BMW M2 G87: history, S58 engine, manual or automatic, M2 CS and specs

The BMW M2 G87 is the second generation of the compact M coupé. Launched in 2023, it uses the S58 twin-turbo straight-six from the M3 and M4, sends its power to the rear wheels only and is still available with a manual gearbox. Since 2024 it has 480 hp, and in 2025 the sharper M2 CS joined the range.

In this guide we look at where the BMW M2 G87 came from, the S58 engine, the choice between manual and automatic, the chassis and M settings, the design, the update and the M2 CS, performance, daily life and the full specifications.

Where the BMW M2 G87 came from

The first BMW M2, the F87, arrived in 2016 and quickly became one of the most loved M cars of its time. It was compact, had rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged straight-six, and it reminded many drivers of the classic small M coupés. The M2 Competition of 2018 received the S55 engine from the M3 and M4 of that time, with 410 hp.

The second-generation M2, code name G87, was revealed in October 2022 and reached customers in 2023. It is based on the G42 2 Series Coupé and is built at the BMW plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

The recipe stayed the same: two doors, four seats, rear-wheel drive and a six-cylinder engine. But the new M2 grew in every direction and received the S58 engine from the current M3 and M4, with much more power than any M2 before it.

Our article on the BMW M2 F87 vs M2 G87 compares the two generations in detail and helps you decide which one suits you better.

The S58 twin-turbo straight-six

The heart of the G87 is the S58, a 3.0-litre straight-six with two mono-scroll turbochargers. It is the same basic engine that powers the M3 G80 and M4 G82, with a forged crankshaft, a closed-deck crankcase and a 3D-printed cylinder head core.

At launch, the M2 had 460 hp (338 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 550 Nm of torque, available from low engine speeds. With the update in 2024, power rose to 480 hp (353 kW). Cars with the automatic gearbox also received more torque, 600 Nm, while the manual stayed at 550 Nm to protect the gearbox.

The S58 has a wide, flat torque curve, so the M2 accelerates strongly from almost any speed. Unlike older naturally aspirated M engines, it does not need very high revs to be fast, but it still revs freely to over 7,000 rpm.

The cooling system is designed for track use, with several radiators and an oil supply that works under high cornering forces. Our article on the BMW S58 engine explains its technology and history in more detail.

Manual or automatic

The M2 G87 is one of the few new performance cars that still offers a manual gearbox. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic with Drivelogic.

The manual has a rev-matching function that blips the throttle when changing down. It can be switched off for drivers who prefer to heel-and-toe themselves. The manual makes the M2 more involving, and for many enthusiasts it is the main reason to buy one.

The M Steptronic automatic shifts quickly and smoothly and is faster in acceleration tests. It also gives the M2 more torque since the 2024 update. In daily traffic, it makes the car more relaxed, and it is the better choice for drivers who also use the car on the track and want to concentrate on braking and steering.

There is no wrong choice: the automatic is quicker on paper, the manual is more fun for many drivers. Our article on BMW manual vs SMG vs DCT vs Steptronic explains how M gearboxes have changed over the years.

Chassis, brakes and M settings

The M2 G87 sends its power to the rear wheels only. An Active M Differential distributes power between the rear wheels and helps the car put its power down out of corners. Our article on the BMW Active M Differential explains how it works.

The chassis uses many parts from the M3 and M4, including the front and rear axle design, adaptive M suspension and M-specific steering. The body is very stiff, with extra bracing in the engine bay and underbody. The M2 has mixed wheel sizes: 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.

M compound brakes with six-piston fixed callipers at the front give strong and consistent braking, also on the track.

Through the M Setup menu, the driver can adjust the engine, gearbox, suspension, steering, brakes and the stability control, and save two set-ups on the red M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel. M Traction Control offers ten levels of traction control, and M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer are available. Our articles on the M1 and M2 buttons and on M Drive Professional explain these functions.

Design and interior

The G87 looks very different from the first M2. It has a square, upright front with a frameless horizontal kidney grille, large air intakes and boxy, wide wheel arches. At the rear, four exhaust tailpipes and a diffuser complete the look. The design divided opinions when it was revealed, but on the road the M2 looks wide and planted.

The new car is about 4.58 metres long and close to 1.9 metres wide, so it is noticeably bigger than the F87. An optional carbon fibre roof lowers the weight a little and the centre of gravity.

Inside, the M2 has the BMW Curved Display, which combines the digital instruments and the central touchscreen behind one glass panel. M sport seats are standard, and M Carbon bucket seats are available for drivers who want maximum support on the track.

The M2 has four seats and a usable boot. Adults can sit in the back for short journeys, which makes the car more practical than a pure two-seater. Our article on BMW iDrive generations explains the operating system of the Curved Display.

The 2024 update and the M2 CS

In 2024, BMW updated the M2 after a short time on the market. The most important change was more power: 480 hp instead of 460 hp. Cars with the automatic gearbox also received 600 Nm of torque and became slightly faster, while the manual kept 550 Nm. Small changes to the interior and the equipment came at the same time.

In 2025, BMW added the M2 CS, a sharper and lighter version for enthusiasts. It has about 530 hp and 650 Nm, the automatic gearbox only, and many carbon fibre parts, including the roof and a boot lid with an integrated ducktail spoiler. BMW quotes about 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Like other CS models, it was built in limited numbers for a limited time.

When looking at a used M2 G87, check the model year and the equipment. Cars from the update have more power, and the vehicle documents show which version a car is. Our article on how to read a BMW VIN explains where to find this information.

Performance on the road

According to BMW, the M2 with the automatic gearbox reaches 100 km/h in about 4.1 seconds at launch, and about 4.0 seconds after the 2024 update. With the manual, it takes about 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, or 285 km/h with the optional M Driver's Package.

The M2 weighs about 1.7 tonnes, much more than the first M2. You feel the weight in tight corners, but the car hides it well thanks to its wide tracks, stiff body and strong engine. On fast roads, the G87 is very stable and confident.

With rear-wheel drive and a lot of torque, the M2 is playful at the limit. The stability control can be adjusted in steps, so drivers can find the right setting for the road or the track. In wet weather, the rear tyres need respect.

Our articles on BMW launch control and on the M Driver's Package explain how to use the performance safely and what the higher top speed involves.

Living with an M2 G87

The M2 G87 is a car you can use every day. The ride is firm but acceptable in the comfort settings of the adaptive suspension, the boot is large enough for weekend luggage and the back seats are useful for short trips.

Running costs are those of a powerful M car. Wide performance tyres, brakes and fuel cost more than for a normal 2 Series, and the mixed wheel sizes mean that the tyres cannot be swapped between front and rear. Our article on BMW M car running costs explains how to plan a realistic budget.

If you buy a new M2, follow the running-in period carefully: BMW recommends limits on engine speed and speed for the first kilometres, followed by a running-in check. Our article on BMW break-in explains what to do.

For buyers who cannot decide, our article on the BMW M240i vs M2 shows what you get for the extra money. For many enthusiasts, the M2 G87 is the most affordable way into a modern six-cylinder M car with rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox.

BMW M2 G87 specifications

Specification	Value
Model	BMW M2 (G87) Coupé
Production	From 2023; update 2024; M2 CS 2025
Built in	BMW plant San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Body	2-door coupé, 4 seats
Engine	S58 3.0-litre straight-six, two mono-scroll turbochargers
Power	460 hp (338 kW) at launch; 480 hp (353 kW) from 2024
Torque	550 Nm (manual); 600 Nm with automatic from 2024
Gearbox	6-speed manual or 8-speed M Steptronic
Drive	Rear-wheel drive, Active M Differential
0–100 km/h	About 4.0 s (automatic, from 2024); 4.3 s (manual)
Top speed	250 km/h limited; 285 km/h with M Driver's Package
Weight	About 1.7 tonnes (DIN, depending on equipment)
Length / width	About 4,580 mm / 1,887 mm
Wheels	19-inch front, 20-inch rear
M2 CS (2025)	About 530 hp, 650 Nm, automatic only, carbon parts
Predecessor	M2 F87 (2016–2021)

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the BMW M2 G87 have?

At launch in 2023 the M2 G87 had 460 hp. Since the 2024 update it has 480 hp. The automatic version has 600 Nm of torque, the manual 550 Nm. The M2 CS of 2025 has about 530 hp.

What engine is in the BMW M2 G87?

The M2 G87 uses the S58, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six. It is the same basic engine as in the M3 G80 and M4 G82.

Does the BMW M2 G87 have a manual gearbox?

Yes. The M2 G87 is available with a six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching, or with an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic.

Is the M2 G87 rear-wheel drive?

Yes. The M2 G87 sends its power to the rear wheels only, through an Active M Differential. There is no xDrive version.

How fast is the BMW M2 G87?

BMW quotes about 4.0 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the updated M2 with the automatic gearbox and about 4.3 seconds with the manual. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, or 285 km/h with the M Driver's Package.

Is the 3D car on this site an official BMW model?

No. The 3D car is a creative model for this site and not an official BMW file, so small details may differ from the real car. All facts in the text refer to the real BMW M2 G87.

Sources

• BMW Group PressClub – BMW M2 (G87) press kits and model update
• BMW M – BMW M2 Coupé
• BMW M2 (G87) owner's handbook and technical data