I love that the BMW shocks the socks off of you at first, then it starts growing on you and you have no explanation for it. People are quite harsh against BMW designs of late, but I do believe they're going to have a much better shelve life.
ttest drove the m2 manual the day before i bought the rs3. i have a tuned gti FBO at 400 hp and expected them to be comparable but my manual GTI (from a roll 30 mph+) blows the socks off the m2. and the rs3 also was fasrer abd does seem faster. the m2 is also pretty bare interior, but its got a great engine. i rly wanred the manual trans, i always drive manual and the audi having no manual was the only thing keeping me from buying it,. but the audi has awd, the interior seems better, and the rs3 is fully capable with the suspension, the dampers, etc. + it looks better., i wanred a manual badly, but im habing so much fun with the non-manual rs3 (my first auto in ten years). ill keep the GTI for the manual fun when i need it. rs3 all day + the good spec m2's are 77k, while the top spec rs3's are 68k
As a BMW fan I find it remarkable how well proportioned the A3 sedan is (most pronounced in the less bulky previous generation) compared to many other 3-box designs based on a FWD chassis. The odd 2-series GC is no match for that. Of course it´s a different story with the RWD-based 2-series coupé and M2.
I will say, the screen in the BMW actually works and looks much better in person than in pics, in my opinion. I have a ‘23 M240i, and wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it. But, after driving the car for a month or so, to me, it works well. I think it being a full departure (including the instrument design)from traditional analogue gauge clusters of the last 100+ years, rather than “one foot in, one foot out” approach of other brands digital clusters is part of what makes it work. Furthermore, trying to integrate such a large screen into the dash would be very difficult to do without it looking like a bulky, heavy growth in the dashboard.
Audis have had gigantic grilles since 2004, that’s part of their design language and it suits them well so its never been an issue, bmws went from having small grills to gigantic weird ones, they’re not even trying to make it part of their design language because they’re all different from model to model. The design team is just lost, they’re like a teenager trying to find out who they are by trying different stuff.
BMW know what they are doing. They have some of the smartest people in the auto industry working for them. Yes some of their designs are bold and controversial but controversy and attention sells! And the other knock on effect is the other brands end up looking boring. ie. Modern Mercedes look boring in comparison.
@@richardlabeja looks are subjective I’m just pointing out that BMW have no logical design plan right now. Mercedes have evolved their design across all their models in the same way, inside or out. BMW has right now a lot of cars that do not look like they’re related. Some have big grilles, some have small grilles, the proportions are uneven… The design clues that we used to look for to recognize a BMW are no longer there in many models.
You took the words out of my mouth. Inconsistent design language is confusing, and clearly BMW is trying too hard to be different. I don't like the M2's lack of a frame around the kidneys, or the rectangular design treatment. Nor do I like the 'Office Depot' LCD screen they slapped on the dash. If you throw enough darts at a dartboard you'll eventually hit the bullseye, so I guess we'll wait and see. I don't think this M2 design will age well.
@@steve_the_designer yes and I don’t understand why they take risks in some models like the 4 series or 7 series, and why they didn’t in others like the new x1. Maybe they’re trying stuff on cars that don’t sell a lot and they couldn’t risk it with the x1 🤷🏻♂️
@@kamalberrada BMW is not about having the same design language across all models. Each model is has its own defined design. BMW said this, they want all their models to have their own distinctive looks. So each model embodies its own design language in a sense.
Honestly, Audis have had large grilles for over the last decade and a half so the A3/RS3 is only keeping up tradition. 9/10 times it benefits the appearance and I appreciate this model's tuner aesthetic
I have owned both of these. I had a 2020 M2 Competition and just traded it for a 2023 RS3 3 weeks ago. Despite being a tad slower, the M2 is actually the more exhilarating car, but overall I definitely prefer the RS3. The interiors really can't be compared. The Audi is way ahead of the M2 in that regard, and the B&O stereo is WAY, WAY better than the HK system in the BMW. The Audi is also far more comfortable. But mostly it's because the Audi just feels much more solid, like it's put together perfectly. And it's CRAZY fast. Like pin your head to the seat fast. But here's what he didn't mention. I owned 3 Audis before the BMW and I had more issues with the M2 than all of those COMBINED. Nothing major, but it was just one little thing after another with the M2. When I traded it, it was still making a damn belt or bearing noise that I had it in the shop for 3 different times over a 6 month period. A gasket in the rear end went at one point, and some other little things. It was constant headaches.
I got the m2. It's a lot of fun and the drifting you can do with this, and in manual is a lot of fun. I am in Canada, snow was not a problem with winter tires. During storms, don't go..simple. Once roads are cleared, you are good to go. It's a lot of fun. And the upgrade options are fun as well. Like exhaust and intake so u can hear the woosh in the turbos. Love it.
The RS3 is a very limited production vehicle, only 350 were exported to the usa in 2023, i think the same for 2024. I hope they up it in 2025. M2 sells in the multiple thousands... and for good reason. It is a great car, it just doesnt have the road feel and presence of the RS3, or the rarity. Only around 13000 (RS3s) have been made world wide since the car was introduced over 10 years ago.
@@roboticvenom1935 yeah, the engine might not have as much character to it as the Inline 5, but the car itself as an entire package, the M2 will be way more fun to drive.
@@roboticvenom1935 About the sounds with the Audi, I'm just curious - are they still pumping in artificial sounds from the exhaust note? They have done this in the past so I honestly wouldn't mind knowing if this is still a thing. For the record, it's not uncommon in these parts to see an Audi whizz by with an exhaust note sounding brutally V8-ish and I'm not a fan of this. Thanks.
3:44 Even though your redesign looks much better I think you failed to consider the side angle with this one. The headlights will look near vertical from the side view with that adjustment.
Just picked up a 2022 RS3. I agree that the grill is large and black so I got the car in black with the black optics package. It looks menacing. I get compliments everywhere with it.
bro so good i have the kyalami green with black optics. same bro ppl think its like a supercar bc of the color but it works so well with the black spoiler and the black audi rings and just idk everything works so well togeter
Look, I get the scoops, intakes all serve as a fully functioning apparatus that directs air to the radiator, brakes, oil cooler, etc but come on!!! You can make the design more elegant than some lego blocks!!!! Its FUGLY!!!! If BMW's mission was to create the most controversial, polarizing designs, THEY WON! I can't un-see ugly. Great video as always, Bembli! 🤟🏽
I think the M2 looks great and I like how they are shifting towards a more architectural design language but I'm a huge Audi fan soo I'd still rather have an RS3, any generation too.
As the current owner of an OLD ASS B5 A4 that used to own a e30 325is the M2 is sweeeeeeet WITH A STICK. I'd have to rock that M2...shout out to B.A Baracus.
Well this design as a whole is still worse than M3 and M4,yes both of them have massive kidneys which are only the ugly parts of the design, aside from that this looks more like a Lego car
I would have bought a 2023 RS3, however, it is not available here in Canada. I therefore purchased my first BMW a 2023 M2. I can't wait for her to arrive.
the rs3 is a beast on the track, do some research i was in the market for a $70k car lasr week. test drove the m2 manual and then bought the rs3. great engine in the bmw and i wanred a manual but after driving both, the rs3 is just special,. you botta drive em to understand ti think
I guess this will be another car that looks better in the flesh - recent BMW M cars have always looked better when you see them out on the road - apart from the M8 Competition, that car looked great in pictures and the showroom alike!
Honestly, props for Audi for going back to Quattro. Still don't think it'll be as legendary as the Torsen T1 Quattro (locked permanently to 50-50 front-rear), but at least the RS3 is no longer a Golf R with an extra cylinder
@@gotworc it does, but the Haldex version of it was hardly an AWD system. I'm sorry, but when your "Quattro AWD" operates in FWD only mode for 95% of the car's lifecycle, it's a glorified FWD car with extra weight added for no real reason
Thank you for sharing the fact that Audi understeer problem came from engine being in front of the axel. All youtuber said Audi are understeer but no one bring up this fact.
I just traded in an M2 Competition for a new RS3, but before the M2 I owned an S3. The understeer is effectively gone in the new RS3. Granted, it was fixed by Audi putting several bandaids on it, like the staggered wheel setup and Rear Torque splitter, but those bandaids worked. People may not believe it, but I have a couple corners I like to take quickly, and I took one of them faster in the RS3 than I ever did in my M2. And it wasn't even breathing hard. The jury is still out, but I think it might handle even better than the M2.
I’d choose the M2. The Audi’s front end is just too much for me. It’s just the black trim.. everywhere. And Audis interiors lately have looked somewhat outdated. Those aside.. the RS3 doesn’t seem like the worst choice either.
I owned a 1000hp RS3 that was a great street car. I currently own a G87 M2, and never thought I would get rid of my RS3 for it. The G87 M2 has better overall build quality than the current gen RS3 and has a more stout factory engine and transmission. The RS3 inline 5 will be missed though 😢
I love the RS3's engine, but besides the awesome wider fenders I'd prefer the rest of the exterior to be more restrained like the S3's styling (less glossy black plastic). The M2's exterior design needs more *detail* since the shapes, surfaces, and lighting elements are just too blunt.
Despite having much less interesting proportions, RS3 is just much better looking car. I'd still take M2 if I had to choose one. Both are overweight compacts but at least M2 has better weight distribution and is available in RWD with manual). On the other hand RS3 would be much more practical as the only car in house and its inline 5 just sounds much better than BMW's S58 and B58 engines.
rs3 was more fun to drive. was in market for both of these or the supra. the m2 was the winner, then i test drove the rs3 and the m2 and i bought the m2. even with 500 hp, the rs3 was faster. i am coming from a srick mk7 gti FBO with 400 hp, its faster than both (from a roll). the m2 just didnt seem so fast.
Great review, but I would choose the RS3 first for the seat design(a little more comfortable) and second, i don't mind not having a stick shift since i live in a city and traffic is a pain. I am not a fan of the BMW M2 seats with that bump in the middle. Both are great cars
Lamborghini Countach. Maybe it’s just me but it gives me a lot of emotions even tho it’s like the pinnacle of geometric design. So i think normally a more geometric design results in less emotion and a fluid one in more emotions but not generally speaking
@@jonas_bross Yes Lambos (especially the Countach) generally tend to be very geometric, but I feel that all of the lines on the Countach blended geometric design with fluid design in a way I can’t really explain. Besides, Lamborghini tends to use lots of hexagons, which can be resized and reshapes to have more of a forward motion. I guess my question is: is there a way to create a BMW type of geometric design and still retain the dynamic character of BMW? Like, can we have a design that’s mostly just 2D shapes, but that still manages to make them feel emotional and give them a forward motion?
I just absolutely hate that black insert on the rear of the RS3, both on the sedan and the hatchback. Just looks super cheap and out of place, what was the idea behind that?
Designers and engineers must be high on ilegal substances thinking it looks good, both cars look front and rear heavy, like if it were carrying a snowplow or something
As a E82 owner myself, I don’t think the new M2 has anything like the 1M. I would definitely say this M2 is not the worse of recent BMW design. But let’s not go there alright.
1M and RS3 are totally different cars 2 drive. Own a 1M had a 2018 RS3 drove a 1M couldn’t get rid of the RS3 quick enough.also owned a 135i lovely. The new beemer with it’s staggered set up wider stance mmm interesting let’s see how it steers.
Originally I really hated the 220i M design, but the other day I saw one parked and really liked the way it looked. Hopefully the 2 series design language is the one they choose to use throughout their fleet
Now I remember! Bembli, by any chance when studying design someone spoke about the Gumpert Apollo? It was said that thing is what happens when you let the engineers make the whole car with no designers in sight? Fugly is the word. BMW just tried to justify their Apollo design stage with the new M2 lol.
I've got the feeling that most modern bmw designs are like this. at first they are very ugly but over time they tend to grow on me. i think even the current m3 and 4 series are becoming more and more beautiful, except of course for the huge bean grills in front. i hope they make them smaller and cut them vertically in half with the facelift, because then they would be beauties
If only existed a 2 series gran coupé based on the 2 coupé platform. That would be the perfect sedan. Let alone an M2 gran coupé on the 2 basis. That would be perfection
1M owner I like the staggered set up wider stance who knows what Bmw have done here. We really won’t know until some one reems it out. Let’s see how it steers.
M2 is easily. Better perfromace. Better tech. Better interior. The new m2 would have way more presence on the road the audi looks like every other audi. M2 has a very unique musclar shape
@@TheEryk03 Except Torsen is permanent AWD, and Haldex is 4WD. For that reason most enthusiasts acknowledge that Quattro is only used to designate Audi’s AWD cars, even though the nameplate is applied to both 4WD and AWD models.
@@waywardsoul4918 i only drive manuals for the lasdt ten years. a few tuned FBO GTI's, type R, si, wrx, etc. I wanred the m2 bc it was a manual. auto was a deal breaker for me. then... (last week) rs3 was more fun to drive. was in market for both of these or the supra. the m2 was the winner, then i test drove the rs3 and the m2 and i bought the m2. even with 500 hp, the rs3 was faster. i am coming from a srick mk7 gti FBO with 400 hp, its faster than both (from a roll). the m2 just didnt seem so fast.
This M2 is the best BMW ever made. Its basically a shortened M4. Proportions are absolutely stunning. I wish it was lighter, maybe 1500kg (3300lb) max.
Given the effort Audi makes to attempt to mitigate the disadvantages of a FWD platform for its hot variants, they might as well just develop a RWD platform.
I prefer the exterior of the previous M2, but could live with the new. However, the interior of the new m2 is the deal breaker. Really dislike the new digital dash. Previous gen for me…..ended up ordering the new rs3 hatch
At 3,649 lbs Audi 3RS and BMW M2 at 3,814 lbs. For such a small cars, both are too heavy, especially M2. I tested M2 with MT. While it's a good car, I didn't like numb steering and rubbery shifting. I wouldn't call these sport cars, they're rather sport sedans.
Not super crazy about the looks of either one, but the Audi is better looking. The last gen M2 looks much better than the new one, and the new one also put on a crazy amount of weight.
The audi is based an a3 platform, a front wheel drive car, hence the typical fwd hatch proportions, not a good look. The m2 is based on the rear wheel drive 3 series platform, hence the sporty proportions. The m2 is technically a class above, and it will likely dominate performance wise.
You can say the design is growing on you but to say the m2 looks better than the rs3 is such a bull$hit its not even funny. The m2 looks a bit weird and it can grow on ppl over time but looking at both its an easy choice. The interior aswell, i still dont know how can ppl buy a car with some ipads put on the dash without any effort put in to look better or to look like it belongs there. I would never buy a car with screen like that
Man, I hate to say this but both cars look like misshapen, steroid injected bodybuilders. The proportions of the grill, headlights/headlamps, wheel arches everything looks off previous generation looked WAY better, more athletic, more refined
The M2 is the second best looking M car behind the goated G80 M3 which might be the best M of all time behind maybe the E46 M3. The people that hated on it look dumb to me; if you haven’t already changed your mind then you’re now the minority. The M2 is different, it’s bold, it’s unique, it’s functional, it’s an M3/M4 in a 2 series coupe package that’s RWD and manual as standard. Look at the proportions, look how muscular and mean it is. The F87 M2 was pretty, it was definitely a girly looking car, and it wasn’t the same class as M3/M4, it was more m lite 1/2 series to me, it was an awesome car no doubt but the G87 is a big boy M in a very sexy package. I don’t care for the taillights but I can look past it and see the rest of the 99% of the car and I love what I see. The red and black are both awesome, the blue one is very cool but I like it better with lighter colored bronze wheels.
M2 interior is like a widescreen monitor stolen from mediamarkt. Aside from that, they just can't make any proper interior. In any model. You are explaining design to us here and still have a bias towards the car that is so badly designed. Great Photoshop skills BTW
My question with the Audio is what is the design intention with the faux black mesh grill that goes across the plastic bumper, Its not mocking a diffuser, Is it trying to suggest its a rear or mid engine car that needs cooling dissipation through the rear? I dont get it.
I think the Audi RS3 is for the fast and furious crowd. Obviously it's too pricey for them but there you go. The BMW is a proper coupe and while too heavy, looks like a performance car. I actually think the OG BMW M2 looks better than both of these.
BMW had been very stubborn with sticking to RWD, until recently introducing x-drive to most of their performance cars except the M2. Of-course there are technical reasons for such change. They need to change because cars are getting more and more powerful that 2 wheel drives can no longer keep up with the the power. You may look sexy with tail hanging out at corners, but that is pointless and slow for racing. Also, big wheels add weight. The new M2 is around 170kg heavier than the previous model. To me, that is very hard to accept.
You do realise M2 uses the same engine as M3/M4, just a bit detuned, so it has the same cooling requirements ? So, by using this logic, the ugly snouts are justified for all three 🤣
if you actually look at the new M3/M4 grills, youd realize only a portion of that giant grill is actually open and functional, meaning they could designed it more aesthetically pleasing and still keep the functionality they are basically normalizing a new level of ugly into the world, taking the baseline down a few notches
I've actually owned both, and would agree with this assessment. I needed a daily so traded my M2 Comp for the new RS3 and the RS3 definitely serves me better, but the M2 is the more exhilarating car if you're just looking for something to drive for fun on the weekends. (But the M2 has some reliability issues that nobody ever seems to talk about. It was endless headaches for me)
It can't take up to 100% of the power and put it to the rear wheels. only 50%. And then The diff can take 100% of that and move it to either rear wheel.
The moment that you said on your personal opinion that you would stick to the BMW for offering manual that is clear that you provided a biased opinion. Audi only sold 5% of manual cars before complete ditching the manual. 95% of the buyers wanted it auto and that doesn't make the car worse. It is nice that BMW offers manual cars but if anything at least compare two cars with manual and auto(Porsche 718, Hyundai Elantras, Golf GTIs) but don't penalize one car just because is not offered in manual.
I love that the BMW shocks the socks off of you at first, then it starts growing on you and you have no explanation for it. People are quite harsh against BMW designs of late, but I do believe they're going to have a much better shelve life.
ttest drove the m2 manual the day before i bought the rs3. i have a tuned gti FBO at 400 hp and expected them to be comparable but my manual GTI (from a roll 30 mph+) blows the socks off the m2.
and the rs3 also was fasrer abd does seem faster. the m2 is also pretty bare interior, but its got a great engine. i rly wanred the manual trans, i always drive manual and the audi having no manual was the only thing keeping me from buying it,.
but the audi has awd, the interior seems better, and the rs3 is fully capable with the suspension, the dampers, etc. + it looks better., i wanred a manual badly, but im habing so much fun with the non-manual rs3 (my first auto in ten years). ill keep the GTI for the manual fun when i need it.
rs3 all day + the good spec m2's are 77k, while the top spec rs3's are 68k
Saw the M2 at the M Fest in SA last week. It has a great presence, very muscular and aggressive. Works well in person.
Awww I wish I could have gone I've seen the ads for it
looks ugly
@@twinturbro8315 it was great! Long lines for hot laps but the cars were fantastic! Great vibe. Definitely go next year
Did it look better in person than the F87?
@@chrisginocactually yes!! It looks very muscular as he said. The f87 had a little feminin touch. I promis you it looks so aggressiv in real life.
As a BMW fan I find it remarkable how well proportioned the A3 sedan is (most pronounced in the less bulky previous generation) compared to many other 3-box designs based on a FWD chassis. The odd 2-series GC is no match for that. Of course it´s a different story with the RWD-based 2-series coupé and M2.
I think the small sedans are the ugliest segment out there they all look narrow and high not as planted as their hatch versions or 3 box coupes
@@forange_9271 I generally tend to agree, but see the A3 as an exception. Furthermore, every compact car that isn't an SUV is a benefit IMHO.
I will say, the screen in the BMW actually works and looks much better in person than in pics, in my opinion. I have a ‘23 M240i, and wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it. But, after driving the car for a month or so, to me, it works well. I think it being a full departure (including the instrument design)from traditional analogue gauge clusters of the last 100+ years, rather than “one foot in, one foot out” approach of other brands digital clusters is part of what makes it work. Furthermore, trying to integrate such a large screen into the dash would be very difficult to do without it looking like a bulky, heavy growth in the dashboard.
Audis have had gigantic grilles since 2004, that’s part of their design language and it suits them well so its never been an issue, bmws went from having small grills to gigantic weird ones, they’re not even trying to make it part of their design language because they’re all different from model to model. The design team is just lost, they’re like a teenager trying to find out who they are by trying different stuff.
BMW know what they are doing. They have some of the smartest people in the auto industry working for them. Yes some of their designs are bold and controversial but controversy and attention sells! And the other knock on effect is the other brands end up looking boring. ie. Modern Mercedes look boring in comparison.
@@richardlabeja looks are subjective I’m just pointing out that BMW have no logical design plan right now. Mercedes have evolved their design across all their models in the same way, inside or out. BMW has right now a lot of cars that do not look like they’re related. Some have big grilles, some have small grilles, the proportions are uneven… The design clues that we used to look for to recognize a BMW are no longer there in many models.
You took the words out of my mouth. Inconsistent design language is confusing, and clearly BMW is trying too hard to be different. I don't like the M2's lack of a frame around the kidneys, or the rectangular design treatment. Nor do I like the 'Office Depot' LCD screen they slapped on the dash. If you throw enough darts at a dartboard you'll eventually hit the bullseye, so I guess we'll wait and see. I don't think this M2 design will age well.
@@steve_the_designer yes and I don’t understand why they take risks in some models like the 4 series or 7 series, and why they didn’t in others like the new x1. Maybe they’re trying stuff on cars that don’t sell a lot and they couldn’t risk it with the x1 🤷🏻♂️
@@kamalberrada BMW is not about having the same design language across all models. Each model is has its own defined design. BMW said this, they want all their models to have their own distinctive looks. So each model embodies its own design language in a sense.
Honestly, Audis have had large grilles for over the last decade and a half so the A3/RS3 is only keeping up tradition. 9/10 times it benefits the appearance and I appreciate this model's tuner aesthetic
I have owned both of these. I had a 2020 M2 Competition and just traded it for a 2023 RS3 3 weeks ago. Despite being a tad slower, the M2 is actually the more exhilarating car, but overall I definitely prefer the RS3. The interiors really can't be compared. The Audi is way ahead of the M2 in that regard, and the B&O stereo is WAY, WAY better than the HK system in the BMW. The Audi is also far more comfortable. But mostly it's because the Audi just feels much more solid, like it's put together perfectly. And it's CRAZY fast. Like pin your head to the seat fast.
But here's what he didn't mention. I owned 3 Audis before the BMW and I had more issues with the M2 than all of those COMBINED. Nothing major, but it was just one little thing after another with the M2. When I traded it, it was still making a damn belt or bearing noise that I had it in the shop for 3 different times over a 6 month period. A gasket in the rear end went at one point, and some other little things. It was constant headaches.
was it new or used when you bought it? I NEVER buy used performance vehicles, they are generally not well cared for, or even trashed.
I got the m2. It's a lot of fun and the drifting you can do with this, and in manual is a lot of fun. I am in Canada, snow was not a problem with winter tires. During storms, don't go..simple. Once roads are cleared, you are good to go. It's a lot of fun. And the upgrade options are fun as well. Like exhaust and intake so u can hear the woosh in the turbos. Love it.
The RS3 is a very limited production vehicle, only 350 were exported to the usa in 2023, i think the same for 2024. I hope they up it in 2025. M2 sells in the multiple thousands... and for good reason. It is a great car, it just doesnt have the road feel and presence of the RS3, or the rarity. Only around 13000 (RS3s) have been made world wide since the car was introduced over 10 years ago.
Rear drive only and the sweet inline 6, gotta go BMW. Thank you sir.
Which sounds worse and has less character.. but ok
@@roboticvenom1935 yeah, the engine might not have as much character to it as the Inline 5, but the car itself as an entire package, the M2 will be way more fun to drive.
@@roboticvenom1935 About the sounds with the Audi, I'm just curious - are they still pumping in artificial sounds from the exhaust note? They have done this in the past so I honestly wouldn't mind knowing if this is still a thing. For the record, it's not uncommon in these parts to see an Audi whizz by with an exhaust note sounding brutally V8-ish and I'm not a fan of this. Thanks.
nope m2 has issues and will much more often than audi. the audi will grip harder and im a bmw enthusiast!
@@saucey99 what issues does it have?
3:44 Even though your redesign looks much better I think you failed to consider the side angle with this one. The headlights will look near vertical from the side view with that adjustment.
True
Just picked up a 2022 RS3. I agree that the grill is large and black so I got the car in black with the black optics package. It looks menacing. I get compliments everywhere with it.
bro so good i have the kyalami green with black optics. same bro ppl think its like a supercar bc of the color but it works so well with the black spoiler and the black audi rings and just idk everything works so well togeter
Look, I get the scoops, intakes all serve as a fully functioning apparatus that directs air to the radiator, brakes, oil cooler, etc but come on!!! You can make the design more elegant than some lego blocks!!!! Its FUGLY!!!! If BMW's mission was to create the most controversial, polarizing designs, THEY WON! I can't un-see ugly.
Great video as always, Bembli! 🤟🏽
The Bmw m2 design reminds me of Brutalism in architecture
I think the M2 looks great and I like how they are shifting towards a more architectural design language but I'm a huge Audi fan soo I'd still rather have an RS3, any generation too.
As the current owner of an OLD ASS B5 A4 that used to own a e30 325is the M2 is sweeeeeeet WITH A STICK. I'd have to rock that M2...shout out to B.A Baracus.
To say the least, I’m glad that the m2 doesn’t have the massive kidney bean grilles like on the m3 and m4. That would be an absolute nightmare😂
Well this design as a whole is still worse than M3 and M4,yes both of them have massive kidneys which are only the ugly parts of the design, aside from that this looks more like a Lego car
What’s amusing yet predictable is that BMW will never admit that the Grille on the G80-82 was a huge mistake.
M2 bumper looks like ass. 🤮
I would have bought a 2023 RS3, however, it is not available here in Canada. I therefore purchased my first BMW a 2023 M2. I can't wait for her to arrive.
Good choice. Get ready to fall in love
If you like tracking, get m2. if you like exhaust note, tunability, winning dig races, going ham regardless of weather, get rs3
I dont track so........RS3 here I come
M2 has much higher tunning potentiall the s58 is an amazing engine
the rs3 is a beast on the track, do some research
i was in the market for a $70k car lasr week. test drove the m2 manual and then bought the rs3. great engine in the bmw and i wanred a manual but after driving both, the rs3 is just special,. you botta drive em to understand ti think
I guess this will be another car that looks better in the flesh - recent BMW M cars have always looked better when you see them out on the road - apart from the M8 Competition, that car looked great in pictures and the showroom alike!
All performance cars have functional vents in the front but they don’t look like cubes
Honestly, props for Audi for going back to Quattro. Still don't think it'll be as legendary as the Torsen T1 Quattro (locked permanently to 50-50 front-rear), but at least the RS3 is no longer a Golf R with an extra cylinder
Keep in mind that "Quattro" is nothing more than marketing name. Holy fuch, they even gave shitty early haldex systems this name.
Quattro just means 4 wheel drive lol
@@gotworc it does, but the Haldex version of it was hardly an AWD system. I'm sorry, but when your "Quattro AWD" operates in FWD only mode for 95% of the car's lifecycle, it's a glorified FWD car with extra weight added for no real reason
Thank you for sharing the fact that Audi understeer problem came from engine being in front of the axel. All youtuber said Audi are understeer but no one bring up this fact.
I just traded in an M2 Competition for a new RS3, but before the M2 I owned an S3. The understeer is effectively gone in the new RS3. Granted, it was fixed by Audi putting several bandaids on it, like the staggered wheel setup and Rear Torque splitter, but those bandaids worked.
People may not believe it, but I have a couple corners I like to take quickly, and I took one of them faster in the RS3 than I ever did in my M2. And it wasn't even breathing hard. The jury is still out, but I think it might handle even better than the M2.
I’d choose the M2. The Audi’s front end is just too much for me. It’s just the black trim.. everywhere. And Audis interiors lately have looked somewhat outdated. Those aside.. the RS3 doesn’t seem like the worst choice either.
The only thing I literally hate is that the m2 damn near weighs 4000lbs(3,814), but they did give it more power.
I owned a 1000hp RS3 that was a great street car. I currently own a G87 M2, and never thought I would get rid of my RS3 for it. The G87 M2 has better overall build quality than the current gen RS3 and has a more stout factory engine and transmission. The RS3 inline 5 will be missed though 😢
functionality does not excuse the design of the M2 - it's still ugly
True, the Aston Martin Valkyrie and current F1 cars are functional yet beautiful, you can even take a look at the Mazda Furai
I agree ,hardly find a side from where the new m2 looks good ,earlier generation was way better
I love the RS3's engine, but besides the awesome wider fenders I'd prefer the rest of the exterior to be more restrained like the S3's styling (less glossy black plastic). The M2's exterior design needs more *detail* since the shapes, surfaces, and lighting elements are just too blunt.
Despite having much less interesting proportions, RS3 is just much better looking car. I'd still take M2 if I had to choose one. Both are overweight compacts but at least M2 has better weight distribution and is available in RWD with manual). On the other hand RS3 would be much more practical as the only car in house and its inline 5 just sounds much better than BMW's S58 and B58 engines.
rs3 was more fun to drive. was in market for both of these or the supra. the m2 was the winner, then i test drove the rs3 and the m2 and i bought the m2. even with 500 hp, the rs3 was faster.
i am coming from a srick mk7 gti FBO with 400 hp, its faster than both (from a roll). the m2 just didnt seem so fast.
Congratulation for the great content. The exterior design of M2 coupé is outstanding and will look great even 20 years from now
Great review, but I would choose the RS3 first for the seat design(a little more comfortable) and second, i don't mind not having a stick shift since i live in a city and traffic is a pain. I am not a fan of the BMW M2 seats with that bump in the middle. Both are great cars
Audi has next level interior compared to BMW
The new M2 looks like early 2000s Dodge design
I see it. Hideous design language.
BMW just needs to get rid of their entire design team
I wonder how the M2 will look in black 🖤
Lame. Black is boring asf, common, and is hard to keep clean.
Ugly as any other color
I’m just curious, but would there be a way to make a more geometric design that’s still emotional and has a dynamic design?
Lamborghini Countach. Maybe it’s just me but it gives me a lot of emotions even tho it’s like the pinnacle of geometric design. So i think normally a more geometric design results in less emotion and a fluid one in more emotions but not generally speaking
@@jonas_bross Yes Lambos (especially the Countach) generally tend to be very geometric, but I feel that all of the lines on the Countach blended geometric design with fluid design in a way I can’t really explain. Besides, Lamborghini tends to use lots of hexagons, which can be resized and reshapes to have more of a forward motion. I guess my question is: is there a way to create a BMW type of geometric design and still retain the dynamic character of BMW? Like, can we have a design that’s mostly just 2D shapes, but that still manages to make them feel emotional and give them a forward motion?
Absolutely
But BMW can't do it..
Polestar 1?
@@roboticvenom1935 I never saw the polestar as being geometric. I just saw it as being static
would always choose the RS3, there‘s just something about it… I don‘t like the design of th BMW, didn‘t grow on me yet.
It’s ok. You’re just use to looking at old style cars like most people, it’s normal.
I just absolutely hate that black insert on the rear of the RS3, both on the sedan and the hatchback. Just looks super cheap and out of place, what was the idea behind that?
The idea of having some cheap plastic to fill the place dummy
There almost stopping you from putting on a custom diffuser
Designers and engineers must be high on ilegal substances thinking it looks good, both cars look front and rear heavy, like if it were carrying a snowplow or something
Probably to reduce the perceived height of the back of the car by breaking it up with a horizontal element.
@@joecamaro the S3's rear end looks much better since it doesn't have this piece.
As a E82 owner myself, I don’t think the new M2 has anything like the 1M. I would definitely say this M2 is not the worse of recent BMW design. But let’s not go there alright.
It's ugly
BMW styling is becoming a joke
1M and RS3 are totally different cars 2 drive.
Own a 1M had a 2018 RS3 drove a 1M couldn’t get rid of the RS3 quick enough.also owned a 135i lovely.
The new beemer with it’s staggered set up wider stance mmm interesting let’s see how it steers.
@@michaelscurr9046 ofc RS3 doesn't compete with a 1M
I'm getting both, question is which is the keeper
Audi a3 as a Sedan probably the most beautiful car in the compact department ever made
I love your version of the tail light and front end for the m2 ..wish BMW would do that sort of thing for the next one!
Originally I really hated the 220i M design, but the other day I saw one parked and really liked the way it looked. Hopefully the 2 series design language is the one they choose to use throughout their fleet
Rear tailights are ugly add I've seen many in person
Now I remember! Bembli, by any chance when studying design someone spoke about the Gumpert Apollo? It was said that thing is what happens when you let the engineers make the whole car with no designers in sight? Fugly is the word. BMW just tried to justify their Apollo design stage with the new M2 lol.
I've got the feeling that most modern bmw designs are like this. at first they are very ugly but over time they tend to grow on me. i think even the current m3 and 4 series are becoming more and more beautiful, except of course for the huge bean grills in front. i hope they make them smaller and cut them vertically in half with the facelift, because then they would be beauties
If only existed a 2 series gran coupé based on the 2 coupé platform. That would be the perfect sedan. Let alone an M2 gran coupé on the 2 basis. That would be perfection
Rs3 will be higher in value. Last 5 cylinder on the planet ever made
m2 manuals will do fine as well in resale, both have beasrly engines. bmw's easily hit 900 hp. 6 cylinders and 2 turbos lol.
Audi is masterpiece!😍😍😍😍🔥🚀👍
Agreed
Let’s not get nuts. I like it but not a masterpiece by any stretch.
@@chop3625 I guess that’s fair
@Johhny 5Stone, keep lying to yourself
@@duffydon1741 It is a fact.
BMW "The Ultimate Driving Machine"
1M owner I like the staggered set up wider stance who knows what Bmw have done here.
We really won’t know until some one reems it out.
Let’s see how it steers.
This was a very high quality video. Your channel is definitely underrated.
M2 is easily. Better perfromace. Better tech. Better interior. The new m2 would have way more presence on the road the audi looks like every other audi. M2 has a very unique musclar shape
The M2 is really growing on me. Love the look of the new RS3 as well.
Quick correction, Quattro is actually Torsen, and the RS3 uses Haldex (VAG trans-mounted, FWD bias). Just retains the Quattro name.
All awd systems in Audi are called Quattro
@@TheEryk03 Correct. Only Torsen is true Quattro. Includes the system used by the Passat on the A4 platform, even though it isn’t called Quattro in VW
@@frogogogo there is no such thing as "true Quattro"... Audi had even with tkrsen few different awd systems.
@@TheEryk03 Except Torsen is permanent AWD, and Haldex is 4WD. For that reason most enthusiasts acknowledge that Quattro is only used to designate Audi’s AWD cars, even though the nameplate is applied to both 4WD and AWD models.
@@frogogogo there is more permanent awd quatros... Just stop, you know nothing about Audi.
I love the M2 more !
I can save everyone some time watching the video... ONLY ONE comes in MANUAL... Nuff said. And this, coming from an Audi fanboy. Manual or BUST!
Agreed 👍🏽
@@waywardsoul4918 i only drive manuals for the lasdt ten years. a few tuned FBO GTI's, type R, si, wrx, etc. I wanred the m2 bc it was a manual. auto was a deal breaker for me.
then... (last week)
rs3 was more fun to drive. was in market for both of these or the supra. the m2 was the winner, then i test drove the rs3 and the m2 and i bought the m2. even with 500 hp, the rs3 was faster.
i am coming from a srick mk7 gti FBO with 400 hp, its faster than both (from a roll). the m2 just didnt seem so fast.
Front of BMW looks like they are trying to geometricize the look. Focus guys! RS3 much nicer from the front.
It's not even close. The RS3 looks 100x better and it comes with an amazing engine. I love BMW but the I would go RS3 this round.
This M2 is the best BMW ever made. Its basically a shortened M4. Proportions are absolutely stunning. I wish it was lighter, maybe 1500kg (3300lb) max.
I guess the previous gen M2 would be the best BMW then
@@Alejandro_BoniIIa why
I just found your channel. Wow you are a fantastic artist and designer
I would take RS3 because I prefer AWD and 5 cylinder engine. Plus that bmw is so ugly.
More framing on the bmw dash also adds weight could be a reason why they didn't do it
those rear haunches remind me of the E30, pity the rest of the car doesnt.
Given the effort Audi makes to attempt to mitigate the disadvantages of a FWD platform for its hot variants, they might as well just develop a RWD platform.
Was that a HINT to BMW to send one to your garage? :) Sweet. I enjoyed your analysis. Thanks
if bmw designers can’t make something that have a function look good they are bad designers and it´s not justified
Bembli, why does M2 looks like a Fiat Stilo to me? I just cant put my finger to it. Make a conparison video M2 vs Stilo, it would be hilarious, i bet.
Don't disrespect Stilo like that... ever
I prefer the exterior of the previous M2, but could live with the new. However, the interior of the new m2 is the deal breaker. Really dislike the new digital dash. Previous gen for me…..ended up ordering the new rs3 hatch
At 3,649 lbs Audi 3RS and BMW M2 at 3,814 lbs. For such a small cars, both are too heavy, especially M2. I tested M2 with MT. While it's a good car, I didn't like numb steering and rubbery shifting. I wouldn't call these sport cars, they're rather sport sedans.
That RS3 redesign is fire 🔥
Although I am a BMW fan (I have 10 years /// M3 E46), but this new /// M2 seems to me like a poorly bad toy, which is why I order new RS3.
As a RS3 driver I have to say no
I really want to see you design a brand new BMW M2 that you think it's the best design.
Not super crazy about the looks of either one, but the Audi is better looking. The last gen M2 looks much better than the new one, and the new one also put on a crazy amount of weight.
The audi is based an a3 platform, a front wheel drive car, hence the typical fwd hatch proportions, not a good look. The m2 is based on the rear wheel drive 3 series platform, hence the sporty proportions. The m2 is technically a class above, and it will likely dominate performance wise.
You can say the design is growing on you but to say the m2 looks better than the rs3 is such a bull$hit its not even funny. The m2 looks a bit weird and it can grow on ppl over time but looking at both its an easy choice. The interior aswell, i still dont know how can ppl buy a car with some ipads put on the dash without any effort put in to look better or to look like it belongs there. I would never buy a car with screen like that
M2-Great Bauhaus/Brutalist design!
Sound of the video should be much louder on both of your channels
M2 for sure
The problem with the rs3 redesign is that it looks like other audi models like a a4 or a6 and loses a3 characteristics
Man,
I hate to say this but both cars look like misshapen, steroid injected bodybuilders.
The proportions of the grill, headlights/headlamps, wheel arches everything looks off
previous generation looked WAY better, more athletic, more refined
The M2 is the second best looking M car behind the goated G80 M3 which might be the best M of all time behind maybe the E46 M3. The people that hated on it look dumb to me; if you haven’t already changed your mind then you’re now the minority. The M2 is different, it’s bold, it’s unique, it’s functional, it’s an M3/M4 in a 2 series coupe package that’s RWD and manual as standard. Look at the proportions, look how muscular and mean it is. The F87 M2 was pretty, it was definitely a girly looking car, and it wasn’t the same class as M3/M4, it was more m lite 1/2 series to me, it was an awesome car no doubt but the G87 is a big boy M in a very sexy package. I don’t care for the taillights but I can look past it and see the rest of the 99% of the car and I love what I see. The red and black are both awesome, the blue one is very cool but I like it better with lighter colored bronze wheels.
M2 interior is like a widescreen monitor stolen from mediamarkt. Aside from that, they just can't make any proper interior. In any model.
You are explaining design to us here and still have a bias towards the car that is so badly designed.
Great Photoshop skills BTW
The new M2 looks like a Lego car
Like 1990's Honda.
My question with the Audio is what is the design intention with the faux black mesh grill that goes across the plastic bumper, Its not mocking a diffuser, Is it trying to suggest its a rear or mid engine car that needs cooling dissipation through the rear? I dont get it.
2 years later do you feel the same, knowing the RS3 is the far better DRIVERS car?
I think the Audi RS3 is for the fast and furious crowd. Obviously it's too pricey for them but there you go. The BMW is a proper coupe and while too heavy, looks like a performance car. I actually think the OG BMW M2 looks better than both of these.
Rs3 way better
Audi has 4 doors which is more practical vs 2 door that is cooler but I’d choose a 4 door though
Rs3 legit looks like a blob. The m2 rear end is so much nicer. Looks like a tiny little muscle car. Shits raw
BMW had been very stubborn with sticking to RWD, until recently introducing x-drive to most of their performance cars except the M2. Of-course there are technical reasons for such change. They need to change because cars are getting more and more powerful that 2 wheel drives can no longer keep up with the the power. You may look sexy with tail hanging out at corners, but that is pointless and slow for racing. Also, big wheels add weight. The new M2 is around 170kg heavier than the previous model. To me, that is very hard to accept.
The M2 is already 1725kg which is really heavy for this car. Xdrive will add another 100kg. I think this is the reason they didn’t include xdrive.
This guy reckons he knows better than the Audi designers? Lol.
You do realise M2 uses the same engine as M3/M4, just a bit detuned, so it has the same cooling requirements ? So, by using this logic, the ugly snouts are justified for all three 🤣
if you actually look at the new M3/M4 grills, youd realize only a portion of that giant grill is actually open and functional, meaning they could designed it more aesthetically pleasing and still keep the functionality
they are basically normalizing a new level of ugly into the world, taking the baseline down a few notches
Actually audi looks good inperson
Rs3 is a better everyday car in every way, but as a second car for an entusiastic driver, M2 is the way to go.
I've actually owned both, and would agree with this assessment.
I needed a daily so traded my M2 Comp for the new RS3 and the RS3 definitely serves me better, but the M2 is the more exhilarating car if you're just looking for something to drive for fun on the weekends. (But the M2 has some reliability issues that nobody ever seems to talk about. It was endless headaches for me)
So you love the performance of both these cars. Have you driven both these car?
Been trying to figure out what car the M2 looks like until I saw a Nissan skyline gtr
M2 is a good car, but I just can't take the backlight design.
It can't take up to 100% of the power and put it to the rear wheels. only 50%. And then The diff can take 100% of that and move it to either rear wheel.
Love the new M3, has E46 ducktail vibes
It’s an eyesore. Too long, Too wide, Too fat.
The moment that you said on your personal opinion that you would stick to the BMW for offering manual that is clear that you provided a biased opinion. Audi only sold 5% of manual cars before complete ditching the manual. 95% of the buyers wanted it auto and that doesn't make the car worse. It is nice that BMW offers manual cars but if anything at least compare two cars with manual and auto(Porsche 718, Hyundai Elantras, Golf GTIs) but don't penalize one car just because is not offered in manual.