The G87 M2 offers something increasingly rare in 2026: a genuine choice between a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed torque converter automatic. Both are paired with the same S58 twin-turbo inline-six making 453 horsepower. But the driving experience — and ownership proposition — differs more than you might expect.
Performance Numbers
The automatic M2 reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds; the manual takes 4.2 seconds. Quarter-mile times follow the same pattern: 12.1 vs. 12.5 seconds. The automatic is objectively faster in every measurable metric, thanks to quicker shift times and launch control capability.
The Driving Experience
Numbers don't tell the full story. The manual M2 provides a level of driver engagement that the automatic simply cannot replicate. The shifter is one of BMW's best — short throws with a mechanical precision that rewards heel-toe downshifts. Rev-matching can be toggled on or off. The clutch pedal has a progressive feel with a clear bite point.
The automatic, meanwhile, transforms the M2 into a more versatile machine. In Comfort mode, it's a smooth daily driver. In Sport Plus, the shifts are aggressive and immediate. The paddles behind the wheel are well-positioned and responsive.
Resale Value
Historically, manual M cars command a premium on the used market. The E46 M3, E90/E92 M3, and F87 M2 all trade for significantly more in manual form. With BMW likely discontinuing manual transmissions after this generation, the G87 manual is positioned to become a future collectible.
Our Recommendation
If the M2 is a weekend car or second vehicle, buy the manual — you'll never regret the engagement it provides. If it's your only car and you commute in traffic, the automatic's versatility is hard to argue against. Either way, you're buying one of the last great analog M cars.