Some staff at BMW obviously didn’t feel that the M2 was hardcore enough, because it has just been replaced by the M2 Competition.
Numerous enhancements include a new engine based on the straight-six unit that’s used in the current M3 and M4. While the 3.0 litre displacement is unchanged, output has risen by a substantial 39 bhp (30 kW / 40 PS).
To take advantage of the extra performance potential, the chassis, steering and brakes have all been modified as well. Visually, double-arm door mirrors and a redesigned front bumper assembly identify the latest model.
The upgrade to Competition specification has increased the car’s cost to just shy of £50k. Direct rivals at this price point with similar levels of ability and practicality are certainly scarce.
That said, anybody with such a budget to spend is probably going to consider the Porsche 718 Cayman S too (provided they can live without any rear seats). A bit of lateral thinking could also add Ford’s Mustang GT to their short list, even if the American contender is a significantly cheaper proposition.
As can be seen from the figures below, all three demonstrate comparable straight-line pace. Lap times around a twisty circuit might tell a very different story, though.
| Manufacturer | BMW | Porsche | Ford |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | M2 Competition | 718 Cayman S | Mustang GT Fastback |
| Engine | 3.0 litre, six-cylinder, bi-turbo | 2.5 litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged | 5.0 litre, V8, naturally-aspirated |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual (seven-speed M DCT optional) | Six-speed manual (seven-speed PDK optional) | Six-speed manual (ten-speed automatic optional) |
| Power | 404 bhp (302 kW / 410 PS) | 345 bhp (257 kW / 350 PS) | 443 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS) |
| Torque | 550 Nm (405 lb/ft) | 420 Nm (310 lb/ft) | 529 Nm (390 lb/ft) |
| 0-62 mph (100km/h) | 4.4 secs / 4.2 secs* | 4.6 secs / 4.4 secs* | 4.6 secs / 4.3 secs* |
| Top speed | 155 mph (250 km/h)** / 174 mph (280 km/h)^ | 177 mph (285 km/h) | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Combined cycle | 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) / 30.7 mpg (9.2 l/100km)* | 34.9 mpg (8.1 l/100km) / 38.7 mpg (7.3 l/100km)* | 22.8 mpg (12.4 l/100km) / 23.3 mpg (12.1 l/100km)* |
| CO2 emissions | 225 g/km / 209 g/km* | 184 g/km / 167 g/km* | 277 g/km / 270 g/km* |
| UK OTR price from | £49,285 | £51,853 | £38,165 |
| * With optional transmission. | |||
| ** Electronically limited. | |||
| ^ With optional M Driver’s Package. | |||
Another potential competitor is the £52,480 Audi TT RS Coupé. However, stocks are now limited, so getting hold of one might be tricky.
Nevertheless, for the record, this TT features a five-cylinder 2.5 litre TFSI motor that’s mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system.
394 bhp (294 kW / 400 PS) plus 480 Nm (354 lb/ft) of peak torque translate into a 0-62 mph time of only 3.7 seconds and an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. Efficiency is fairly respectable, as evidenced by 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 187 g/km.
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