BMW M2 vs. BMW M4: which is better?
Can't decide between BMW's flagship sports cars? Here's which one you should consider buying
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The BMW M2 and M4 are two of the German brand’s most popular performance models, and if you’re bored of the standard 2 Series and 3 Series then these are a great way to spice up your life.
BMW’s ‘M’ division is one of the most innovative performance arms of any car manufacturer, so whether it’s a small pocket rocket like the M2 or a larger M4 coupé, you’re in for a thrill for all the senses.
But which is better for you?
Styling
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Despite being so closely related, both cars look quite a bit different to one another. The BMW M2 has a much narrower front grille and a smaller overall profile.
You also get different wheels as well as revised front and rear headlight designs, and we think the M2 has a softer-looking rear – the M4 looks much more aggressive.
The M4 also has what was a controversial front grille but it's become less noticeable with time. The buck teeth grille does serve a purpose – to help cool the engine – but it’s much larger than on most cars, meaning it stands out.
But as we all know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and one may appeal to you more – because they’re so different, there’s probably one you prefer.
What are they like to drive?
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Powering the BMW M2 is a detuned version of the M3 and M4’s 3.0-litre inline-six engine that, despite making 50hp less, still produces a stonking 460hp.
Unlike all other current M cars, the M2 can be had with a manual gearbox, which makes it much more engaging and – dare we say – more enjoyable to drive.
Whether you opt for the standard two-wheel-drive or the grippier M2 xDrive with four-wheel-drive, you’re going to get a fantastic overall experience. And thanks to its compact dimensions, it’s ideal for the UK’s tight country roads.
While the M4 may be longer and wider, that doesn’t mean it’s not a hoot to drive. With a more powerful engine producing 510hp and 650Nm of torque, it’s the choice for many buyers.
In its most popular Competition trim, the M4 sends its power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox that helps it to get from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, which is the same as the M2 when fitted with the DCT automatic gearbox.
Manual M4s with slightly less power do exist, but not in the UK market. So, if you’re a proper driving purist who likes to manually change gear, the M2 may be the one for you.
Interior and technology
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Something BMW has always managed to get right is its interiors. They may not be as advanced as a Tesla’s, but the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is what makes them stand out.
The M2, despite being a shouty car, doesn’t have a lavish interior. Instead, you get plush leather sports seats that stop you from rolling around in the cabin, a thick steering wheel that feels great to hold, and some unique M trinkets dotted throughout.
The M4’s interior is similar but with firmer sports carbon fibre bucket seats. Both come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but the standard iDrive infotainment system is intuitive and smooth to use.
With the M2 being slightly newer, it gets a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 14.9-inch infotainment system, whereas the M4 gets a slightly smaller 10.1-inch infotainment screen and the same driver’s display.
Most people buying an M performance car aren’t looking for high levels of tech and features, but having them is a bonus.
Boot space and practicality
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Let’s face it – if you’re after a practical car then these two aren’t your best options, but they’re still decent considering their sports car nature.
What’s great about the M2 is that it’s got the same 390-litre boot space as the regular 2 Series, which means you don’t compromise storage for performance.
This puts it above its competitors, with the Audi RS3 Sportback and Mercedes AMG A45 S offering 281 and 370 litres of boot space respectively.
While the front seats are roomy, the same can’t be said for the rear, which is a little cramped but fine for children or adults on shorter drives.
Being larger, the M4 gets a 440-litre boot, which is much more than its Mercedes-AMG C63 rival with 355 litres.
It's a similar story for the M4's rear seats, which aren’t very spacious – but you have to cut it some slack because for a coupé, it’s fairly roomy.
If you want an M car with plenty of boot space and spacious rear seats, the BMW M3 Touring is the one for you.
Safety and reliability
Being modern cars, safety is taken very seriously – especially considering both these cars have enough horsepower and torque to pull two rhinos.
Neither the M2 nor M4 have been individually tested for safety but the cars on which they’re based have, and we don’t see there being much difference between them.
Following its most recent Euro NCAP safety test, the 2 Series scored four out of five stars, offering strong adult and child occupant safety. The 4 Series scored a full five stars.
Both cars performed well because of safety systems such as ISOFIX, lane assist technology, automatic emergency braking and an active bonnet, which helps reduce the impact in the event of an accident.
As far as reliability is concerned, with both being so new, there’s very little to be worried about. They both feature tried-and-tested engines and many parts are also shared across the rest of BMW’s range.
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Size and dimensions
BMW M2
Length: 4,580mm
Width: 1,887mm
Height: 1,403mm
Boot space: 390 litres
BMW M4
Length: 4794mm
Width: 1887mm
Height: 1393mm
Boot space: 440 litres
Verdict: BMW M4 vs. BMW M2: which should you buy?
When it comes to deciding which car is for you, it can be tricky. Both the M2 and M4 are great cars that are very capable and sporty.
If you’re really struggling to decide, perhaps our short verdict for each will help.
You should buy an M2 if you want a little more driver involvement behind the wheel. Perhaps you like the occasional track day or a weekend blast down your favourite strip of tarmac in the Yorkshire Moors.
The M2 can do all this with ease, and it’ll put a smile on your face while doing so.
However, if you have more budget to blow and want a larger coupé sports car then get the M4. It’s more powerful than its smaller sibling and is therefore much quicker.
It’s a hoot to drive and you certainly won't be left wanting more.
But no matter which you decide on, you’re getting a well-built German sports car with solid engineering behind it and aggressive styling. There’s a reason they’re so popular among petrolheads, you know.