The BMW M2 Weight Saga: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Tons
In the world of high-performance cars, where agility and speed reign supreme, the issue of weight is a critical one. As cars evolve, gaining more features and complying with stricter safety regulations, they inevitably pack on the pounds, much to the chagrin of driving enthusiasts. This weight gain is often seen as a compromise, one that manufacturers attempt to offset with more powerful engines. Notorious for crossing into the heavyweights' domain, the second-generation BMW M2, also known as the G87, is under the enthusiasts' microscope.
The acclaimed automotive platform, Top Gear, has added a fresh layer of intrigue and authenticity to the debate over the M2's girth during their in-depth, long-term review. Driving the rear-wheel-drive beast equipped with its eight-speed automatic transmission standard in Europe — with the manual gearbox being a costlier endeavor — they ventured to test BMW's claim. The automaker pegs the automatic M2 at 1,725 kilograms (or a hefty 3,083 pounds), a number that Top Gear confirmed to the dot with their scales, albeit with three-quarters of a tank.
So, how does the M2 G87, with its added bulk, fare against its leaner predecessor, the M2 CS and M2 Competition? Despite packing an additional 100 kilograms (220 pounds), the consensus from Top Gear was surprisingly optimistic. The M2 G87, overshadowed by its well-toned ancestors, manages to retain its agility and speed. It's worth noting that this 'entry-level' M model has grown not just in mass but in dimensions, stretching the very definition of what we consider a compact car.
Looking ahead, BMW enthusiasts have the M2 CS to anticipate next year, touted to feature ample carbon fiber yet unlikely to cut down significantly on the scales. This follows the pattern seen with the recent M4 CS and last year’s M3 CS, where weight reductions were modest at best. The M4 CSL did manage to shed 100 kilograms by ditching the rear seats, highlighting the lengths (or weights) BMW will go to enhance performance. As for the F87 M2, it saw a one-off CSL variant, with no word yet on a G87 successor joining the lineup.
Nevertheless, BMW has plans to expand the M2 G87 family, hinting at an xDrive model expected to arrive by 2026, which could possibly be the heaviest G87 variation. Despite the scale tipping numbers, the M2’s evolution is a testament to BMW’s commitment to balancing legacy and innovation, power and agility. It challenges the notion that more weight necessarily dampens the driving enjoyment, proving that with the right engineering, a car can remain 'properly quick' and nimble.
In the high stakes game of performance versus pounds, the BMW M2 demonstrates that the scale isn't the only measure of a car's worth. The G87 may have bulked up, but its spirit remains as agile as ever, much to the delight of M aficionados everywhere.