2025 BMW M2 First Test: Still a Savage on the Street and Track

From our very first test of the G87-generation BMW M2 with the eight-speed automatic, we were thoroughly impressed—and that enthusiasm only grew when we got behind the wheel of the manual version. The praise didn’t stop there: we went on to crown it the 2024 HARJA Performance Vehicle of the Year. Now, the excitement continues as we welcome the updated 2025 BMW M2 into our long-term test fleet.

The very M2 we’re focusing on here is part of our long-term test fleet—the same one featured in our Arrival story, where we first published its performance figures. So why retest a car we’ve already covered so extensively? It’s a valid question. The answer: for 2025, BMW has given its aggressive, DTM-inspired coupe a modest power bump, and we wanted to see exactly what that translates to in terms of hard performance data compared to the previous M2s we’ve evaluated.

What’s New for 2025 BMW M2 ?

While the changes for 2025 aren’t groundbreaking, they’re worth noting. The BMW M2’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six now aligns with the output of the M3 and M4, gaining a 20-hp bump for a new total of 473 horsepower. In models equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission, torque also increases by 37 lb-ft, bringing it to 443 lb-ft.

For our long-term tester, we opted for the six-speed manual—because we still love to row our own gears. In this configuration, torque remains the same as before at 406 lb-ft, matching previous manual M2s we’ve tested.

There are a few other non-performance updates for the 2025 M2, which we detailed in our M2 Arrival story—so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already. For the record (though it doesn’t affect our standard performance testing), our long-term tester is equipped with the $2,500 M Driver’s package. That option bumps the electronically limited top speed from the standard figure to 177 mph—a 22-mph increase—and includes a complimentary track-day experience at a BMW Performance Center. Our car’s current as-tested price stands at $77,925.

Acceleration Testing

In our instrumented testing, the 2025 BMW M2 in our long-term fleet hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 118.5 mph. When compared to earlier M2s we’ve tested, there’s a clear performance gap—especially with the automatic versions. Those eight-speed auto-equipped M2s clocked 0–60 times of 3.5 and 3.6 seconds, and ran the quarter mile in just 11.8 seconds at 120.2 and 120.3 mph, respectively.

But the more meaningful comparison is against the 2023 manual M2, which is a closer match to our current test car. That version reached 60 mph in 3.8 seconds—0.2 second quicker—and finished the quarter in 12.2 seconds at 118.7 mph, just 0.1 second faster and 0.2 mph quicker at the trap.

In other words, when it comes to straight-line speed, our long-term M2 would likely benefit more from the added torque found in the 2025 automatic variant. That said, our test results highlight the impressive consistency of BMW’s powertrain engineering. The slight performance differences between this car and the previously tested manual M2 are minimal and can reasonably be attributed to external variables—like weather conditions or slight variations in driver inputs on test day.

Braking and Handling

Our 2025 BMW M2 came to a stop from 60 mph in 101 feet—identical to the result we recorded with the 2023 manual M2 tested over a year and a half ago. The automatic-equipped M2s managed to shave that distance by a single foot, stopping in just 100 feet. While that’s a minor difference, in a real-world emergency situation, a single foot can mean the difference between a close call and a collision—especially with a pedestrian or another vehicle.

Still, such a small variance is most likely due to differences in surface grip on the test day rather than any hardware-related inconsistency. Regardless, the M2’s braking performance remains outstanding. Pedal feel is dialed in just right—not too soft, not too stiff—giving drivers excellent modulation and confidence. Whether you’re scrubbing off speed on a twisty road or diving into a corner on track, the M2’s brakes deliver strong, predictable stopping power with precision and ease.

We know we’re starting to sound like a broken record, but the trend continues when it comes to handling and grip. On the skidpad, our 2025 manual M2 generated an average of 1.02 g—identical to the figure posted by the 2023 manual M2, and just a hair behind the 1.04 g recorded by the automatic versions we tested. The consistency here is striking and speaks volumes about the M2’s finely tuned chassis, regardless of transmission choice.

On our figure-eight course, the 2025 M2 clocked a lap time of 23.4 seconds with an average of 0.85 g—finally edging out the original manual M2 of this generation, which turned in a 24.1-second lap at the same average g. A 0.7-second advantage is meaningful on such a short, technical course—especially if you’re chasing lap times or racing someone. However, because the figure-eight isn’t a high-speed test and is sensitive to driver input and conditions, we’re cautious about giving all the credit to the 2025 model’s modest bump in peak horsepower. It may have helped, but equally, the difference could come down to test-day variables—or simply sharper driving.

Meanwhile, the automatic M2s posted figure-eight times of 23.2 seconds at 0.89 g and 23.5 seconds at 0.86 g. Although they weigh about 100 pounds more than our manual long-termer, the automatic’s quicker shifts and more favorable gearing give them a clear edge. Still, the slightly more powerful manual M2 managed to beat one automatic by a tenth of a second and came within two-tenths of the other—making it essentially a tie. Once again, the results underscore just how closely matched these variants are.

So What?

If you came into this test expecting the 2025 BMW M2 to be a game-changing upgrade over its predecessor, don’t be disappointed. While more horsepower is always welcome in a car like this, the M2 was already excellent to begin with—so this modest bump is more of a welcome bonus than a revolution. On a fast road course featuring long straights, that extra power might be more noticeable and translate to better lap times than what we observed in our specific testing regimen.

Regardless, the M2 remains an absolute driver’s delight. It inspires confidence the moment you grip the wheel and press the pedals, instantly communicating what the chassis and tires are doing beneath you. While the manual shifter feels a bit rubbery—typical of modern BMW manuals—it’s still precise enough to satisfy enthusiasts. The brakes are exceptionally predictable and easy to modulate just before ABS kicks in, the sweet spot for chasing quick laps, making you feel almost invincible.

Corner entry is razor-sharp, with dynamic weight transfer that’s spot on. The auto-blip throttle control for downshifts works flawlessly, adding to the driving enjoyment. There’s grip aplenty, and the M Sport Differential expertly distributes power on corner exits, preventing an inevitable tail wag—unless you want it, of course. The 2025 BMW M2 remains one of the most thrilling and rewarding new driver’s cars on the market and, in our book, it’s still a clear mega-winner.

Now, all that’s left is to put a 2025 automatic-equipped M2 through its paces to see if the extra torque truly boosts that “shit-eating grin” factor even more. Regardless, based on our past experiences with the M2, we fully expect our year with this manual model to be an adrenaline-fueled journey—one that will likely feel way too short when it’s time to hand the keys back to BMW.

2025 BMW M2 Specifications