Overview

The earlier BMW M2 Coupé (G87) already set the bar high for modern rear-wheel-drive performance… and now with the LCI, it is arguably even better. With a sharpened look, new lights, a new steering wheel and a very extravagant colour, it really has that road presence you’d expect from an M car.

Under the bonnet sits BMW’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six S55 engine producing around 480 horsepower and 550-600 Nm of torque, depending on configuration. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes around 4.0 seconds and it remains pure rear-wheel drive, manual or automatic depending on your preferences.

Design & Styling

In the design department, the M2 LCI subtly sharpens what was already muscular. The widened track and flared arches remain from the G87 before; the tweaks focus on detailing: new wheel finishes (e.g., silver 930M wheels in some markets), possible tweaks to lights/graphics, and interior refinements.
From a practical “road presence” point of view, this car looks serious: wide stance, aggressive front face, big ass… kind of like Kylie Jenner in her prime. Inside, BMW has kept it useable and “old school” (THEY KEPT BUTTONS!!!!!) which is honestly so refreshing to see in new cars. It has generally high quality trims, M-specific seats, carbon accents all around, a driver-focused cabin and just a very premium feel.

Practicality & Comfort

Despite being a serious performance car, the M2 LCI retains the everyday sense of usability that is often overlooked in “M” models. It offers a boot of 390 litres and rear seats that can transport 3 year olds or adults for a shorter drive. In comfort mode, it also drives exactly like a normal 2 series, it has high-end technology like adaptive cruise control and self driving… good quality speakers; anything you could wish for really… (assuming you drive with 2 people maximum).

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the M2 LCI performs. BMW took what was already a dynamic delight and refined the edges. The engine delivers strong torque, the chassis is well-balanced, you have the perfect amount of over/understeer, the rear-wheel-drive layout works well and the traction control system that allows you to adjust it to the exact amount of liking does an excellent job. The amount of interchangeability in the settings also works brilliantly and really makes the car drive the way you want it to. The only negative thing I could find is that the engine sometimes falters at 5000+rpm in second gear but that might be exclusive to this specific press car.

Tech & Features

BMW has upgraded the tech but kept it useable. The LCI brings refreshed UI, maybe new wheel finishes, new interior trim options. But luckily, the technology doesn’t overwhelm the driving experience. The M-mode, adjustable DSC, configurable drive settings remain central.

Price

You can buy a G87 M2 for 80-95.000 euros depending on options, putting it well under the M3 but also above competitors like the RS3 or the A45. This one is undoubtedly the best one tho.

Verdict

The M2 Coupé (G87) LCI is honestly one of the best cars on the market today and the kind of car you hope a performance brand builds: not overblown, not diluted, but sharpened where it counts, refined where it matters. If you’re after a driver’s car that you can daily drive, enjoy weekends in, maybe even take to the occasional track day without wanting the compromises of an ultra-hardcore supercar — this is it. Sure it isn’t the most practical for larger families like an M3 is, but besides that, it honestly is one of the most complete cars currently on the market.

The love of my life: BMW G87 M2 LCI test drive