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BMW M2

F87 · First gen / M2 Competition / CS2016–2021

The last small M coupe with a stick.

12 reviewers · 64 videos · 53 press articles

Generations
F872016–2021G872023–present
// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and fun to drive, but split on handling.

across 12 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Handling
7 say · liveable

"the chassis here is just awesome it's so much fun you guys"

TheTopher · ▶ 29:12
3 say · critical

"I don't feel confident pushing this car hard because of that numb steering. I just can't feel where the limit of grip is."

Zygrene · ▶ 10:05
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.5/512 of 12 reviewersconsensus

the performance here is just incredible

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 18:15

it is by far the slowest out of all three

Savagegeese · ▶ 28:20

This is a freaking fast car. Even with the weight, 3600 plus lb, the straight line performance is pretty nutty.

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 6:54
// 02

Handling

4.5/512 of 12 reviewerssplit

the chassis here is just awesome it's so much fun you guys

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 29:12

I don't feel confident pushing this car hard because of that numb steering. I just can't feel where the limit of grip is.

critical · Zygrene · ▶ 10:05

There is a delay a disconnect in this car... there's a real lag I guess it is in the steering and it does kind of get in the way of things.

critical · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 8:26
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/512 of 12 reviewersstrong consensus

it's fun to drive it's enjoyable to drive and it's enjoyable to drive at all speeds

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 26:46

this thing delivers it excites it's fun it's engaging and it's enjoyable to drive all the time

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 18:44

this car actually puts it all back i like it i like this m2 it's putting a smile on my face

positive · Tedward · ▶ 15:16
// 04

Daily drivability

4.0/512 of 12 reviewersstrong consensus

i would have no problem daily driving this m2 with the ride quality

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 17:08

It does the daily driving thing just fine. It's not ideal.

mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 19:58

It's actually not too badly damped either... I'd say this rides a little bit better.

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 3:33
// 05

Value

4.0/512 of 12 reviewersstrong consensus

it's the winner of this test just based on price

positive · Savagegeese · ▶ 38:00

I'm pitching this as maybe the best first M car to buy and a bit of a bargain.

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 17:39

i think these are kind of a relative bargain because they sit in this weird spot where people think well i don't want to get the n55 now that the s55 came out well you don't need it

positive · Tedward · ▶ 18:53
How it stacks up

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

AutoTopNL
Posted Feb 13, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Tedward
Posted Oct 21, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
JayEmm on Cars
Posted Jun 14, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
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▶ play all (30)
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2019 BMW M2 Competition Review - Finally, A REAL ///M Car.Throttle House
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PERFECT! 2020 BMW M2 CS ReviewTheStraightPipes
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▶ play all (27)
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(Manual) Toyota GR Supra vs Porsche Cayman 718 GTS vs BMW M2 | 3 Pedal Face OffJubbal & Cars
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From the press · 53 articles