2027 BMW M2MotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Excellent fun to driveMighty twin-turbo I-6 engineSurprisingly spacious insidePerformance Vehicle of the Year winnerAvailable manual is good, not greatThirst for premium fuelM2 CS might be too hardcoreThe M2 is BMW’s smallest and least expensive M car, but it might also be its best. The current G87 generation M2 arrived for 2023 and went on to win MotorTrend’s 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year contest. This compact coupe focuses on fun and engagement rather than huge numbers, but it’s still a serious performer. Sports cars that rival the BMW M2 include the Ford Mustang, Audi RS3, and Chevrolet Corvette.What’s NewAlthough the M2 has always been RWD, rumors indicate that AWD could become available for model year 2027.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkThe G87 M2 proves BMW still knows how to build a proper performance car. Regardless of which transmission it’s linked to, the turbocharged inline-six feels responsive, powerful, and smooth. Handling is excellent, with composure and balance that matches the driving situation intuitively. Braking is strong but never grabby—there’s a luxurious thread through all the dynamics.A few criticisms are still warranted. The manual transmission is fun, but its rubbery shifter feel is typical of BMW. Fuel economy isn’t great, compounded by the small fuel tank. Some interior materials hint at the base-spec 2 Series.Even so, this is one of the best BMW models. The M2 is endearing and addictive, serving well as a fun daily driver that makes distant backroads worth exploring. It may not lead in outright speed or everyday usefulness, but it feels like the purest expression of BMW’s performance heritage.Top-Ranked Competitors:Ford MustangDark HorseAudi RS3Chevrolet CorvetteHonda Civic Type RMotorTrend TestedEvery M2 uses the S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engine, but that engine makes different output depending on configuration.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhen equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, output measures 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, a manual M2 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.Choosing the eight-speed automatic transmission keeps power at 473 hp but allows torque to rise to 443 lb-ft. Expect 0–60-mph acceleration of about 3.5 seconds from automatic M2 models.The M2 CS is tuned to produce 523 hp and 479 lb-ft and is built exclusively with the eight-speed automatic. In MotorTrend testing, the M2 CS launched from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.Every M2 up until now has been strictly RWD, but BMW’s xDrive AWD system could become an option on the M2 for 2027.MPGs and RangeExpect fuel economy for the 2027 M2 to come in at around 16/23 mpg city/highway. Driving range on a full tank of gas is approximately 260 miles.Safety and Driver Assist FeaturesStandard FeaturesEvery M2 is equipped with front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and road sign recognition.Available FeaturesAdaptive cruise control is available on the M2, but only on models with the automatic transmission.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe M2 has four seats, and its back seats are unexpectedly spacious given how small the car is overall. Cargo capacity in the trunk is 13.8 cubic feet, but we’ve been surprised by how much canfit inside the M2 when the rear seats are folded down.TechnologyInfotainmentThe M2 is equipped with a dual-display dashboard that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. Two USB-C ports are standard.Sound SystemA 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is optional in other 2 Series models but is standard equipment in the M2.Available UpgradesOptional tech upgrades on the M2 include a head-up display, wireless charging pad, semi-automated parking assistance, and remote engine start.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 BMW M2 is expected to start at about $71,000. In addition to the six-speed manual transmission, standard equipment includes a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, multicolor ambient lighting, and a moonroof.Recommended TrimGiven how good the regular M2 is, we don’t think it’s worth upgrading to the hardcore M2 CS—that car is a lot more expensive but not significantly better. Instead, we’d option a manual M2 with add-ons like a head-up display, wireless charging, and dark Shadowline headlights for a mix of convenience and design enhancement.Is the M2 CS Worth It?In BMW M parlance, CS means Competition Sport, and any model wearing those letters promises a sharper driving experience. That’s the case with the M2 CS, which arrived for 2026. With 523 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the M2 CS is more powerful and quicker than the standard M2—but that’s not really the point.AdvertisementAdvertisementRather, the M2 CS is all about handling. It has a retuned chassis with lowered suspension and transmission mounts taken from an actual race car. Forged wheels and extensive use of carbon fiber reduces the curb weight by about 97 pounds. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional.With these changes, the M2 CS proves seriously quick and sticky, providing near-supercar levels of grip and precision. But the CS model is about $20,000 more expensive than the regular M2—and we can’t say it’s $20,000 more fun. The standard M2 is already too good.
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