L tank means frequent stops on long drives. Town driving feels twitchy. It takes time to perfect a calm upward departure from the lights at a crowded intersection. That magnificent suspension on an open road will break your back on potholes, and low clearance means watching every gutter. No spare wheel (run-flats instead), and while the interior's luxe, rear seats are kids-only for anything beyond 50km. Options like the M Carbon bucket seats (see my M3 Touring review for a word of caution) or impressive laser headlights can jack the price up fast, and at around $140K drive-away as you see it here, it's not cheap, but it's exceptionally good value. Servicing? BMW's five-year/unlimited km warranty helps, but expect premium costs.
Value & Verdict
This new M2 offers stellar value for performance purists. It undercuts a Porsche 718 Cayman while outpunching other V8 muscle, with BMW's unlimited km warranty, three-year roadside assist, and proven reliability. Compared to a base Mustang GT ($65k) that's raw but unrefined, or a 911 Carrera ($250k+) that's overkill, the M2 hits the sweet spot: daily luxe, GT usability, track capability, and that M badge prestige.
If you crave real-world thrills - with a bit of back-road blasting, highway cruising, and weekend getaways - this new M2 is a no-brainer. It's not flawless, but once you connect with it your emotions will mask the flaws. For Aussie buyers looking for something that you can engage with daily, this is the coupe that redefines fun. Test drive one; you won't look back.