Sunday, 12 July 2026, and here we go again with another ranty instalment of Cardle of the Day, the series where we play through Cardle’s puzzle for the day and then dig into whatever car the game has decided to put in front of us.
For anyone new to Cardle, the premise is beautifully simple: one car, five photo clues, each one progressively less cropped than the last. Some days it makes me want to punch my computer, and this of course was one of those. It started with a picture that had very little going for it, with the sole exception of a badge that basically gave it all away. I had no idea by looking at the windscreen itself or any other element, but the badge on the seat gave it away.
Of course, that’s the G87 BMW M2. Not many cars out there wear their name on the seats, and I know that was the G87 generation because, since we started this series, this is the second car featured on Cardle that I have owned myself (albeit mine was the better sounding, arguably better looking F87 M2).
That’s all fun and games if this level of knowledge was enough to get a win-in-one, but here enters the frustration: Cardle wasn’t having it, and considered all my (correct) guesses wrong until I had nothing else to give. But, at least now that we know what it is, we can talk about it.
The BMW M2 has quickly become one of the most important cars in the modern M catalogue, largely because it keeps the classic formula alive: a compact body, a straight-six engine, rear-wheel drive and enough everyday usability to make it more than a weekend toy. The current G87 generation takes that recipe and adds considerably more performance, using BMW’s twin-turbocharged S58 engine and offering buyers the choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. It is larger, heavier and more serious than the car it replaced, but it also delivers a level of pace, chassis sophistication and tuning potential that places it remarkably close to the larger M3 and M4.
Before it came the F87 M2, the one I owned, a car that earned its reputation through character and “vibes” rather than outright technical dominance. Early versions like mine used the N55 engine, the best sounding M2 ever made, while the later M2 Competition adopted the more powerful S55 unit from the contemporary M3 and M4. The F87’s shorter dimensions, lower weight and slightly more playful personality helped make it an instant favourite with enthusiasts. It was not always the most polished M car, but its muscular proportions, lively rear axle and accessible performance made it feel like a spiritual successor to some of BMW’s most celebrated compact performance models.
The G87 is a different interpretation of the same idea. It feels more planted, more powerful and more capable, with a wider track, greater structural rigidity and an interior that brings the M2 into BMW’s current generation of technology. Some enthusiasts still prefer the F87 for its cleaner styling and more compact footprint, while others see the G87 as the more complete and technically impressive machine. Either way, both generations prove that the M2’s appeal comes from its overall package, as it is the way BMW combines serious performance with a sense of attitude, involvement and everyday practicality. Oh, I miss mine… See you tomorrow!
