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BMW M2 Competition: Everything you need to know

The BMW M2 Competition is here, complete with the heart of an M3 and 410hp. Here is everything worth knowing about the latest addition to the German company’s sports car line-up.

If we had the choice of any BMW in the current range, we would find it hard to ignore the M2. Although that could be about to change because the M2 Competition has just been revealed – and on paper it sounds like a beast.

While the M2’s powerplant never upset us, it was subject to criticism from other outlets. To combat this, BMW has stuck in the twin-turbocharged six-cylinder inline engine from the M3 (not the Baukasten from the M140i and M240i) albeit detuned to a still healthy 410hp.

New engine klaxon

BMW M2 Competition drifting (not on public roads)

As a result, the BMW M2 Competition can go from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds with the optional seven-speed M DCT automatic. The manual, which was preferable last time around, manages the same feat two-tenths of a second later.

Either way, the top speed is limited to 155mph unless you opt for the M Driver’s package, which takes it to 173mph. We doubt anyone on an unrestricted section of Autobahn will mind being stuck behind you, that is for sure.

Given the old M2 had 370hp and could muster 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds if you went with the auto, that is hardly a radical enhancement. But then that M3 lump delivers peak torque, all 550Nm of it, instead of 465Nm (500Nm on overboost) from 2,350 to 5,200rpm. It should be noticeably more gutsy and less dependent on hard-revving.

BMW has also given the M2 Competition bigger brakes to make it stop faster. These come in the form of the M Sport system, which have larger pads (400mm at the front and 380mm at the rear) coupled with a six-piston caliper for the front and two fewer pistons for the rear. The calipers are painted in grey.

Pop the hood and you will see a new carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) strut, as used in the M3 and M4, the addition of which is said to improve rigidity at the front and ‘steering behaviour’.

Another first for the BMW M2 Competition is the addition of M1 and M2 buttons on the steering for adding and quickly jumping into custom driving mode settings.

As for the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with M Dynamic Mode, BMW has adjusted the steering curve. This, it says, improves the performance.

Slightly revised looks

BMW M2 Competition interior

Just to make sure the world knows you have a BMW M2 Competition, you can go for one of two new paintjobs: Metallic Sunset Orange (because orange cars are bang on trend, presumably) and Hockenheim Silver.

And there is the option of having the now standard 19-inch ‘Y-Spoke’ forged alloys in Jet Black.

Other aesthetic revisions include the trademark kidney grille painted black as well as the side gills. Then there are the black tailpipes poking out the back, double-arm door mirrors and a new front skirt with a modified air intake, which BMW says is there to improve both the look and cooling potential.

Though black is the standard colour for the interior, including the perforated leather seats (and the optional sports variants), you can choose between blue and orange stitching for a little pizzazz.

Various goodies help justify the BMW M2 Competition’s higher price tag. One is Park Distance Control (PDC), because nobody wants to prang a car in a Tesco car park.

And the price of the BMW M2 Competition is…

BMW M2 Competition rear end

We found the standard M2 to be a complete riot and it appears the M2 Competition has undergone logical upgrades to make it even better. Expect to pay a smidge under £50,000 – at £49,285 before extras.

That makes it £2,545 more than the standard car, which seems fair to us. Orders open from ‘mid-May’ so you best get saving.

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