In just over a month, BMW M's hot new M2 Competition will make its very first show appearance.
Its public debut is set for the 2018 Beijing Motor Show at the end of April, but it is believed BMW will unveil it online shortly before that. The biggest change that will have M-fans salivating is the M2's new motor.
Under its hood is the revised version of the S55 motor from the M4. The 3.0-litre straight-6 twin-turbo motor, will in this application produce around 305kw and 500nm - which trumps the Audi RS3 and it’s expected to best the new Mercedes-AMG A45.
This is up from 272kw in the M2 Coupe, and when mated with its 7-speed DCT, sprints from 0-100kph in around 4.2 seconds. As before, it will be electronically limited to 250kph, or 270kph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
The design of the BMW M2 Competition will also be different from the previous F87 M2. Aside from fresh body colors, new aprons on the front and rear will ensure an even clearer differentiation of the regular 2 Series models, while the M mirrors will finally appease the M purists.
There is talk of an even hotter M2 GTS that's on its way in 2019. This will be limited to just 999 units and will feature the M4 Competition's 338kw S55 motor.
Deliveries of the M2 Competition (render attached) are expected to commence around the middle of 2018, with BMW South Africa releasing more information on the South African allocation in due course.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW M2 Competition cost in South Africa?
The BMW M2 Competition was expected to launch around mid-2018 with an estimated starting price of around R850,000, though BMW South Africa hadn't confirmed final pricing or allocation details at the time of this article.
Q: Is the BMW M2 Competition worth buying over the regular M2?
Absolutely, the M2 Competition's upgraded S55 engine from the M4 delivers 305kW versus the standard M2's 272kW, plus you get visual upgrades and proper M mirrors that purists have been demanding.
Q: How fast is the BMW M2 Competition compared to rivals?
The M2 Competition hits 0-100kph in around 4.2 seconds with its 7-speed DCT, which should edge out the Audi RS3 and expected Mercedes-AMG A45 in a straight line.
Q: What's the difference between the M2 Competition and the rumoured M2 GTS?
The M2 GTS was rumoured for 2019 with the M4 Competition's full-fat 338kW S55 engine, limited to just 999 units worldwide, making it significantly more powerful and exclusive than the Competition.
Should You Buy It?
The BMW M2 Competition represents the sweet spot for serious driving enthusiasts who want M4 performance in a more manageable package. With 305kW on tap and that glorious S55 straight-six, it's the best compact performance coupe under R900,000 in South Africa. If you can stretch the budget and secure an allocation, absolutely go for it, the M2 Competition delivers genuine M division thrills without the bulk of its bigger brothers.
