BMW M2 vs M4 – which is best?

While its more recent SUV models haven’t quite hit the lofty heights we’ve come to expect, the heartland BMW M2 and M4 are still among the very best sports cars you can buy.

And with BMW confirming that the M2 is its last purely petrol M car – all future cars will be hybrid or electric – it feels like we’re at a moment of ‘buy now or forever hold your peace’. But should you buy the M2 or the larger and more powerful M4?

BMW M2 vs M4 compared

Styling

You might love how pumped-up the current M2 and M4 look, but it’s hard to disagree that the older models of both were prettier than the latest ones. The new M2 has boxy bumper additions front and back, plus widened wheel arches that look like they can barely contain the staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels.

A lot of people were demonstrably aghast when the M4 launched, mainly because of its snouty grilles that make it look like a caricature of itself, but also because from some angles it just looks ungainly, without quite the same butch stance as the M3. Time has softened the M4’s divisiveness, and it manages to look special compared to a regular 4 Series or, indeed, normal traffic.

Engines and performance

Both these cars use the same engine: BMW’s well-revered S58, a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six petrol. It produces 503hp in the M4 Competition (the only model we get in the UK) and 460-480hp in the M2.

Because the M2 is a bit lighter than the M4, there’s not much in it when you compare the 0-62mph times. The M2 takes 4.0 to 4.2 seconds; it’s less than four seconds for the M4. The bigger car is also available with a rear-biased four-wheel-drive system, which knocks the 0-62mph time down to just 3.5 seconds.

There are definite similarities in the driving experiences. We tested both in dry conditions, and both cars offered a seemingly endless amount of grip that gives you confidence and allows you to enjoy the cars’ performance. Both have quick and responsive steering, with more feel than the majority of modern cars, and a firm but not uncomfortable ride.

But while the M4 gets close to the ideal 50:50 weight distribution between front and rear, the M2 succeeds. Coupled with its smaller footprint and slightly lighter weight, the M2 is a touch nimbler and lighter on its feet.

Interior

The latest M2 and 2 Series coupe use the same underpinnings as the 4 Series and 3 Series, and the interior is carried over as well. Which means there’s little to choose between them – both get a curved infotainment panel with twin screens, plus lashings of leather and some exclusive M Performance drive mode buttons.

Both have broadly the same optional extras – including carbon-fibre bucket seats, a top speed increase and a suede steering wheel. However, the M4 gives you the choice of some rather outlandish upholstery choices, and lets you spec showy ceramic brakes, too. If you want a yellow M4 with orange seats and red decals, you can (even if you absolutely shouldn’t).

Dimensions and practicality

The 4 Series is a bigger, costlier car than the 2 Series, and that’s reflected in the cars’ practicality. There’s not really enough room in the back of the M2 for adults, because even average-sized folks will find the roofline too close for comfort. The M4 still isn’t the most spacious choice for rear-seat space, but it is much roomier than the M2. But, really, if passenger space is a concern, you’d be better off getting the four-door M3 or the M3 Touring estate.

There’s not much to split the M2 and M4 in terms of boot space. The M4's load bay is 50 litres bigger, but both have a saloon bootlid which limits the size of items you can fit into the boot aperture.

Value and reliability

This is where the M2 delivers a sucker punch to the M4. For all their similarities, a new M4 is more than £20,000 dearer than the M2, and even a fully optioned M2 doesn’t close that gap. And although the M4 is slightly more practical, slightly faster and available with bright blue leather upholstery, the M2’s driving experience is so good that the M4 can’t really improve on it.

Which is best?

The M2 and M4 are top-class sports cars with a driving experience that you don’t get in many modern BMWs, let alone cars from other manufacturers. Of these two, we’d pick the M2 every time. Provided you can get on with its styling, which does look better in person than in pictures, the M2’s marginally sweeter handling and comparative value for money versus the M4 give it the win. Not only is it the best of this test, but it’s one of the very best cars BMW makes right now.