No, it's not Mercedes-Benz's M Class, it's BMW's M Class. Since its inclusion in the Superrace Championship in the 2018 season, the M Class is the world's first and only race series for owners of BMW M cars that are rear-wheel-drive and powered by a 3.0L turbocharged straight-six engine as said in the rulebook.
Because of the M Class rules, the M4, the M3, and the M2 are the M cars eligible for this race series, but judging by the participants, the M4 Coupe became the king of the hill in Superrace's M Class races.
Now in their G-body forms, the current-generation models are showing us what they're capable of, apart from the fact that they're the last-ever rear-wheel-drive M cars.
The G82 M4, similar to its four-door counterpart, the G80 M3, features the controversial vertical kidney grille at the front, which has sparked significant debate among car enthusiasts. Despite its polarizing design, the G82 M4 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, particularly in the more powerful Competition variant that delivers 510 PS of power and 650 Nm of torque, achieving a 0-100 kph time of just 3.9 seconds. Additionally, the G82 M4 boasts an upgraded suspension and chassis setup, making it wider, lower, more rigid, and ultimately more enjoyable to drive compared to its predecessor.
The M2 G87, based on the G42 2-Series Coupe, features a distinctly different front design that sets it apart from the standard 2-Series Coupe. Under the hood, the M2 G82 is equipped with the same S58 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine found in the M4 G82; however, it has been detuned to deliver 460 PS of power and 550 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the previous M2 F87 Competition model.
The M2 can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic. With this setup, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of up to 285 kph, thanks to the optional M Driver's Package—5 kph faster than the previous M2. Additionally, it is equipped with features such as the Active M Differential at the rear axle, Dynamic Stability Control, M Drive Professional with M Traction Control System, Adaptive M suspension, and other advanced dynamic technologies.
With the trio of G-body RWD M cars gathered at the festival site, let's find out which of today's M Class heroes is the king. Let's roll the tape.
And now, the results...
M3 G80 - 1m18.111s
M4 G82 - 1m17.911s
M2 G87 - 1m18.862s
It's a close result but the M4 is pure alpha of the RWD M Class cars. No wonder 9 out of 10 M Class participants go for the M4 Coupe.
The G-body RWD BMW M cars are unfortunately the last of their kind, as they are the final models to offer manual gearboxes and rear-wheel drive. While the M3 G80 and M4 G82 still have manual gearbox options and RWD, the M2 G87 is only available with RWD and offers a manual gearbox as well. However, with BMW's imminent transition to the Neue Klasse era, it's clear that these options will soon be gone, just as Audi did when it discontinued the A5 coupe range, the TT, and the R8. It's a harsh reality, but this reflects the grim situation of the "new normal" we are facing.
At this point, I'm preparing a little something for our BMW M Class friends but since Lemon has my M4 G82, she decided to decline my invitation so our little tribute show will be done by my M3 G80 and the M2 G87.
I know the M3 G80's front face looks awful but with the "Pop Step Getchu" spirit of PriPara idol Mirei Minami written all over it, I know she will cheer us up, pri!
My M2 G87 meanwhile dons the role of Liella newcomer from Love Live! Superstar!!, Tomari Onitsuka. Trust her, she's got more common sense than her big sister, Natsumi, but be warned. Because of her jellyfish insignia, she will sting your hearts out. Ouch.
With their roles assigned, my M3 G80 and the M2 G87 are ready to take on some of the coolest EventLab creations with the M3 taking on an original EventLab masterpiece while the M2 taking on what's presumably an EventLab re-enactment of the Hong Kong track from GT4. Roll the tapes.
Who performed better? Mirei or Tomari?
What will the fate of the BMW M division be as it moves into the Neue Klasse era? One certainty is that BMW will stop producing two-door coupes, similar to Audi's decision. If that happens, BMW will lack a competitive vehicle for GT3-class races, DTM, IMSA, and other motorsport disciplines. It's a tough reality, but this is the "new normal" we face.
Regardless, I appreciate that BMW has continued to make rear-wheel-drive M cars until the not-too-distant future. While this era may not last forever, they have created a lasting legacy for the M division.
Danke, M.
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