The TRUTH about living with a McLaren Artura and BMW M2

Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel have spent the last few months living with two of 2024's most sought-after sports cars. So what's it like using a G87 BMW M2 or McLaren Artura as your daily driver?
Our M2 is finished in Zandvoort Blue with a manual gearbox. Its twin-turbo six-cylinder engine produces 454bhp - a significant uplift in power compared to the previous M2 Competition. Meanwhile, our Ember Orange Artura represents the start of a new era for McLaren Automotive. It has a new hybrid powertrain, a new rear suspension configuration and, unlike previous McLarens, a limited-slip differential.
Dan and Andrew describe what the cars are like to drive and how they slot into everyday life.
Read our BMW M2 and McLaren Artura long-termer swap story - www.the-intercooler.com/libra...
0:00 Introduction
0:41 BMW M2
7:13 McLaren Artura
14:42 Conclusion
#bmw #bmwm2 #mclaren
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[@wexxexbest]

One thing I don’t understand why people do is configure the M buttons the way they do. It’s in standard comfy mode without pressing anything. So I have my M4 configured this way. M1 button all comfort accept the engine in “loud” (race). M2 butting all settings in race/ track or whatever it’s called

[@Billywoo12]

I have the G87 Manual in Sydney Australia (standard seats), absolutely love it. Even as a daily commuter it works brilliantly - and it's quick!

[@My_Auto_Chronicles]

Dealers are doing £40k Artura 'contributions'. At less than a new turbo s they are a tempting proposition.

[@lucaduina2781]

Has McLaren gotten on top of the reliability issues with the Artura? I know a 911 doesn't have the "exotic" factor, but having something that works consistently is nice.

[@leeg131313]

@@lucaduina2781 If you get a new one now, yeah

[@jasonruch3529]

Wish theys do that in the states....

[@karolmaciejewski340]

I really like G87 amazing all rounder, looks better than M3 and M4 imo

[@snazzy698]

After listening to like 50 episodes of the podcast at work while doing bodywork... I finally discovered the YT channel. Its amazing.

[@TheyCallMePDub]

lol same!

[@Under_Construction100]

More of these car review videos, please Dan. I think you're one of the best car reviewers out there and i've followed your videos in every channel you've been in.

[@DM-MayBee]

Great video and a wonderful and truthful insight into two very very desirable cars, thank you both .............. Hoping my Lotto ticket turns up a winner tonight !! ......... Then I will have to decide which car is on my drive next week.

[@shaheenevans]

Thanks Dan, really enjoy the long term reviews and how the M2 fits into your daily life with the family whilst still having fun !

[@JerryCarterJr-kg7hq]

You nailed the review of the Artura. I’ve had my Artura for 7 months and I love how it starts in electric mode when I leave early in the morning. Plus on the highway there is zero turbo lag particularly when accelerating from 70 mph

[@jameswillard1]

How has the car been as far as build quality? Is it a tight with no squeaks or rattles? I’ve owned 2 McLaren’s and love the way they drive and am thinking about an Artura

[@JerryCarterJr-kg7hq]

@@jameswillard1 build quality is good. Couple of glitches that have been fixed.

[@popeyepanther4519]

I started subscibing due to the following fact: I like the setup with discussion between the 2 of you. Its great. There is scruteny behind the process. Which is also great. Thanks for a good video.

[@ScottJordanSeVCEO]

Great content. I just signed up for newsletter today

[@joetacchino4470]

Dan, the car defaults to all comfort. No need to use an M button on it. Use M1 for “sportier” and m2 for “full kill”. Then press one of the buttons twice to go back to all comfort. Also, get someone with Bimmercode to turn off, FULLY OFF, all the fake interior noise. It’s SO much better.

[@DennisYT]

I always get annoyed when someone has a m button for comfort. Just press the damn button twice and your back to normal 😂. Only weird thing in my M2C pressing the button twice puts everything in comfort except the steering, that stays in sport.

[@ianwoodvine5558]

Was looking closely at an Artura at the track the other day, oh boy, they are GORGEOUS - the detail of the exterior and the quality of the interior is stunning ❤❤❤

[@andrewprice9444]

BMW sport seats with the manual box takes the M2 to another level.. it is then perfect . As you say, if the M2 is your only car , the regular seats more sensible but then might as well get the very nice auto box ..

[@ZeeBri]

Great video! Speaking of a daily driver for Dan, does he still have his Golf GTI?

[@evans5172]

The M2 is the nicest

[@gavinsullivan9015]

Lottery win and I’m in a McLaren. Prefer a 750s but I’ll take the Artura! As a daily tho a plug in hybrid you can charge at home is where it’s at for me. Quiet and easy when you want it to be, fast when you want it to be. Lovely.

[@Metal05]

What I find amazing by these car manufacturers, is that they will give them to a you tube “journalist” to tell us what we think we want, yet if I want to actually spend my hard earned cash on a performance car, the best I can get is a 4 mile round trip from the dealer and back. That’s a big if as well because not all of these dealers have the performance cars on hand. I know because I’ve tried to have a longer test drive in an RS4, but if I want to buy one, I have to sit next to a kid out of nappies for a few miles.🤷🏼

[@andrewhurstcars]

That’s because press cars are generally owned by the manufacturer/ head office, whereas test cars for customers are owned by the dealership who have to fund them. (Aside from direct selling like Mercedes business model where the manufacturer funds demo cars).

[@Tracertme]

I know how you feel, I learned long ago I can’t buy any car from a new car dealer because they are all full of so much BS and lack of general product knowledge. When I did get an RS6 for a weekend, the young salesman got replaced and told of by his boss and they never followed up with me, so I ended up buying it elsewhere 🤷‍♂️😂 they really don’t know how to do a deal. In a Porsche dealership they told me I needed to sign the purchase contract first, it’s how they work.. so I laughed and walked out, never to go back again, their loss not mine…❤

[@TheLukanda]

Frankel is one of the most respected automotive journalists on planet Earth. Prosel has been writing for almost 20 years. Get your facts straight mate.

[@Metal05]

@@TheLukanda what facts are they? Just posting out there are no cars for people to test that ACTUALLY want to buy them because they are all given away to you tube people. Doesn’t matter how long they have been writing about cars for! Dealers used to give extended test drives for serious buyers, I know I used to work for Audi for 15 years. They would come from Audi UK press fleet. They don’t offer this service anymore. 🤷🏼

[@TheLukanda]

​@@Metal05From a website: "Quotation marks can be used to show sarcasm. More specifically, they can be used to convey the idea of "so-called," "alleged," or "supposed."". There you go mate. They really are brilliant journalists. And I assume you share the same opinion, and have probably read some of their work given you're commenting on their channel. Nothing more. Be well. Cheers.

[@Barryeggingbode]

good job fellas

[@erbterb]

It sounds certain mclaren owners would like a 750ET version instead of a LT. E as in electric boost with a longer wheelbase for lower centre of gravity. My idea is that an owner can choose different electric boost characteristics. 1. A low end artura-like version to get a more predictable cornering-gas pedal response instead of lag and frantic acceleration. 2. A midrange boost 2.1 sharp boost peak (old school turbo) 2.2 gradual boost (for retirees and people with pacemakers) 3 high end boost. Here I am unsure what the benefit would be, though. The more modes the better? So you read it here first: ET-versions with extraterrestial performance.

[@bcvijasiu]

I wish you guys could drive an IS500 and compare it to the M2. I would love to hear your thoughts about the IS500 and between it and the M2. You are welcome to come to the States and drive my IS500 for the test.

[@paulk4534]

Artura is an excellent McLaren. The McLaren reliability has come a long way.

[@stanmarks3950]

How long will it take BMW to redesign the front end of this M2 ? I found it staggering that this company (with its heritage) would allow this design to go through. Unfortunately they are stuck with this excessive platform weight handicap. The are plenty of new M2's being offered for sale, which is not surprising. I would love to hear any comment on Artura's reliability/quality issues that may have come up during Andrew Frankel custody experience. Despite my pre conceived opinions, these gentleman did manage to make me want to experience these 2 cars.

[@DevelDogg48]

Looks good to me 🤷🏾‍♂️ good enough that I bought one. People said the MkV Supra was hideous, same with the G82. You’ll get over it. I believe in you.

[@dair919]

Ugly car. Much prefer the previous M2.

[@DevelDogg48]

@@dair919 That’s fine. Buy an F87 then.

[@jameswillard1]

I wouldn’t expect a redesign on the front end, the car has large square radiators for cooling and that is one of the reasons it looks the way it does. And secondly, despite everyone constantly saying how ugly the new M3/M4/M2 are, they sell better than they ever have so apparently the styling isn’t hindering sales

[@johnnyboy1586]

My favorite bmw is the m3 touring, the do every thing car😊

[@smiffyLevel6]

The main problem is the McLaren quality control and the problems the Artura has had getting into production it’s been delayed at least 2 years? No one wants or needs the Artura unfortunately.

[@Rog6765]

Jonathan needs the M3 Touring.

[@js002003]

damn, this was close to being my garage but went with a 911 turbo instead of the artura.

[@scottjacobsen2889]

So tell us all, what do you have to go back to???

[@Boostlagg]

I want the m3 but i just cant with the styling. I’m going with a rs3.

[@09juliancarr]

Still, once the BMW has gone, you won't need to look at the outside every time you go up to it....

[@anonimushbosh]

The M2 as a 3dr wagon would be absolutely ridonculous. Driven everywhere with back seats down for max bonus points!!

[@JDMism]

Love your work but I think the capitalized “TRUTH” thing has jumped the SEO shark. Enjoyed the video though, please continue uploading them ❤

[@flat6croc]

I simply do not understand how BMW can't give the M2 a good shift. It's not hard to achieve in the broad scheme and it's not expensive, either. It's so offputting because of what it says about the psychology of the company and its priorities with the M2. As for the McLaren, well, it's like all modern McLarens. Conceptually it's all wrong, it's architected for luxury goods buyers and influencers not driving enthusiasts. It's all turbos and paddles and hybrid gunk. Great for delivering numbers, but you'd never set out with that core configuration if what you really cared about is the driving experience. Net result? The madness that is a quarter million pound sports car with a not actually very exciting engine. It's a quarter of a million quid, it ought to have an absolutely thrilling, life-affirming engine! McLaren do some very good things in driving terms and with the fine tuning within the limitations that they make for themselves. It's as good a farty, paddle-shifting turbo hybrid thing as it can reasonably be. But there's only so much you can do with a farty turbo lump, paddles and the hybrid gear! It's never going to have a musical, razor-sharp engine with a high-rev crescendo. The transmission is never going to be involving. Etc etc. Just imagine what Mclaren could manage if they actually configured a model primarily to be a great driver's car? It would be stunning. They have all the talent and the know how. But the product planning is super depressing. Up to a point it probably has to be that well to sell the cars. But at the same time I suspect there's also a market for something like a manual 500 series with the turbos taken off the 4.0 V8, the rev limit upped a bit and about 500hp. It would be a bit simpler and probably lighter than the turbo 500 series models. Needn't be a hair shift device, just much more involving and with much better throttle response, power delivery and soundtrack, plus the involvement of a manual box. What a thing it would be. Oh well.

[@neilgaydon5430]

Probably the last supercar that meets your brief is a manual Ferrari f430 coupe

[@flat6croc]

@@neilgaydon5430 Original V10 R8 technically ticks the boxes. But it's a bit remote to drive. I think the last of the manual Gallardos post date the 430? Haven't driven a Gallardo. A 430, I just couldn't. Too hideous and the Ferrari brand image is offputting, too, though I would suck that up if I actually wanted one of the cars. A manual 458 would be interesting, that's for sure!

[@neilgaydon5430]

@@flat6croc Understood. One man’s meat is another’s poison. After 5 X 911’s incl. a Turbo S and other brands I have a beautiful manual f430 and carbon bucket seats where you wear the car. Utterly immersive, sound, and drivers road car. Peak analog Ferrari and last V8 manual. The 458 was the design platform for the auto, computer driven generations going forward; but never to be a manual. A manual f430 is the juncture between old school with modern fast performance and new school reliability, daily and enjoyment. Gallardo and R8 you can keep as neither Lamborghini and Audi have the racing DNA that you feel and hear over every inch of tarmac in a manual f430. Get one while you can as enjoyment, thrills, rarity, and values are only going one way.

[@rogerpayne5336]

I don't like either car if I'm honest. The looks of the m2 is weird ( front / back ) and the weight is crazy for a 2 door sports Coupe while the looks of the artura leave's me freezing cold. In this review the v6 sounds strained on the over-run. Yes , they're fast performance cars but everything is fast these days so the speed means nothing......Nice video

[@EvoraGT430]

McLarens are basically Lotus turned up to 12, which can only be amazing. Most of the engineers are ex-Lotus.

[@ricsu3462]

Pple worry about reliability and long term ownership costs on McLarens, and now let’s add hybrid to the mix….. this thing def needs more time to be proven if u want to own it past warranty period, and mechanics to catch up to the hybrid systems… driving capability was never the issue. Let’s hope its depreciation stays within 50% by 5th yr

[@JD2ndcity]

Why would you buy an M2 over a Quadrifoglio?

[@iyzyz]

Because I want a car that works properly.

[@williamk1800]

I love my FL5 Type R, but wouldnt say no to having an M2 daily driver instead if finances allowed.

[@jameswillard1]

I did the opposite went from G87 M2 to FL5 and they are both great cars. The Civic is actually a better drivers car but the M2 was a more preferable daily

[@williamk1800]

@@jameswillard1 Was your G87 a ZF-8speed? I do really like how much cargo the FL5 can haul though.

[@jameswillard1]

@@williamk1800 no manual in the M2. The gearbox (surprisingly to me) was much better than previous BMW’s and other M2’s I’d owned, including an M2 CS

[@Dulc3B00kbyBrant0n]

no need to use the touch screen unless you havent set up your car with an email so it remembers ur setup

[@davesaunders1573]

I own a G87 M2 with a manual. It’s my daily and only car. Ive owned a 1M for many years before that. No the new M2 isn’t stunning in the looks department, no it doesn’t steer like the analog 1M (best modern BMW steering IMO). However for 65k base… there is NO other car on sale today that gives you more bang for your buck. It’s drivability even as a manual is unmatched and it will spank a Cayman GTS for $90+k perhaps everywhere but a track. Also the power figures are severely underrated. This feels every bit of a 500hp car. Also oddly the gearbox is different and improved over the G80 M3 which is a very true BMW sloshbox. Just my 2 cents from a person who’s owned many BMWs and daily drives this manual G87.

[@edwardvickers5506]

I test drove the manual and the auto a few weeks back and thought it was savage. Never been into BMW but was severely tempted. Just waiting for the new mustang to come over to try that out.

[@kevinmcg6747]

I do agree in many ways, more so with dealers offering discounts it's actually interesting on a value for money basis. I had one on deposit and test drove it with a view to buying it as an ex-M2C owner and I was impressed. The fly in the ointment, I test drove an Alpine A110 and suddenly found a car that was fun instead of brutal, that could give you an amazing B road blast without the fear of going to jail. It is no doubt slower, less well built and less well optioned than a G series M2, BUT, the driver in me loved it and it's now sat on the drive. I will say had I bought the M2 I'm sure I would've been equally happy, just in a different way. (PS I'm an old duffer with a grown up family so a decent boot, rear seats etc are way down the priority list :) ) Enjoyed the obvious enthusiasm in your comment tho! Long may us drivers continue to exist :)

[@karolmaciejewski340]

G87 is faster around the track then cayman GTS,there are few head 2 head track comparisons on yt one with Rubens Barrichello driving them both and he was faster in M2

[@popeyepanther4519]

Oh!! The M2 looks massive next to the Artura. Thats a shame......weight is definitely an issue...

[@EvoraGT430]

500 Kgs heavier ?!?!?

[@dair919]

I'm sure the beemer is stupid fast and technically better than the previous version.... I'm certain of it. However, I cannot and will not ever get over the styling and overall size of it. All that tech and that stupid screen is a major put off for me. I'd take the previous versions of the M2 over this, every day of the week.

[@Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

Just wish the M2 wasn’t so heavy…

[@Bmontepeque11]

There's only one solution for the M2's preposterous mass and lack of feel, and it's called GR 86.

[@HenzPowell]

Is the camera man ok?

[@maggotpudding]

Honestly, I couldn't live with the M2's looks and the fact that it weighs about 1,8 tonnes. Furthermore the fact that it shares it's chassis with the M4, in my mind kinda, makes it crummier and less desirable. If one were in market for small fast saloon/coupe I'd just get the newest old one and if need be give it a tune up. Added benefit of that would be that it lack the very newest beeping atrocities.

[@chrisclark7181]

Hilarious because my wife & I were doing this exact thing today, searching for the latest previous M2. We had a 2024 rental car for the last weeks, christ almighty it was annoying.

[@chrisplummer9639]

Oh that's a bummer. In the states we got lucky and I don't have that issue here. I heard it's able to be defeated in some sort of user settings and won't come back on as long as your MY BMW account is active with your phone/key. Annoying that's how they decided to go about it.

[@Trochanus]

When you drove a G M2, you won't look back in driving a f series M. Its better in every metric. The beeps are easily removed with bimmercode... So no worry about this.

[@karolmaciejewski340]

​@@Trochanus 100% agree I had both and G87 is miles better car.

[@kevinmcg6747]

@@Trochanus Yep as an ex M2C owner I have to agree, the G series demolishes it in every area with the exception of looks - sadly that does play a big part.

[@thatlamborghiniguy5826]

I'd take the artura over the M2, it's just more my kind of car

[@plamenkostov1301]

Hm, an M2 makes sense if you have a family, need the space for the kid, bits and pieces... Would you still buy it if you do not need the space

[@jackkramer3884]

250k is bonkers money. I'd save a fortune and take an Emira any day. And it's better looking too.

[@classicnutt6444]

Buy an emira and an m2 and still have change 😁

[@markoon139]

That Mclaren smell he's talking about is all of the electronics failing and going bad

[@makk2042]

Is that your personal experience?

[@berndblabla4249]

V6 lol

[@Mikezagato15]

Plug waaay to long

[@quickrich1194]

Such a shame the M2 was ruined visually. M4 and M3 grew on lots of people but the M2 is just not any better in real life either

[@karolmaciejewski340]

I like M2 design much more then M3/4

[@paulcs2607]

@@karolmaciejewski340 Agree. I think it’s a Chris Bangle thing. Near me is one of his 5 series estates and it look fresh and rather wonderful.

[@jonathancollard3710]

M2 may have amazing engineering but a 10 year old could do better aesthetics with Minecraft 😮

[@tris7]

1800kg!!!!!! 😂 no thanks

[@martinslocombe2288]

Why are modern BMWs so ugly , my 2018 3 series touring is much prettier .

[@wheelwrightpl9429]

BMW looks monstrously large and ugly, compared to the petite, sleek McLaren !

[@skyyameYT]

One is a $250k supercar and the other is a $60k 4 seater?

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

I think you have it backwards

[@G82Watts]

Maybe that color? But I've seen one amongst traffic on the road and it looks wide and muscular. Looks unique and special. I personally like it alot.

[@datdudeinred]

That bmw looks far far better than many cars & Infact i like it much more than this mclaren

[@tacom0nsta658]

Designed in minecraft

[@mickq1285]

Jesus, what is going on nowadays? Yep use your touchscreens & ignore the road. The carbon buckets are fantastic. Woke, woke, woke, woke......arrrrggghhhh.

[@ianminter7822]

You have no idea what woke means...

[@macjones2988]

These two cars do not belong in same sentence, let alone anything else. One is an entry level 'supercar' the other is a modded saloon.

[@maggotpudding]

That's not really the point of this video I don't think. Just facts about the every day living with these two cars.

[@eugenux]

I'd wish also for to you belong to this audience

[@Krasshirsch]

The M2 is such an ugly car, it's mindboggling this got greenlit into production. But then even the Pontiac Aztek went into production ...

[@duncanfindlay3227]

What are you talking about,? the M2 interior is soul crushingly awful .

[@sem3p]

BMW seems to try very hard to make the car as ugly as possible, inside and out.

[@darrenfletcher1876]

The uggliest bmw ever build