2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 365 hp 7AM)
In the segment of coupe cars the BMW who has brought forth by far is best offering the M2 competition. Offered in just a single trim along with several optional packages we are left with no specific trim to recommend
Oh, so you're looking for a fun compact coupe to throw around the track and then drive back home at the end of the day, while stopping for a quick run to the supermarket and not need to fill the gas tank? Then you've come to the right place. The BMW M2 Competition is arguably the best M car you can buy. It possesses a detuned twin-turbocharged engine taken from the M4; it is short and compact, making the ride agile and dynamic for the track.
The rear wheel drive coupe readily oversteers, but is always under control with the stability control intervening at the right moment. However, it could do with a set of softer suspensions for daily driving. Starting at $58,900 the Beemer's price climbs steep with a myriad of tempting extras to choose from.
Comparing muscle cars from the US, the Camaro SS and Mustang GT are options you can consider which come with massive V8 engines. The Merc's answer to Beemer is the CLA 45 AMG, with a not so massive 2.0L inline-4. We will further compare these coupes to bring out the best one for you. The M2 competition slots between the M2 from the previous generation and the more performance focussed CS and GTS models. There are optional add-ons which you can equip such as a sunroof, an automatic gearbox, and driver assistance package. Basically you can choose to make your beemer heavily loaded with goodies, but of course at a heavier price.
Trim |
Base |
---|---|
MSR P |
$58,900 |
Key Features |
19" M Y-spoke style 788 M wheels with mixed tyres |
Active M Differential |
|
Dakota leather upholstery with unique Blue or Orange stitching and perforations |
|
Exhaust tailpipes - twin, dual, Black Chrome with bevelled design |
|
M rear spoiler |
|
M-specific Sport suspension |
We Recommend
Costing 60-Grand, the M2 Competition is definitely not a bargain, but the car you'd enjoy every bit of it. Since there are no other trims to recommend, we recommend you add the driver's package to your coupe.
It was back to the drawing board for BMW with the stricter emission norms rendering the N55 engine in the 2018 M2 unusable for the next production model. So the Beemer engineers picked up the S55 engine from it's brother, the M4, and detuned it to 405 horsepower and knighted it the M2 Competition.
The bi-twin turbo inline-six engine produces a massive 406 lb-ft and the torque curve does not fade till you hit the redline. For the enthusiast, the precise 6-speed manual transmission is standard, but you should definitely try out the 7-speed dual-clutch with three-mode Drivelogic, rev-matching and Launch control.
Models |
BMW M2 Competition |
Chevrolet Camaro SS |
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45 |
Ford Mustang GT |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$58,900 |
$49,995 |
$53,100 |
$35,355 |
Engine |
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6, 3.0 L |
Gas V8, 6.2L |
2.0L inline-4 turbo |
Premium Unlead 5.0L V8 |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
6-Speed Manual |
SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch |
6-speed Manual |
Horsepower |
405 hp @5230 rpm |
455 hp @ 6000 rpm |
375 hp @6000 rpm |
460 hp @ 7000 rpm |
Torque |
406 lb.-ft. @ 2350 rpm |
455 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm |
350 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm |
420 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm |
BMW is a German muscle car, pitching it against the American ponies gives us some great numbers to compare. The Camaro SS and Mustang GT Fastback have monumental horsepower, as expected, exceeding the Beemer by a margin of more than 50 horses. However, in terms of driving dynamics, it quickly fills the gap, this German masterpiece is no less than its rivals in terms of performance in-spite of a smaller engine size.
In the sprint to 60mph, the BMW M2 Competition is quicker than ever before, taking merely 4.2 seconds with the 6-speed manual. However, the 7-speed DCT is quicker, thanks to Launch Control, reaching 60 mph in 4 seconds flat.
Models |
BMW M2 Competition |
Chevrolet Camaro SS |
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45 |
Ford Mustang GT |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
4.2 sec |
3.9 sec* |
4.1 sec |
4.6 sec |
Quarter mile |
12.5 sec @ 113 mph |
12.3 sec @ 118 mph* |
NA |
NA |
Engine |
3.0 Liter |
6.2 Liter |
2.0 Liters |
5.0 Liters |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
8.4 |
TBD |
TBD |
TDB |
The rivals, apart from the Mustang, are faster than the Beemer. Surprisingly, the CLA 45 AMG, even with the tiny 2.0L engine it has, gets to 60 in 4.1 seconds. Chevrolet Camaro SS is the one to take the trophy, kudos to the massive 6.2L V8 under the hood.
Consider buying this car if you don't mind your internal organs being rattled around at every bump on the road. The stiff suspension is well suited for track only, but it could have been dialed down for the city roads. The limited-slip differential on the rear axle electronically controls torque delivery to each of the wheels. But on City roads you are bound to be in for a roller coaster ride.
With a more rigid chassis and including components from the M3 and the M4, the BMW M2 Competition hugs the corners and the guns down the straights seamlessly switching through the gears. However, the rear wheel drive beast is quick to wag its tail with the stability control less intrusive than before, which adds to the driver experience on track.
As massive as the power, the brakes on this couple are ridiculously meaty. With massive 15.7 inch rotors up front and a six-piston caliper which bite down hard onto the speed and bring the coupe to a halt.
Models |
BMW M2 Competition |
Chevrolet Camaro SS |
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45 |
Ford Mustang GT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
15.7 |
13.6 |
13.8 |
13.9 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
15 |
13.3 |
13 |
13 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3600 |
3685 |
3450 |
3705 |
70-0 MPH (ft.) |
NA |
149 |
150 |
NA |
The rivals brakes seem almost puny in size compared to the Beemer. The 13.6 inch rotors on the Camaro are adequate for a sports coupe, despite feeling dwarfed amongst the competition.
The inline-six cylinder engine is now quite fuel efficient to meet the emission norms, thus giving decent mileage compared to the gas guzzling V8s in the American ponies which deliver 15 miles to the gallon.
Models |
BMW M2 Competition |
Chevrolet Camaro SS |
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45 |
Ford Mustang GT |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
18 |
16 |
23 |
15 |
MPG (highway) |
26 |
25 |
30 |
25 |
MPG (combined) |
21 |
19 |
26 |
18 |
Comparatively the small 2.0L engine of the CLA 45 AMG gives you the best savings, so you don't need to watch your fuel gauge as you cruise along the Autobahn.
The new M-sport seats, embroidered with the M logo all over to remind you this is no ordinary Beemer you're in, are chunky and hug your torso through high speed corners. However, be prepared for all the shocks from the road transferred through to your body. On the other hand, the materials throughout the cabin feel premium to the touch, as they should be in a $60,000 coupe.
Models |
BMW M2 Competition |
Chevrolet Camaro SS |
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45 |
Ford Mustang GT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
40.1/54.4/41.5 |
38.5/55/43.9 |
38.2/56/40.2 |
37.6/56.3/45.1 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
36.5/53.4/33 |
33.5/50.3/29.9 |
35.4/53.2/27.1 |
34.8/52.2/29 |
On the steering you'd find two bright red buttons M1 and M2 which can store your preferences for suspension setup, steering and pedal responsiveness. The steering is comfortable to hold, unlike the thick chunky steering wheels BMW has given the M3 and M4 CS models.
The list of standard features is quite limited, rather shocking for a coupe at this price point. Features like WiFi hotspot, wireless charging and the heated steering wheel come as optional extras in the $1200 Executive package. It does not support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is on trial basis.
The other interior features that you will find in this vehicle are mentioned below:
Despite being the shortest coupe in the competition, the M2 Competition offers the largest cargo bay at the back, even bigger than the M4. It could've had a perfect score in practicality if not for the absence of adaptive suspensions and adaptive cruise control.
Models |
BMW M2 Competition |
Chevrolet Camaro SS |
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45 |
Ford Mustang GT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
13.8 |
9.1 |
13.1 |
13.5 |
The Camaro has a dismally small luggage compartment, grocery shopping may not be a challenge but you wouldn't want to go to IKEA with this one. The Mercedes AMG suffers a slight disadvantage due to its sloping roofline and it's a similar story with the Mustang.
The M2 competition is brawnier than before and all the new bells and whistles are not just under the hood, the exterior has also been redesigned. The new front black kidney grille, more aggressive front intakes and the M-style side mirrors. The bite-sized coupe packs a punch, the short wheelbase aids maneuverability in the crowded streets or the parking lot of your favorite burger joint.
Models |
BMW M2 Competition |
Chevrolet Camaro SS |
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45 |
Ford Mustang GT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
3600 |
3685 |
3450 |
3705 |
Length(in) |
176.2 |
188.3 |
184.7 |
188.3 |
Width(in) |
73 |
74.7 |
88.0 |
75.4 |
Height(in) |
55.5 |
53.1 |
55.7 |
54.4 |
Ground clearance (in) |
4.8 |
TBD |
3.7 |
TBD |
Wheelbase (in) |
106 |
110.7 |
106.3 |
107.1 |
Track width (in) F/R |
62.2/63 |
63.0/62.9 |
61.3/61.5 |
62.3/64.9 |
The M2 Competition is shorter and narrower than the rest, while the longer AMG accommodates 4-doors, the Beemer is a 2-door coupe. Equipping the 7-speed automatic transmission adds a few pounds to the curb weight, but the Mustang is heaviest of the lot. Apart from its dimension and weight there are a few other aspects that can be used to compare the better offering off the lot, their exterior features. The list of exterior features offered are:
The 2019 BMW M2 has not been tested by any authority such as NHTSA or IIHS, the M2 competition has been given a whole list of safety features and crash medication systems to keep its occupants safe and secure all the time. A few of the many features that you will find inside the M2 are mentioned below:
The Camaro is an American beast with a muscular 6.2L V8 under the hood to compete with the 3.0L inline-6 in the German, at a lower price. However, when it comes to driving dynamics and premium interiors the M2 pulls ahead, as expected from a German sports coupe. Even on the practicality front the M2 Competition gives you more legroom at the back and a larger trunk behind that.
At first glance the M2 Competition is the obvious choice over the CLA 45 AMG with its tiny 2.0L four-banger compared to the Beemer's 3.0L 6-cyl. You might expect the 4-door coupe to have decent legroom, but that's not the case, this Mercedes does not even get the premium interiors the AMGs are known for. At first, one might think that the AMG badge might have a lot to offer over the potential offering of the BMW M2, but that's not the case. Surprisingly the AMG CLA 45 hasn't met the expectations one would have from a AMG.
The mustang is so much more economical than the M2 competition. Ford has harboured a V8 engine that generates 460 hp into the Mustang, apart from this, in all the other aspects the M2 proves its mettle over the Ford’s offering. The M2 Competition has better performance through the straights and around corners, superior interior quality, better cargo capacity, and much more massive brakes. If you want an affordable V8 to flaunt you should consider Mustang GT, but if you're a serious enthusiast and are looking for not just the numbers, the BMW M2 Competition is perfect for you.
The BMW M2 Competition is one of the best M cars you can buy, with a powerful engine taken from the M4, great practicality, and agility that could rival the Porsches, if not for the lack of steering road feel.This vehicle is a little low on technological inputs and features, but you could cover for it with the executive package. The M Driver's package is a must have for the enthusiasts. However, you'd find the price of this already pricey coupe climb higher as you tick more and more options to your cart.