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BMW M2: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW M2 is a compact rear-wheel-drive performance coupe known for strong inline-six power, track-ready handling, and a driver-focused feel. It pairs serious performance hardware with enough comfort and practicality for everyday use.
Since its 2016 debut, the M2 has followed a clear formula: compact size, a powerful six-cylinder engine, and rear-wheel drive. A manual transmission has remained central to the core model’s old-school appeal. Competition and CS versions have pushed the same idea toward more power, lower weight, and greater track capability.
Strengths
- Its compact footprint and powerful inline-six engine give it the character of a traditional small sports coupe.
- Rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission keep the core M2 focused on driver involvement.
- Its brakes, suspension, rear differential, and performance software are built to handle demanding road and track driving.
- It keeps enough comfort and practicality to work as an everyday car, rather than feeling like a track car with license plates.
- Competition and CS models add more focused alternatives without changing the M2’s basic character.
Who it's for
The M2 best fits an enthusiast who wants a small, serious performance car that can still handle commuting and weekend trips. It especially suits drivers who value rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission more than rear-seat space or fuel economy.
BMW M2 lineup
The regular M2 is the core version, balancing track-ready hardware with everyday comfort and a manual-transmission focus. The M2 Competition marked a harder-edged step for the first generation, bringing a stronger M3/M4-derived engine, larger brakes, and added chassis hardware. The limited-production CS sits at the top as the most track-focused version, using more power, less weight, carbon-fiber parts, and sharper suspension tuning. Pick the regular M2 for the broadest everyday fit, the Competition for a more serious first-generation car, and the CS when track capability and rarity matter most.
BMW M2 generations
From 2016 to 2026, the M2 spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — G87 arrived for 2023, following the 1st Generation — F87 (2016-2021).
2nd Generation — G87 (2023-Present)
The G87 redesign brought a wider, stiffer chassis related to the M3 and M4, a more powerful twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, adaptive suspension, and a curved dual-screen dashboard. It remains a compact, rear-wheel-drive coupe with a manual transmission.
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2026Trim changes
The limited-production M2 CS joins the lineup with 523 horsepower, nearly 100 pounds less weight, carbon-fiber body parts, and unique suspension tuning.
2025Mid-cycle update
Power rises to 473 horsepower, while the touchscreen system, steering wheel, climate controls, and design details are updated.
2024
Carryover year with the same 453-hp engine, rear-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, and curved-screen cabin.
2023New generation
The redesigned M2 debuts with 453 horsepower, a wider and stiffer chassis, adaptive suspension, track-focused drive settings, and a curved dual-screen dashboard.
1st Generation — F87 (2016-2021)
The original M2 introduced a compact rear-wheel-drive M coupe with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and suspension hardware derived from the M3 and M4. The M2 Competition replaced the original version for 2019 with a 405-hp twin-turbo engine and upgraded brakes and chassis hardware.
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2021Trim changes
The M2 Competition carries over with 405 horsepower and no significant equipment changes. This is the final U.S. model year of the F87 generation.
2020Trim changes
The limited-run M2 CS joins the lineup with 444 horsepower, adaptive suspension, and carbon-fiber body parts.
2019Trim changes
The M2 Competition replaces the earlier M2 Coupe with a 405-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, larger brakes, new seats, and added safety features.
2018Mid-cycle update
A light refresh brings standard LED headlights, revised cabin details, and an updated infotainment system.
2017
Carryover year with the same turbocharged six-cylinder engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and core chassis hardware.
2016New generation
The M2 debuts as a 365-hp rear-wheel-drive coupe with wider tracks, M3- and M4-derived suspension hardware, a limited-slip rear differential, and upgraded brakes.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW M2.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M2 a coupe, and how many people does it seat?
The BMW M2 is a two-door coupe with four seats. On newer models, the trunk holds 13.8 cubic feet, so it keeps more everyday usefulness than a strict two-seat sports car.
Is the BMW M2 a hybrid?
No. The BMW M2 uses a gasoline turbocharged inline-six. The latest regular M2 makes 473 horsepower, while the newer M2 CS raises output to 523 horsepower.
Does the BMW M2 have all-wheel drive?
No. The M2 is rear-wheel drive, including the Competition and CS versions described here. That traditional layout is central to its driver-focused character.
Does the BMW M2 come with a manual transmission?
Yes, many M2s have a six-speed manual. The original M2, the M2 Competition, and the newer regular M2 offered a manual, depending on the vehicle. The latest M2 CS uses an eight-speed automatic.
What is the BMW M2 known for?
The M2 is known for putting strong six-cylinder power and serious cornering hardware into a compact coupe. It also keeps traditional performance-car traits such as rear-wheel drive and, on core versions, a manual transmission.
Can a BMW M2 work as an everyday car?
Yes. The M2 combines high-performance hardware with real rear seats, a trunk, heated front seats, infotainment, and normal road comfort. It is still a focused sports coupe, but it was designed to handle more than track driving.
How many generations of the BMW M2 are there?
There are two. The first-generation F87 ran from 2016 through 2021. BMW skipped the 2022 model year, then introduced the wider, more powerful second-generation G87 for 2023.
Is the BMW M2 suitable for track driving?
Yes. Every M2 was built with track-capable brakes, suspension, and rear-drive hardware. The second generation adds standard adaptive suspension and track-focused software, while CS versions go further with less weight and sharper tuning.
BMW M2 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW M2.
4.6
BMW M2
(778 reviews)
“It's simply a joy to drive, looks great, and is somewhat functional because it has a usable back seat and trunk.”
“The M2 is a back to roots M-car. It's full of tech but also raw and unfiltered, allowing the driver to BE a driver and staying closely in tune with the road and other surroundings.”
“This is a well balanced machine for those who enjoy and know how to drive. It is NOT for someone interested in a cushy, quiet ride. I would describe it as purpose built and hits that mark exactly.”
“Excellent vehicle and hard to find with a 6 spd manual and front engine. Rides very nice when you want and with the push of a button it turns into a beast. Plenty of storage and decent back seat.”
“Drive the car and you will understand the meaning of the "Ultimate Driving Machine"”