Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
The BMW G87 M2 quickly cultivated a cult following shortly after its release, and it’s time to have a look at the next iteration. The baby M, known for its playfulness and responsive experience returns in its new generational guise and with a few hand-me-downs from its larger siblings.
Image: BMW
Hurray! The rowdy yet refined 3,0–Litre in-line six found in the G8X siblings makes its way into the heart of the new G87 M2. Delivering a sumptuous 338 kW and 550 Nm, BMW states that the engine found in the new M2 differs slightly but not by a considerable amount. Most notably, BMW remarks that the S58 found in the second-gen M2 revs to 7200 rpm, and does so with great vigour. Its sprint from a standstill to 100km/h seems to be within the same range as the first-gen M2, with the difference between mere milliseconds.
Image: BMW
What accompanies this well-endowed powerplant is up to the customer, as BMW are offering either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox, assisted with auto-rev matching software.
All that power will be fed directly to the rear wheels, which now see the introduction of the Active M Differential tasked with providing optimal power distribution for sublime traction on all surfaces and to aid in the transfer of power when pacing in and out of corners. BMW M has included an M-specific exhaust system to enhance the car’s undoubtedly sonorous voice.
Image: BMW
Aside from the guts of the car, its skeleton has seen some considerable adjustments. A promised near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution is a welcome sight alongside increased chassis bracing, resulting in greater torsional stiffness. Throughout the entirety of the car, you’ll find one or two chassis stiffening components. Customers can opt for a full carbon fibre roof in case weight saving is high up on your list of G87 M2 necessities.
Image: BMW
Almost stealing the show is the G87 M2’s almost bulldog-like face punctuated by a frameless kidney grille and boxy air inlets. Aside from its face, the rest of its physique – specifically its muscular rear haunches-closely resembles that of the G8X family. While many might see this as straying too far away from the norm, BMW has kept the famed Hofmeister kink. The rear borrows a thing or two from the standard 2 series “Bimmers”.
As for its equipment, the car is perched on a staggered wheel setup consisting of 19-inch M Light-alloy wheels coupled with six-piston callipers on the front and 20-inch M Light-Alloy wheels with a single-piston floating calliper in the rear.
Image: BMW
The interior echoes the rest of the car’s driver-focused package. With that said, the interior sees a curved digital screen consisting of a 12,3-inch instrument cluster and a 14,9-inch centre control screen operating on the BMW Operating System 8.
Image: BMW
Standard in the M2 is the firm’s M Sport seats, with carbon fibre M bucket seats available as an option for those seeking a more hardcore experience. M2 badge embossing on the seats is to be expected.
Image: BMW
On paper, it seems as though BMW has gone and refined perfection. The new “Baby Bimmer” is shaping up to be another Bavarian prodigy, but it will be a while before customers get to enjoy their cars. That said, CAR Magazine is heading down to M Fest 2022, which is said to be hosting a fresh off-the-press G87 M2. stay tuned
Keyword: The G87 M2 is here and ready to steal the spotlight from its G8X siblings