BMW’s M division has grown considerably lately, because of SUVs, M-lite fashions and electrified automobiles. Certainly, it achieved a gross sales file in 2023 with 202,530 deliveries, propelled by the best-selling all-electric i4 M50. That mentioned, BMW M’s total standing continues to be formed by the extra typical and hardcore automobiles, significantly the M2 (G87)/M3 (G80)/M4 (G82) triumvirate.
In fact, all three of them share elements, together with the S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, so prospects are likely to cross-shop. Nonetheless, doing that might not be straightforward or simple given the similarities. Therefore, on this article we’re going to consider M2/M3/M4 and confirm which mannequin is finest for which kind of purchaser.
M2 for the Enjoyable Issue
The S58 within the M2 produces 473 horsepower, permitting the coupe to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. It’s obtainable in each guide and computerized transmissions, which ship the ability to the rear wheels. As a result of the M2 is smaller than the M4, it is usually extra agile and nimble, making for a extra entertaining driving expertise. In truth, when it comes to dealing with and dimensions, the M2 reminds us of the 1M and it’s no shock that the previous has taken house prestigious awards just like the MotorTrend 2024 Efficiency Car of the 12 months, the Auto Specific 2023 Efficiency Automotive of the 12 months and the Evo 2020 Automotive of the 12 months.
However, the M2’s enjoyable issue does come at the price of practicality, at the very least in comparison with the M3 (extra on this later). However then with an MSRP of $65,500, the M2 will not be solely cheaper than the M3/M4, but it surely additionally undercuts the Porsche 718 Cayman ($72,800). And with BMW engaged on an all-wheel-drive iteration, the times of the rear-wheel-drive guide M2 are numbered, so that you may as effectively settle for the G87 for what it’s. Automobiles with this type of persona are a dying breed in any case.
M3 for the Practicality
The S58 generates 473 horsepower within the base M3, 503 horsepower within the M3 Competitors and 523 horsepower within the Competitors xDrive. In consequence, the bottom mannequin goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, the Competitors rear-wheel drive in 3.8 seconds and the Competitors xDrive in 3.4 seconds. For sure, the M3 is extraordinarily fast.
However that’s not its most important promoting level. As an alternative, it’s practicality and utility. The G80 is by far the perfect each day driver and household automotive on this comparability because it gives higher house, rear legroom and baggage capability than the M2 or the M4 (with none consequential sacrifice in efficiency and driving pleasure). It’s also obtainable as an property (G81 M3 Touring), which gives extra usability.
The one concern with the M3, although, is its barely extreme pricing—the bottom mannequin begins at $76,700, the Competitors rear-wheel drive at $80,900 and the Competitors xDrive at $86,000. If that weren’t sufficient, the Carbon Bundle, which incorporates carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon bucket seats, provides $14,300 to the MSRP.
M4 for the X-Issue
Some label the M4 as an ‘overpriced M2,’ and sure, in case you merely need a fun-to-drive premium two-door coupe, the G87 could also be a greater possibility. Nonetheless, the M4 has an X-factor that the M2 lacks. For starters, the G82 has a stronger street presence, owing to its extra aggressive design. The sharp kidney grilles might not be for everybody, however they serve their objective. In addition to, because the quickest BMW across the Nurburgring race observe, the M4 has extra efficiency heritage than the M2. And the recognition of the M4 GTS, the M4 CSL and the three.0 CSL special-edition fashions solely reinforces the marque’s halo positioning. Keep in mind, the three.0 CSL has a valuation of over $1 million within the secondary markets (its manufacturing was restricted to 50 items solely).
Once more, not everybody goes to really feel that the M4’s premium over the M2 or the M3 is justified. However the M4 is an announcement automotive—akin to the $150,000 M8 Convertible, the $175,000 i7 M70 or the $185,000 XM Label —and those that want to stand out shouldn’t thoughts paying the premium(!).
