G87 · M2

What the G87 Chassis Is

The BMW G87 is the chassis code for the second-generation M2, produced from 2023 to 2026. Built on the same CLAR-based architecture as the G20 3 Series and G42 2 Series, the G87 is the smallest and most focused car in the current M lineup. It borrows heavily from its bigger brother, the M3/M4, sharing the front axle, brakes, cooling, and much of the driveline hardware in a shorter, lighter wheelbase. For enthusiasts, it represents one of the last true rear-wheel-drive, straight-six M cars, and it can be optioned with a genuine six-speed manual transmission—an increasingly rare feature. Decode any example's build details with our VIN decoder, and see how it fits the broader story in our BMW DNA guide.

Models and Body Styles

The G87 is offered exclusively as a two-door coupe in the US market, in two distinct forms:

• M2 Coupe — the core model, available with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic, rear-wheel drive only.
• M2 CS — the harder-edged, lighter, more powerful variant, adding carbon-fiber components, retuned suspension, and sharper track focus.

Unlike the M3 and M4, there is no sedan, convertible, or all-wheel-drive xDrive version of the G87—keeping it purist by design.

Engines and Drivetrains

Every G87 uses the S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, the same fundamental engine found in the M3 and M4. In the standard M2 Coupe it produces strong output; the M2 CS extracts significantly more, backed by revised cooling and calibration. Power routes exclusively to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. This is a meaningful departure from earlier compact M cars—the S58 is a far more sophisticated, higher-output unit than the engines that powered the M2's smaller-displacement predecessors.

Ownership, Strengths, and Weak Points

Owning a G87 is a rewarding experience for drivers who prioritize engagement. Its short wheelbase, powerful engine, and available manual make it one of the most involving new cars BMW sells. The chassis is stiff, the brakes are strong, and the S58 offers considerable tuning headroom.

Prospective buyers should note a few practical realities:

• The styling and squared-off design are polarizing among enthusiasts.
• Firm suspension and short wheelbase make it lively—rewarding but demanding on rough roads.
• As a modern high-performance turbo car, budget for premium tires, brakes, and fluids.

Because the G87 shares so much with the current M3/M4, parts and service knowledge are widely available. Compared to older M platforms like the E60 M5 or the exotic E63 M6, the G87 is a comparatively straightforward, driver-focused proposition—and a likely future collectible in manual and CS form.