2025 BMW M2

For 2025, the M2 gets 20 more horsepower for a total of 473 hp. That's a noticeable boost for any car, but for the M2 it's also symbolic. It's the same power available in the larger M4 coupe (and M3 sedan), making the smaller Bimmer a legitimate M4 Junior for considerably less money. BMW says the extra power shaves 0.1 second from the M2's zero-to-60-mph time, now down to 4.1 seconds with the manual transmission or 3.9 seconds with the automatic. It's the most visible way BMW has narrowed the gap in its M lineup for 2025, but not the only. The M2 also gets BMW's updated infotainment system, iDrive 8.5, which offers more voice control over certain features but also integrates climate controls into the touchscreen — a solution we typically find more annoying than enhancing.

Check out the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. It doesn't have the same brand cachet as the M2, but it's otherwise pretty similar in performance and mission. We also think highly of the Audi RS 3 and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. They also have comparable horsepower and performance, and their sedan body styles help them be more usable for family duty. Other options include the Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota GR Supra, or the larger and more expensive M4.