BMW M2

BMW's M division took the 2 Series and turned it into something feral. The first-generation F87 M2 arrived in 2016 with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six N55 engine making 365 horsepower. It was a direct successor to the limited-run 1 Series M Coupe, and it filled that gap with a playful, tail-happy chassis that rewarded skilled drivers. In 2018, the M2 Competition swapped in the S55 twin-turbo engine from the previous M3 and M4, bumping output to 405 or 410 horsepower depending on market. Then came the 2020 M2 CS, a limited-edition track weapon with 444 horsepower, carbon-fiber body panels, and a price tag that made collectors take notice.

The second-generation G87 M2 launched for the 2023 model year, built on the CLAR platform shared with the M3 and M4. Its S58 twin-turbo inline-six delivered 453 horsepower from the start. A 2025 facelift pushed that figure to 473 horsepower, added a redesigned steering wheel, new badges, and upgraded brakes. A 2026 M2 CS variant was announced with 523 horsepower, carbon-ceramic brakes, and aggressive bucket seats. The G87 M2 is assembled at BMW's plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, a shift from the first generation's Leipzig, Germany home.

What sets the M2 apart from its rivals is its commitment to analog driving. It offers a six-speed manual transmission as standard, rear-wheel drive, and a compact footprint that makes it feel smaller than its 3,800-pound curb weight suggests. The drift analyzer, a feature that scores your slides by duration and angle, gamifies the experience. Car and Driver called it "one of the best driver's cars on sale." MotorTrend's long-term review described it as a "Porsche eater," quicker and more agile than the M4 Competition. The M2 isn't a luxury car; it's a driver's car with tight rear seats and a firm ride. That trade-off is exactly what its fans love. [edit]