Not impressed? The G87 BMW M2 Review | 2023 | 4K

When BMW launched the BMW M2 in 2023 it was old news thanks to spy shots and sneak peeks! However I think we can all admit that when the car was launched as per the spy shots... we all wondered how the styling would be received.
Thanks to Andrew Barker at BMW Hungerford - the owner of this car - the legend that is Paul S has recently taken delivery of this all out mile muncher!
But can a car built on the m3 platform maintain that "baby M car" DNA?
Join me for a drive to find out.
As always - this video would not be possible without the help of Paul S - Thank you for your continued support, patience and outright legend status x
Cheers all for tuning in
CMD X

[@robertTUBEbrazeau]

I’ve owned, and have obviously driven both M2s. fell in love with the first one and was honestly not very excited with the changes for 2023. sold the original long beach blue 6 speed manual beauty and waited for delivery of the new one. Brooklyn grey, HEA premium package, 6 speed. the HEA model is slightly different from the rest of the M2s. one of those differences is that top speed is limited to 177mph rather than the regular 155mph. the other oddities are that it shipped with Pirelli P Zeros rather than the usual Michelins. also, no way this car isn’t at least 550hp. it arrived mid-april and it’s love all over again. still can’t wait to drive this car every single day. another oddity that was never expected is the large amount of positive compliments on the car’s looks. I try to explain that the last one was better looking. they don’t care… strangely, neither do I. this car kicks serious ass in every way: sound, performance, steering, breaking, cabin-feel, and acceleration

[@CarMadDad]

Awesome to hear chap - sounds like lots of smiles per miles 👍

[@freepadz6241]

You're dead wrong on the looks. The new M2 looks amazing.

[@CarMadDad]

If you say so

[@rd5140]

I agree....reviewers need to focus on objective characteristics

[@CarMadDad]

Noted (and ignored) 😂

[@derekporter66]

Specsavers time 😊

[@joedesi99]

The new M2 was never going to replicate the older generation - as with every new model from every brand. Take it for what it is - a fast, capable, comfortable, safe daily which in the right conditions can be awesome to drive. You need to turn down the traction control in safe spaces or on track and throw this car around to engage with it. It will look after you (and others) on the road but when you want to have fun take it somewhere quiet or track and drive it by the scruff of its neck - but responsibly. If you want a car that engages you on the road at legal speeds then pick an mx5/gr86. Just remember you will sacrifice NVH/comfort/speed to feel engaged at road legal speeds

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers for the view / thoughts and comment fella 👌

[@user-bi8rv6te7z]

@@CarMadDad I don't know if you realize this, but every time you said something negative about this car, you almost immediately followed it up with a complementary remark about this car. Nothing is worse than an obtuse purist, regardless of the subject matter.

[@adr0110]

All these references to being spat off the road 😁 I don’t know what you mean! Cracking video mate👏👍

[@CarMadDad]

Me neither 😂 Cheers fella 👍

[@vinayakan123]

How big are the spacers? ive got the exact spec coming (cognac interior though) and I LOVE the look of this!

[@CarMadDad]

15mm front 12mm rear You can buy them on eBay with longer wheel nuts as a package 📦

[@SUPERFLUID88]

I just bought a 2023 M2 with the carbon seats and roof in baby blue for my wife and I love it so much I’m looking for a reason to keep it for myself lol but I don’t think that will sit will with the wife.

[@CarMadDad]

Great to hear your enjoying it chap - great car

[@lukeperry8755]

I don’t understand everyone Moaning about the pricing , everything has gone up not just the m2 .APR rates aren’t going to be anywhere near what they used to be it’s just the climate we live in today. I think people are quick to overlook just what you get as standard. Your looking at a car that is close to 500hp at the crank. That has a large boot and 4 usable seats for 65k base. Most people will be spending around that mark as the standard options list is very good . Taking looks out of the equation. This car is faster , more planted and easier to use as an everyday car than the f87. It’s not going to be as tail happy or engaging . But as an out right performance car it’s leaps ahead of the previous gen . Porsche slaps a 100percent increase and everyone thinks it’s great. I’m not saying it’s not overpriced by any means but in todays market the package you get is pretty good

[@lukeperry8755]

10* percent

[@CarMadDad]

Noted 📝 Don’t disagree with most of the points chap - but coat is obviously a talking point due to increases at present (recent and relevant) 🤔 The car offers a lot as you say for the money 💴

[@lukeperry8755]

@@CarMadDad 100 percent mate , cost of everything is crazy!

[@jasonb4988]

Let’s face it you have to spend $130+ to have as much fun. The Carrera .. JMO

[@rorydickson_]

I feel like they’ve lost the identity between the M2 and M3/M4. From reviews, it appears like it’s the same excluding the styling of the shell. It appears that if you want the ragged, thrilling drive you need to wait for the more track focussed CS variants which are just so out of budget for most.

[@CarMadDad]

Think you might be right chappy

[@edwardvickers5506]

Coming from a mustang v8, i test drove the manual and the auto and it was frightening. I really like the looks and in frozen grey its stunning. Toss up between this or the new Dark Horse Mustang😊

[@CarMadDad]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ajsum21]

It’s so refined now, and that will suit some people. Looks aside I think the real put off factor is how much it costs to get in one. I appreciate the UK has changed a lot since the last m2 with higher interest rates and inflation, but we haven’t all doubled our earnings! High spec comes in at £75k, 900/mnth with £15k dep (8.9%). There was a time with the f87 m2c you could get a both pack car (with discount, remember them!) for ~£50k, 2.9% and £550/mnth with a tiny ~£1k dep….AND the residuals have been way over! Maybe the f87 was just bargain of the century 🫠

[@CarMadDad]

On reflection I think we will be saying this for some time to come 👍

[@adrianterencehand]

The first breakdown I’ve seen that feels honest. Every other one seems tainted by the hive mind (its ugly because everyone says it is) or some form of allegiance to the brand.

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers fella - please tell your friends 😂 Any help with traffic (and then revenue) means more funds to good causes 👌

[@andyhb1970]

I was a naysayer at launch, I hated it but.... 12 months later I think it looks amazing, damn those BMW designers knowing their shit 😂

[@CarMadDad]

Agreed

[@JakeM240]

I have the g42 M240i and i wasnt sure about the looks at first but how it drives is unreal and i now love it and same with the m3/m4 Hated that grill with a passion and now i bloody love it , if BMW wanted to stir up a storm then it worked because no one is taliking about anything else and it was the same when M3 shots came out , it almost broke the internet ! so who is being clever here ?

[@CarMadDad]

My thoughts exactly

[@iABomb]

Top notch video mate. Thank you, like the comparison with the M3 …

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers fella 👌

[@RickTheSpud]

Great vid mate and accurate conclusion. Too fast and ugly! 😂 The trouble with cars now is everything has to be 'better' than the previous one, and now everything is too good. You need a 20 year old MX5 with soggy suspension that you can max attack everywhere and still be doing 60. Ish. 😉

[@M2G87]

Great review however only point I didn’t align with from a ex M240i x drive owner, in comfort the ride IMO feels a lot different to 240i (yes cabin & tech your in the same place ) but ride is a noticeable step up hence can’t wait for my order to arrive 😊

[@CarMadDad]

Noted Claire - cheers for the view / thoughts / comment 👍

[@Scala598]

I suspect optioning the manual and carbon seats would help to add back some engagement and specialness that appears is lacking from this model. With any luck the new one will push down the price of the f series cars as imo they are still fairly high.

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers fella - as always - on the button!

[@user-bk4vl1ur5f]

The new M2 is a TOP car ❤

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@amgaida]

Love the Tudor GMT, not the car though. 😉 Actually I got a 2020 f87 M2c last week and plan to keep it for a while. I don’t expect good things to happen in the future on the market for driver’s cars. Keep up your work, it‘s a joy. Thanks 🙏

[@CarMadDad]

Thanks dude 👍

[@drjk7565]

From what I've seen across all the KZbin reviews including yours, the general consensus is that enthusiasts wanted the M2 to be like a slightly bigger and faster Toyota GT86 - raw, engaging and fun. Instead, the newer car is more like a shrunken, RWD Nissan GTR. It's objectively faster, better handling and more capable especially on a track, but its pursuit of performance came at the expense of raw engagement and fun. A GTR is undoubtedly great, but you need to reach law-breaking speeds to fully enjoy it, while the GT86 can be enjoyed at any speeds. Also, you do raise a good point about how the aftermarket community should not be doing the designer's "homework" in improving the car's look.

[@CarMadDad]

Not sure about the GTR reference chap as I have never driven one however appreciate the view / comment 👍

[@germanengineering204]

Never said anything about the sound unless I missed it somehow! Does it sound good inside the car in sports plus mode?

[@CarMadDad]

No never made the edit chap - sound in cabin is good in sports plus - adds tk engagement as well as these things can

[@user-dg7gn4qk1y]

thanks helpful ! ordered same one in a 24 ... love that joke, and the edgy look of the car

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers dude - enjoy the new car next yeR

[@nathobean8582]

Great review sir, highlights all the points I had (both positive and negative). I do wonder now that the M2 is softer and ‘grown up’, whether they’ll introduced a new ‘fun’ car to the mix… maybe a variant of the ZM?

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers chappy - let’s wait and see 🤞

[@SteYoung]

I love the look. Seen it in person in Toronto Red and it looks immense with to my eyes, stockier, better proportions than F87 but then I do own a G80 and ive loved its looks since day1 😁

[@CarMadDad]

Right on!

[@blocksource4192]

I love the look of all the new grilles. People are just nostalgic. The m3 definitely looks better than previous gen. Can't say the same for new m5.

[@MrHCars]

Great review mate and actually great to see someone else make the same points as I did. Confirms I wasn’t just being overly harsh 😂 It’s a great package. But the old one is definitely a more engaging ride

[@DC5dotty]

And half the price … no brainer 😜

[@bosco8276]

Car is fire man!! I love what BMW M is doing.

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@keithronson2624]

Automotive perfection! Okay previous generation M2 is probably one of the best designed and looking cars ..ever! New BMW design language. This is the every day super proper car!

[@CarMadDad]

Very capable little weapon chap - monster on the road - ridiculously fast 👌

[@vicjones3992]

Good review Dale......I drove the manual one and was not impressed with the gearbox - ratios seemed too tall and the clutch was not very progressive.....auto the way to go - first time I have heard of a car being "too good"😂...

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers fella 👌

[@tonyfarrant1095]

They just can’t resist making them heavier yes they are great but I found even my M2 Comp was just too good because you have to really push silly speed to make them interesting, maybe it was the dual clutch that did that. I lost interest and I am a long time BMW fan I’m far happier in my GR Yaris even slow drives are fun. Great review keep up the good work

[@CarMadDad]

Agree chap - love the GR - looking at the myself presently 😀

[@DjNikGnashers]

Like the looks, love the performance and handling, hate the price.

[@CarMadDad]

👌

[@MatouVideo]

Great review! I know a lot of people don't like its looks, but what I really don't understand is how people like that panel on the dash? No integration, looks like a video game. Sorry but I'm so happy I got my '21 Comp with its analog gauge when I did! This car really does nothing for me i dont care how fast or well it drives! But I guess like they say, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder"!

[@CarMadDad]

Exactly!

[@eraserke]

finally an honest review...Ive watched like very single video, like most of the guys defending why they bought the M2 instead of M3 or M4...or defending in general why they bought the M2, personally i think its a lot slower compared to m3 and m4 (drove them next to one another) styling is not my cup of tea on the outside. interior is surely a notch up compared to F87...but compared to M3 and M4 G series its again a notch down...anyhow nice review sound like not a paid one :).

[@CarMadDad]

cheers fella - try our best 👍👍

[@JBthemanwithcars]

My new M2 arrives in August. It is Brooklyn grey with dealer fit 21” M Performance gold alloy wheels and just the carbon rear spoiler and roof fin. I spent a long weekend in a manual a couple of weeks ago. Great car spoiled by a poor gearbox. Clutch operation meant you need to sit too far forward which spoils the driving position. The gear change is slow, rubbery and unrewarding. The rest of the car is awesome for £65k in the UK. This car is replacing my wife’s recently departed Golf R20 although I’ll be stealing the keys regularly.

[@CarMadDad]

Great input experience chappy - cheers

[@arymonem]

Personally I think it looks awesome, but one thing that surprised me is how functional and practical in every aspect this car is for daily driving! And at a drop of a dime, with a 6 speed manual, you’ll have a huge grin on your face. Instant classic.

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers for the input dude - enjoy x

[@fzr1000981]

Rubbery shifting, sterile to drive...hardly a classic

[@arymonem]

@@fzr1000981 last generation of BMW with a 6 speed, 450+ hp twin turbo, rear wheel drive, attached to a world class German suspension is most likely an instant classic. Sterile?! Lol, Camry is sterile my man. Don’t like the shifter, simply spend a few bucks and instal a short shifter. Problem solved.

[@fzr1000981]

Fugly, heavy little car, engine sounds like an angry appliance, numb steering, track times are not impressive at all. I wanted to like this car, and it's just sad no one can get even close to a GT3 driving experience. Emira at $70k was interesting, not $100+

[@arymonem]

@@fzr1000981 looks is subjective, a lot of people find it really nice. Heavy, you really don’t feel it at all. Engine sounds awesome at high rpm, still don’t like it, put in a mid pipe, problem solved. Numb steering, 99% of people who drive it don’t even notice, thus doesn’t really matter. Track time, again who cars, we drive on streets 99.9% of our time, so not important. This is not trying to be GT3 ( one trick pony ), it’s a daily driving beast when needs to be. Starts at $62k, which is a bargain compared to anything even close to it.

[@richardreich8427]

The designer at BMW should be shown the p45 as for the engineer's a super bonus

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@jimbaranresidence8]

F87 is still CBU in germany, G87 is made in mexico.... F87 is a playful car, G87 is a fast car.... F87 is best lokin wif sharp curve, G87 loks SQ tat dun las long Driving a M german QC car wif satisfaction tats F87

[@jasonleon1976]

Cars/opinions are very subjective. I appreciate your opinion. I wish I could share it with you. In my subjective opinion, I love a car that tests my abilities. But I will use that car on the track for obvious reasons. I will never take my vehicle on a track However. So a very fast, very capable yet very forgiving car on the public roads with pot holes, leaves, pedestrians, other drivers etc etc. That suits me down to the ground. I want to be able to push it where permitted, knowing that i have plenty of room for error if that makes sense. 20 years of attending RTC's may have influenced that opinion. But like I said, opinions are subjective. Looks wise, I absolutely love it. I admire BMW for not going with the masses and staying "safe." Personally, I love the new design image of BMW. So much so that I left Audi after 20 years. The good thing about the automotive industry is that there is a car for everyone out there. Just be safe either way 👌

[@CarMadDad]

Thank you for your thoughts and comments chap - very well put

[@jamiecoutts8211]

It’s basically not an M2 anymore . Too big and too heavy . It’s not an M3 either . Is it an M2.5 🤷‍♂️

[@CarMadDad]

M3 with a slimming outfit on 😂

[@t-rex7796]

I completely disagree regarding looks. Front end in fine by me, and furthermore, the rear end is the best thing I have seen in a car for a long time!!! Those massive rear fender flares are amazing, and what makes me want the car. I think it’s foolish to judge a car based on looks, and think everyone will agree with you as looks/design appeal is so subjective. Given that from the out set of the first generation of M2 where everyone praised it for capturing the real essence of the original e36 m3 (small, nimble and fast). I think the designers got the g87 PERFECT as it truly does look like a modern e36 m3. I love it!!!

[@CarMadDad]

Great to hear your thoughts and opinion chap - thank you for the view and comments 👍

[@DC5dotty]

I think you could probably compare or more to the new M4 , being a coupe. I think the the appeal of the M3 to owners is probably that it has 4 doors :)

[@CarMadDad]

Agreed

[@DC5dotty]

I hate that they don’t have a DCT anymore too !😊

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@FxSalvation]

m2 comp -> dream car

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@hectorm8649]

Clean simple design. It’s a minimalist design.

[@CarMadDad]

Glad you like it!

[@plasticbadger1663]

Using the using the arse dyno how does it compare vs your C2S?

[@CarMadDad]

Hard to really say chap as the car when driven was being run in. So would t take it beyond 5k Initial pick up was strong - not a million miles off the 911 and similar delivery (turbo charged)

[@xu10j4rs1]

Like the black bay gmt! Not so keen on the fleece.

[@CarMadDad]

I’ll send the feedback to my stylist 😛 (Be sure to send me through a photo of your present clothing and I’ll send my thoughts in return)

[@AKhan.28]

I like it not going to lie. Just wish there was an option for carbon ceramics. Those M compound brakes are noisy and annoying/embarrasing. I'll be car shopping soon as my lease is almost up. RS3, M2, CLA45, and CTS4V BW are my top considerations.

[@CarMadDad]

Sounds like an awesome List dude x

[@AKhan.28]

@@CarMadDad Too bad I can only pick one lol. Leaning towards the RS3 though. Have you driven the new gen yet?

[@CarMadDad]

I haven’t chap - wouldn’t usually by my thing but I hear v good stuff… prices are bonkers mind!!!

[@AKhan.28]

@@CarMadDad Yeah prices are insane rn. Dealers here in the U.S. are marking everything up too 🫤

[@MrSlpierce]

No reason to have ceramic brakes unless you're on a track, for normal day to day driving they are a waste of money, unless you drive like an idiot on the roads and you brakes are on fire, If you do drive like an idiot (not saying you do) then BMW or AUDI seem your best fit :) :) :)

[@markburton5170]

Wow I'm impressed that you're doing this for charity. I'm getting a new manual M2 to replace my M2 Comp - in spite of the looks, the lack of rear headroom and the competence! Sure a Cayman GTS 4.0 is a better sports car - but for more money, less practical and less refined. If you don't want your car too competent how does the 992 work for you?

[@CarMadDad]

I don’t mind it in the 992 - it’s a Porsche and as the S - can be hard to hold onto with the aids off. But the M2 was the baby M - just feel like they all drive the same - so it’s really a case of which party frock you like

[@Pboy7272]

When car makers give you the middle finger for complaining about "tacked on" navigation screens.

[@CarMadDad]

🙌🏻

[@Japplesnap]

Hate to break it to you, but the first generation M2 wasn't a good looking thing either. Especially the rear end. And it had bullfrog proportions. I don't think the G87 M2 is beautiful, but I do rate it ahead of the OG and the M2 Comp in terms of styling.

[@CarMadDad]

You are of course - entitled to your entirely subjective opinions chap - as am I 👍

[@mofomat]

Tell the owner to remove the blueish plastic protective covering from the “M2” badge on the seats! It was doing my head in watching that video! I can’t believe this was missed in the pre-delivery inspection. Actually, I can. No doubt they missed the protective coverings on the kick plates too.

[@CarMadDad]

Tell him yourself - like I’m some sort of errand boy 😂 If that’s doing your head in fella - fair play to watching me in a video for 5-10 mins 😆

[@jamesj97370]

"Hard to get hold of" There's 21 brand new ones on Auto Trader 😂

[@CarMadDad]

yes in hindsight - that one hasn't aged well 😂

[@bimmeracing]

This steering wheel feedback is like a fiat500 light , i have a g80 comp and the steering its not perfect , but better . The m2 its really good daily car , lost his way as a sports car . All fast but lost emotion

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@torrhthc4103]

I driving an amg n personally i m also not impressed. It feels similar to my current car, i tested the highest spec taycan n it is gd. This car feels the same as my current in the acceleration dept

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@fzr1000981]

Black hides the ugly lines better

[@CarMadDad]

Agreed

[@scottmuir2385]

Quality Review - an accurate conclusion in my opinion! No doubt capable, but sooooo ugly (and yet I loved the G80/81/82 from day 1)…. But this M2 I can’t get on with the looks - regardless of the after market gear in the works.

[@CarMadDad]

Hopefully someone comes up with something. Suitable for you fella 😆

[@BrakRulesAll]

Definitely impressed with the performance, incredibly let down by the ugly appearance and iDrive 8 and its massive screen.

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@jankees4037]

Didn't like the grille of the car, too square and looks like lego. But slowly get a bit used to it. Am personally way more of an M3 fan. Those cars rule.

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@mireliomarzo6468]

Best looking M2 to date. Follows BUTCH evolution of E30 M3.

[@CarMadDad]

If you say so chap 👌

[@vintagetrk]

I get the not impressed review. If they would have put the steering wheel on the correct side it would have been BETTER!

[@CarMadDad]

😆

[@boeingdriver29]

As a current M2 Comp. owner looking to update I'm disappointed with this car. The lines are terrible, and that boxy front....YUK.

[@CarMadDad]

Yeah it’s a real shame on the styling chap - drive is very competent though

[@Malcom2345]

Actually don’t mind the look if these, but driving this back to back with a 4.0l Cayman recently, incomparable in driving satisfaction. The cayman also demolishes this car in every aspect of performance, porsche just too good, but in Australia that will cost you an extra 100k for the privilege. With that in mind, the M2 is a bargain! If you call 150k for a car affordable 😂

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers for your thoughts chappy

[@Malcom2345]

@@CarMadDad chappy! What is this the 1950s! 😝😂

[@CarMadDad]

😂

[@MRMOON135]

Best Tudor model there, the new white face is horrible 😮

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers

[@audized]

Does not sound good at all! Without mp parts the car looks cheap! The new dash looks like a glued on after thought.. Sorry man i am not the only one with these comments around the globe. They are realities!

[@CarMadDad]

👊👍

[@Krasshirsch]

By far the worst looking BMW out there, it's a vile design maybe only surpassed by the Pontiac Aztek.

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@TheMacdaddy1976]

Awful looking motor ruined the look M2 LCI still king 👊🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@CarMadDad]

Long live the king 🤴