BMW M2 TRACK Review: Is The M2 TOO Heavy To Be Fun? | 4K
We've reviewed the M2 on the road, and now it's time to take it on track to see whether this 1.7 ton pocket rocket is actually too heavy to be fun on track.
Find out what your car's worth on Auto Trader. We look at millions of vehicles every day to ensure your valuation is accurate: www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/val...
Looking for your next car? Auto Trader will help make finding your next vehicle easier than ever. Compare expert car reviews and recommendations, and find your perfect car through our official KZhead channel.
Auto Trader: www.autotrader.co.uk
Check back for the latest new car reviews on everything from SUVs to supercars, plus
✅ the latest car reviews
✅ car advice and explainers
✅ used and new car guides
✅ head-to-heads
Subscribe for more from Auto Trader UK: bit.ly/1AqiIny
Want to be the first to see our new videos? Enable notifications
Looking for more inspiration? 🚗
• Auto Trader: www.autotrader.co.uk
• TikTok: / autotraderuk
• Facebook: / autotraderuk
• Twitter: / autotrader_uk
• Instagram: / autotraderuk
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/autotrade...
Auto Trader Limited (Firm Reference Number: 735711) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a credit broker and not a lender. Contract Hire is subject to status and approval and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. You will not own the vehicle. Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply.
It's 200kg heavier than my f82 M4CS, that's simply crazy for M2
It's just not , put your car on a scale with full tank it's around 1650kg , regular M4 f82 is 1670kg.
@@karolmaciejewski340still far too heavy regardless
@@karolmaciejewski340 put the M2 with a full tank on a scale and it will be over 1870 kg.
@@thefridgeman G87 is 1710kg on a scale with full tank, carbon roof and buckets zf8. 1725kg with full tank and heaviest configuration. There's also few videos on KZhead where u can see that.
Don't let facts get in the way of a good story man!
" A face that only a mother could love" ❤️ 😂😂
Spot on with the new CS shaving a tad bit of weight and then calling it a success.
it will probably have cloth door handles, lighter but more uncomfortable seats, deleted rear seats and in the end actually be even heavier than the normal one because of bigger breaks and wheels 😂however, despite the weight they will still somehow manage to make it absolutely fantastic.
Cars weigh more because they are getting bigger I wouldn't be surprised if bmw released a 1 series coupe again probably be electric though
@patrickf2386 Exactly it will be a heavy pig, but everyone will say how great of a job bmw did hiding its massive size!😄
I have to agree 100% with rory. An M2 weighting 1700+kg is way too much for a car like that. That car should have weighted 1400/1500kg max.
Well, it doesn’t seem to matter since the guys at BMW know how to properly hide the weight
1400 is impossible with the regulations now.
@@peterhammer6915i would disagree, specially at that pricepoint. You have the GR86 and the MX5, just to name a couple.
@@MrOriol24 What ? The M2 isn't playing in the same class as the GR86/BRZ and MX-5 loll those two are half the price, half the size, half the power, half the speed etc... Of course a small N/A 4 cylinder engine sports coupe with a fabric roof will be less heavy than an M2 lol ! M2 is 152mm wider, 173mm taller, 665mm longer and 437mm longer wheelbase compared to the MX-5. We gotta stop panicking on the weight stuff. The M2 has the same powertrain, drivetrain, interior, safety feature and tech as the M3/M4 but for a lower price and shorter wheelbase... It will outdrag all the cars in it's class (even the dark horse mustang with all the upgrade packages) (lots of videos out there). It does similar lap times than a supra around a track, and will look and feel classy if you need to drive to an important business meetings or bring a customer to lunch.. It really depends on what you need and what car will meet your requirements. Supra is a terrible daily driver in which I wouldn't drive customers around for lunch time. M2 is simply better at it while still being competitive on track. But if I would only need a fun car for the weekend and trackdays, I'd buy the Supra any day that's for sure,.
M2 all day which is great for everyday driving dynamics with its great infotainment and plush interior. I'd take it again and again
Ok, the weight might not be an issue on track. But tracking a car that heavy will cost you so much in consumables.
Definitely! I have a Honda Integra DC5 Type R and being 600kg less my brakes and tyres last waaaay longer than my friends with E92 M3s which eat them up on track. Yes they have a load more power but they go through consumables 3-4x as fast as I do, and have M tax on top! That V8 is incredible though... I always see M2s on track day but still yet to see this latest one out there.
Add brake cooling ducts for a decrease of wear with 50%
@@8teate maybe, doubt, but there’s more than brakes
@@8teate Tyres and fuel are way more expensive than a set of pads and fluid.
@@damienlee1165 Tyres and fuel are indeed more expensive. However, I don't think there's any better car out there at the moment that combines both street comfort and race capabilities. When driving normally on the public roads, you'll have the most economical M-car of recent history. (taking its power into consideration). 7 liter / 100 km.
No sure what we're seeing here in this video's track demo....just burnouts, drifting, car control and lots of water. I get the UK is wet, but not sure this video meets the expectation of a good track demo. Agreed, the weight of this thing and thanks for saying the heavy weight sucks! Everyone just says it's heavy but it doesn't matter. Weight ALWAYS matters in a sports car. Great analysis on the gearbox choices too. In the end, I still love this car, but I would not use for track duty. Great video, thanks!
Always matters
This guy is a great presenter, I appreciate his honesty, Thato Jericho in South Africa 🇿🇦
Same. Great presenter
The M2 in red or black is a go.
Loving my G87 M2. Coming from a 981 Cayman S. It's a beast. And that S58 ❤
@user-eb7lv3nz4m The Cayman had sharper steering and Yes its mid engine gave it great balance, however the M2 has well over 120 more hp and also has near 50/50 weight balance . It's faster, more comfortable, way more tech, braking is about the same. As for looks., the M2 Ilooks aggressive and mean. The Cayman was curvy and sexy. So even though I loved my Cayman, the M2 is simply more aggressive. A German Muscle car. Also the S58 engine has way more potential than the flat 6 . The Cayman only wins by handling. And barely.
Worth replying to someone who has owned both M2 and Cayman. To many keyboard warriors who have driven neither to validate their points. The 981 Cayman is old tech in comparison to the new M2 although the incredible chassis and flat 6 engine mask this very well and anyone jumping into one and having a blast through Snowdonia or Peak district would not be disappointed. On the type of track Rory is testing this M2 on the extra weight would make little difference given the power,suspension and tyres the M2 has. I bought the 4.0 GTS Cayman 6 months ago and having driven the M2 also can say both are outstanding drivers cars with slightly different strengths. M2 is a more in your face instrument with great power on tap instantly and chassis that masks the 1700kg weight very well. The Cayman has a free revving power delivery that really shines above 4k. I chose PDK above manual as it really is the best gearbox around and makes the most of the engine characteristics.The chassis remains sublime. Having put 2k miles on spirited Sunday road trips and Porsche track day can honestly say it is best small sports car out there,. If the Alpine had more 50-75hp more power then the gap would be closer as that has great driving dynamics and 300kg less weight. The M2 is probably the last of the small ice M cars and having option of manual box to be celebrated despite the subjective looks, although personally think it's aggressive stance is well suited to the overall package. Enjoy yours Scotty
I actually traded my 981 Cayman S for my F87 M2 a few years ago and do enjoy it more 🍻 enjoy!
Another previous Cayman S owner here with a 2023 M2 now in the driveway. Both are brilliant cars, and I have learned to enjoy the different dynamics of driving they have to offer. I for one will never complain about having first world problems😉😉 Aloha nui all
Selling a Cayman for an M2. The world had gone mad 😢
Love the review. Just a correction regarding the brakes on the G8X cars, the rear brake hardware is a single piston floating caliper, not the 4 piston fixed caliper you stated. (those were fitted to the F8X generation) Your face replicates much of the emotions I run through while going sideways at the track with it - joy with intermittent moments of confusion and even terror - which is fun!
Yeah I came here to say the same when I heard it. I think the trend of new cars putting ugly floating single piston calipers on the rears is apalling.
@@marked_one was pretty surprised to see it on an M5CS. I'll say they work just fine but the visual balance is way off, even with the large rear rotors.
@@nodrogkam yeah they do work, I believe they do it because of the automatic e brake, but they just look awful, especially compared to the previous generation. I hate that they are just cast, with 0 finishing touches so you can see the roughness of the cast through the paint. I believe they should have 2 separate rear callipers, especially on something like the M5
@@marked_one I do agree with you. But here I am…an owner of a G87. Haha
@@nodrogkam you're braver than me, I wouldn't trade my f87 m2c for any modern BMW
Rory you’re great, love your reviews. Nice work fella
Coming from my X4m40i, it feels light lol. I went with the 6MT. I do not track the car, as much as I want to. There is just no where to go where I live. I also lease. The 6MT makes no sense for the track and is absolutely slower on the street as well. However, it is such different experience. I have not driven manuals my whole life, so when I get in it everyday , there is like a sense of occasion. It is very satisfying nailing shifts and mastering the gearbox. Even though it is not the greatest gearbox in the world. I think both are fantastic options, it's just a matter of what you are looking to get out of the car. It's really nice to have the option
Hi mate I tracked mine manual around Phillip island gp circuit it was fantastic manual was ace and I loved every lap I did. Cars a weapon and fast as any guy can drive. So for those who don’t like driving enjoy your Tesla. M2 is unreal and looks tough especially after adding accessories to them.
Nice review Rory. There is a line for this car at my dealership, of 20-30 people since last year!!!
1.7 tones, that's crazy. Are they using Cybertruck's panels on this car?
Lol
Watching previous episode and this just drop. 🔥
3:55 - 4:23 my exact thought ever since the day they presented this car!!! Other than that I find it completely fine, but I can't help but think there must those bricks hidden somewhere in the chassis
Another great review 👍. We may have lost Top Gear but we have Rory so all is well !
I just traded my Porsche for this car. It's frickn amazing.
There’s an identical one on the BMW forecourt I walk past every day, and can’t deny the looks are growing on me.
Fantastic review as always my friend. Although the GM2 doesn't have 4 pot callipers on the rear, it has single piston floating callipers on the rear. BMW went cheap on the rear in order to have an electronic E brake.
the best M2 i have ever driven, and i've driven far too many. mine in all black is stunning, and its faster than 460 hp. very smart analogy on your part
Funny and energetic review, salute Rory!
Beautiful and fun BMW M2 I like the big screen in the dashboard.
Hire companies at the Nurburgring have been dropping the G series m cars due to cost of brakes and tyres due to the weight.
That interior screen looks like a last minute cobble job.
All you haters are hilarious. Can you even afford one? The one in my garage looks sounds and drives better than any car I've owned.
@@therealgelogist I used to be a BMW fan, but as they've become more focused on luxury accoutrements than performance they've lost me as a potential customer. Oh, their 6-cyl engines are still powerful, but the cars are too large, heavy and expensive, plus their recent designs are polarizing (I don't like them. At all). To your point about your M2 driving better than any car you've owned, I'd say you haven't owned an Alfa Romeo Giulia.
@@therealgelogist we stare at screens all day long, why would I want a giant one in my car? they didnt even bother too integrate it into dash properly, just added a little kickstand to prop it up and call it a day, hahah enjoy your lego car you $helled our your money for, (btw ppl are cringing when they see this thing driv by)
Nice Sub Rory, i see your Rolex collection, beautiful review, as always!!!
Rory what do you think of the bmw 240i x drive ? Maybe a better daily been out for 2-3 years so a fuck loads cheaper and a B58 😄
I test drove one today....holy hell, that was the most fun I've ever had. Seriously...I'm ordering one for summer 😂
I had a 2020 M2C and now the 2023 M2. I loved them both but my heart is mostly with the new M2. What I get a kick out of are the fan boys dissing the looks of the new M2. I have had many people come up to me in gas stations and parking lots telling me how much they love the car. I just smile when I see the social media comments. 🤣🤣🤣
Same story here. Owned OG M2, now I have G87 such a great car much better than F87. Non of my previous cars received so many thumbs up from random people.
Yep, Rory's reviews are the best. And indeed, say it again, the new BMW M2 right now is the best car in the world! Full Stop! Value for money nothing comes close. And! It looks fantastic! Real design. Brilliant. Thanks Rory!
I love how fun and good looking the M2 is. Change is definitely difficult but BMW made this choice easy.
I really like this new M2 , hard to find more complete package in this price range.
For the naysayers...y'all are missing out. :) Great video!
Quick answer - No, not too heavy to be fun! Don’t believe me, get off the interwebs and go take a BMW 2-Day M School at a Performance Center. Guaranteed you’ll walk away very impressed with this one, the M3/M4 and the M5. They are all ridiculously fun and capable. Is this, better looking or more fun than XXXXX, well, you decide and buy what you want.
Beautiful design
I’ve liked it from day one 😮 (from an M2C owner).
Previous M3 and M2’s have always had a raw driver focused feel to them. It’s what set them apart from the other German sports coupes and saloons. It’s definitely been lost with the latest models. Definitely a better day to day car but a lot of people preferred the old school feel, I doubt any new cars will have that again.
Drive one, put it in sport plus and you will change your mind are they heavier yes but they are absolute beasts.
@@SaulFein I have is nothing like the previous e/f series m cars when it comes to driver involvement. The G series has gained a lot of weight, more sound insulation, quieter exhaust, drive by wire braking, larger dimensions and a bunch of annoying driver aids.
@@lloyd.8272 I think you are wrong when it comes to driver involvement the newer cars are a lot faster in a straight line and around the track and the chasis in the new cars are even better. The power band of the new engines are better. Watch Chris Harris drive his new g87 and what he says about it. I have been driving a manual F87 on track a bit and the car is fantastic, but my manual G series is on another level as far as performance goes it's got more muscle and just feels more capable.
Total respect to the Germans, it is another sales hit, regardless of looks and weight. UK buyer’s can’t give them their cash fast enough.
Best looking modern BMW
4:10 He is the only reviewer thats worked out German BMW marketing, they are finessing people lol I would love to know how much people have spent on their German car ownership just to go from A to B like any other car
That question is for poor people!!
@@duffydon1741 Here in Britain most people finance/lease their cars and pretend as though they bought it outright and claim to be rich !!
@@blazzz13 if they can afford monthly payments on those cars, they are not poor!
@@duffydon1741 They are leveraged else they wouldn't be able to drive those cars. They certainly don't own them- you sound hurt that I'm telling it as it is 🤣
LOVE this car
People say a manual is bad for the track all the time my question is when you go to the track are you racing competitively or just setting lap times? If you are racing get the auto if you are just trying to have fun and set a good lap get the manual it is just better.
Simply elegant
Lowkey admiring Rory's no date Submariner...
Same
It performs better than it looks 👌
Is this the old Top gear track ? 🤔
it is a lie that such weight is possible not to feel it on the road. only those who have not driven light cars believe this
😂 "Partly cos you dont see the car" 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Good review of M2
0:19 dope hoodie
"All about track driving" then proceeds to drift and drive in a way that most track marshals will ask you to leave... ok, that's not really being fair in this clip due to the slippery conditions but I'd bet that there would've still been plenty of sideways tyre-burning action if the track was bone dry. It's a car review channel after all 🙂
Always thought BMW designed their cars with a mid cycle refresh already done so the first gens are not really finished designs.
They look so much better in the flesh !
Bet if you could buy an aftermarket version of that front end for the old M135i or 40 they'd fly off the shelves
Do any of the planes work?
Black helps this car out a lot
True 😂
Top car ❤
Sad to see the grounded B747… 😢..Queen of the sky..❤
Yo RORY, You're the goat
i live in the UK and it doesn't even rain very often. New York gets twice the rainfall of London!
I find that hard to believe...
@@ShannonSouthAfrica google it !!!
Its like they grease the tarmac to improve the drift-factor on car-test day...
i think the looks have grown on most, especially when you add the m performance kit / carbon extras
No, it's still ugly.
@@rlsedition cool
Don't speak for others when you think you know better, but in fact you are just blind.
@@jkliao6486 No, I speak for myself and put my money where my mouth is and bought an actual good looking sedan, an Alfa Romeo Giulia.
@@rlsedition I should have replied to the other person to avoid confusion. I, myself, also thought M2 was ugly when it was launched, and still think it's ugly up to this day, and most likely for the foreseeable future.
mm can u stick the m2 engine into the bmw 2 door Ti hatch now that would be fun lol
Very nice car and worth driving
Looks fun AF. I'm more in the 230i range😊
Nice car ❤
I hated the new G series M3/M4 and the M2 when it came out … I mean HATED the look. Funny how things change with time. Now I think they look fantastic. So, so aggressive. With the right style add ons too like splitters and side skirts etc, I think it’s a bloody fantastic looking car now. So angry and aggressive!
You should look up Pavlov's dog
I need your hoodie, Rory
And auto is better for everyday driving especially with today’s traffic congestion 😢
I'd love BMW to put this engine and mechanicals in a Z4m at least then many would be able to get past the looks
I think it looks clean…but how does it weigh the same? So is the m4 lighter than it should be 🤨…reminds me of cbr 600 and 954rr
F87 M2 comp also weights the same as F82 M4
nice watch
Previous gen M2 comp weights also the same as F82 M4 that is 1655kg with full tank since this is how bmw weights their cars now. G87 with full tank is 1725kg. If you order track pack with carbon roof and buckets its 1710kg , to heavy? Yes, but only 55kg heavier than F87 M2 competition...
This
Still, an M2 should not weight more than 1500kg. And the CS weighting 1400 when it vomes out. 1700kg is unacceptable for a car like that
@@MrOriol24 agree but that's how it is with modern luxurious sport cars not much we can do.
Add a carbon hood and Liteblox or antigrafity battery and you end up below 1700 kg.
@@8teate or MT
I actually like the new look.... todays futuristic thin lights have been overused and I'm tired of them...these boxy looks gives me a feeling of nostalgia....I just don't like the speed, rev limiters....not fair you spending 60k on a car and told what to do with it....
Weight with new m cars has nothing to do with being fun or being fast around the corner. They are good. But doing it for a long period of time is a different story. Brake parts and tyre running cost (especially they are btoo big and wide but here you go traction) will be in the air running it for it’s purpose for years.
Performance first, always.
Great presentation. But could display the numbers you are saying on the screen. Sometimes you talk too fast
get the automatic if you want a manual fr inline 6 turbo car get the supra toyota fixed the bmw rubber gear linkage and shorten the final ratio so it alot more close ratio.
@1:00 I do not think Bosch will be happy the way you used their brand name.
those super wide tyres help with the weight, super wide at the front
Bmw is a real champion
Only a mother can love looks. What .? I think itsthe better looking out ofthe new ones . Love the front
Chris Harris said it best, "if you don't feel the weight who cares?" The faster you drive the G87 the less weight you feel as in all M cars. It's engineered that way on purpose which is why the car feels so much more planted than the F87. Some people get so obsessed with the weight of modern cars not thinking that it's there for a reason. Also, don't forget the G87 is essentially an G82 M4 so of course they will weigh about the same since they share all the same parts.
When the Nissan GTR first arrived people complained why the GTR is so damn heavy. A Nissan engineers responded by saying it was to help aid in traction and stability. It makes sense, I used to drive a 450whp S2000 and during high speeds and corners at the track it doesn't feel anywhere as stable as my stock G87 M2.
@@patc8653 Exactly.
This is no where near the capabilities of a GTR. Not in the same category lol
@@apthashooter860 Never capable as a GTR.. I said the G87 M2 could be using its heavier weight to aid with stability like the Nissan GTR. Reading comprehension is not you best asset I see..🤧
@@apthashooter860 who said m2 equals to GTR? This is about the common point of both cars: WEIGHT. And people complaining it like cars in the past are the only things that's good because of weight metrics
how does this way more than a e60 5 series?
The rear of the car looks so futuristic, just dont like the square looking front grill, best looking bmw after the f80
Is the M2 almost 40k€ more fun than a GR86?
How long did does it take to learn to drive like that.
"A face only a mother could love" and "A backside the Obstetrician would slap!"
People who say a heavy car isnt an issue have clearly never driven a lightweight car on track.
should i go for the porsche macan gts or mercedes gle 53 coupe
Why'd u want a SUV, are you a soccer mom?
No but like the roads in my country are really horrible for a low driving sedan or anything sporty
@@cosmic-due2607 unlucky bro, well in that case if you enjoy driving quick, I'd have the Porsche as it does a better job of pretending to be a sportscar.
Wait for the M2 Competition.
Why is Rory driving a compact m4 chassis? I’ll take an n55 m2 over this any day
That kick took me out
Fun one
I think weight is the least of its concerns. I mean look at it!
UK weather sucks😢.
Eisenmann exhaust fixed the sound challenges….love my manual version!
Great review I love the look of it one of the best looking BMW's a long with the M3 Touring.
think last gen lci looked better than this, but i really dont understand people who dont like the look of this thing
I really like it to, completely don't get the hate
@@lhmocs6368 The large, rectangular openings in the front fascia look silly and don't complement the rest of the exterior.
@@rlsedition ehh, it's boxy overall so I'd say it fits the design well, wether it looks good is debatable of course
@@lhmocs6368 Let's just say the new M2 is not a paragon of design which will be largely forgotten in a few years.
Styling is not for me… even in the flesh. Just like the M3 and M4, they heavy them up, so weight savings for the CS versions looks more impressive, with next to no effort on their part.
I don't get how the emissions are worse on the manual version 🤔
Autos beat manual for mpg years ago. They're just more efficient now with the additional gears. But of course manual still wins for driver engagement.