BMW has officially revealed the new M2 Competition. Instantly recognizable as something special, the M2 Competition is arguably what the M2 should have been from the very beginning.
The Competition sports a revised front bumper for added cooling, and larger kidneys (now a single piece) in gloss black. At the back there's a new diffuser too, after all it is based on the 2 Series LCI. And finally, the much loved M mirrors finally adorn the fiery 2 Series. But while retaining the same body, similar styling, rear wheel drive, and a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed M DCT transmissions, BMW’s M engineers focused primarily on performance in the new model.
And that came in the form of the BMW M4's S55 3.0-litre twin-turbo 6 cylinder motor. In the M2 Competition, BMW M has binned the 272kw N55 single-turbo motor in favour of a detuned version of the S55, which sees power reach now 302kw. The M2's wide 550nm torque power band can rush the coupe to 100kph in just 4.2seconds when equipped with the M DCT transmission, while the manual variant is 0.2 slower. As before, it will be electronically limited to 250kph, or 280kph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
In order to accommodate the new engine, the M2 Competition has the same cooling system as the M4 Competition Package. It includes a central radiator, two side radiators and an additional engine oil cooler. Models with the M DCT also receive a transmission oil cooler. There’s also a new, high-precision CFRP strut and bulkhead strut, to increase the rigidity of the front end, much like the M4.
To compliment all the go, BMW added more stopping power to the M2 Competition, using 400 mm diameter discs with the 6-pot front brakes and 380 mm discs with the 4-pot rear brakes. Additional enhancements were made to the electromechanical power steering, Active M Differential, and the Dynamic Steering Control (DSC) system.
An added option are the M Sport bucket seats off the M4, and yes, it does have an illuminated M2 badge. The steering wheel has M1 and M2 buttons, as in the BMW M5, for recalling custom configurations. There’s also the usual M badging and extra trim, including M2 Competition badging along the door sills.
New body colours include Sunset Orange Metallic and Hockenheim Silver, the latter replacing last year’s Mineral Grey Metallic. While the M2 rides on new 19-inch forged wheels in a choice of black, high-sheen, and light high-sheen finishes.
BMW South Africa says the new M2 Competition will be available locally from September 2018, with pricing announced shortly.
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 starts from around R1,200,000 in South Africa, though pricing varies depending on options and transmission choice.
Q: Is the BMW M2 Competition worth buying over the regular M2?
Absolutely, the M2 Competition fixes everything that was missing from the original M2 with 30kW more power, proper M4-derived cooling, and significantly better brakes.
Q: What's the difference between the M2 Competition manual and DCT transmission?
The 7-speed M DCT gets you to 100kph in 4.2 seconds while the 6-speed manual takes 4.4 seconds, but the manual gives you proper driving engagement that purists crave.
Q: How much power does the BMW M2 Competition have?
The M2 Competition produces 302kW and 550Nm from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre S55 engine, borrowed from the M4 but slightly detuned.
Q: What are the main upgrades on the M2 Competition compared to the standard M2?
You get the M4's twin-turbo S55 engine, upgraded cooling system, 400mm front brake discs, carbon fibre strut braces, and proper M mirrors that should have been there from day one.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the BMW M2 Competition is absolutely worth buying if you have around R1,200,000 to spend on the best compact sports coupe in South Africa. This is what the M2 should have been from the start, with proper M4-derived power, cooling that actually works, and brakes that can handle track days without crying. The 302kW twin-turbo engine transforms this little rocket into a genuine M4 competitor while keeping the nimble, playful character that made the 2 Series special. Go for the manual if you're a purist, or the DCT if you want those extra two tenths to 100kph. Either way, you're getting the best performance bargain under R1,500,000 in the BMW lineup.
