Allow me to begin this story with a short sentence dedicated to Sergio Marchionne, a visionary leader who demonstrated that zeal, passion, and discipline could transform a struggling company into a profitable one in a remarkably short time. The automotive world, and indeed the wider world, lost a true inspiration with his passing.
The economics of the automotive industry are notoriously challenging. Profitability is increasingly difficult to achieve, and the relentless push for technological advancement to meet ever-evolving regulations is constant. The competition is fierce, demanding regular introductions of new car generations just to keep pace. This competitive spirit, however, has also given birth to some of the most extraordinary machines ever conceived. Think of road-legal race cars like the Ferrari 288 GTO, BMW E30 M3, Porsche GT1, Mercedes CLK GTR, and even the Porsche Carrera GT, which famously shoehorned a racing engine into a road car after rule changes sidelined it from competition. These legendary cars are testaments to the power of competition, pushing creators to innovate and explore the uncharted territories of automotive engineering.
In today’s automotive landscape, fierce competition spans from the hypercar titans like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and McLaren, down to the hot hatch segment dominated by the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3. This brings us to the BMW M2. Back in 2016, I had the privilege of driving the original M2 on California’s iconic Highway 1 and the legendary Laguna Seca racetrack. My conclusion then was unequivocal: the M2 stood out, head and shoulders above its all-wheel-drive, transverse-engined rivals. There’s simply no substitute for rear-wheel-drive dynamics and a smooth, potent six-cylinder engine.
Image showcasing the sporty design of the BMW M2, emphasizing its compact size and athletic stance.
However, the relentless pursuit of power in the hot hatch market, exemplified by the horsepower wars between the RS3 and A45, meant the original BMW M2, while dynamically superb, risked appearing somewhat underpowered on paper. The competition spurred BMW’s M division to action, resulting in the birth of the BMW M2 Competition. This wasn’t just a minor tweak like the M3/M4 CS; the M2 Competition became the definitive M2, superseding the original model entirely. And that, as it turns out, is a fantastic development.
The Heart of the Beast: The S55 Engine
The original M2 was already praised for its chassis, often described as a “shortened and widened version” of the acclaimed M3/M4 platform. The headline change for the 2019 Bmw M2 Competition is the engine: it now shares its powerplant with its bigger brothers. The 3.0-liter S55 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing a robust 405 horsepower (410 PS) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque, is a significant upgrade. The torque is readily available across a broad rev range, from 2,350 to 5,200rpm, ensuring exhilarating performance in any driving situation.
Image highlighting the BMW M2’s powerful engine, focusing on the engine bay and mechanical components.
Furthermore, the carbon fiber strut brace, a key component in the M3/M4’s renowned front-end agility, has found its way under the hood of the 2019 BMW M2 Competition. This addition enhances chassis stiffness and contributes to sharper handling. Inside, the M2 Competition gains sporty M seats and signature M-style mirrors, further distinguishing it from the standard model.
Image showcasing the interior of the BMW M2 Competition, emphasizing the M Sport seats and driver-focused cockpit.
The engine update to the S55 was also driven by evolving EU emissions regulations, specifically the requirement for Otto particulate filters (OPF) to reduce fine dust pollution. Regardless of the regulatory context, the 2019 BMW M2 Competition is undeniably quick. Equipped with the M DCT dual-clutch transmission, it sprints from 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) in a mere 4.2 seconds. For purists, a six-speed manual transmission remains available, adding a layer of driver engagement, albeit at a slightly slower 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds. However, the sheer joy of the driving experience with the manual far outweighs a couple of tenths of a second in acceleration.
Driving Dynamics: Pure Exhilaration on Road and Track
Speaking of driving experience, the 2019 BMW M2 Competition delivers in spades. The M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel offer customizable shortcuts to configure the car to your preferences, allowing for rapid adjustments to driving modes. BMW has expertly calibrated the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, offering a “DSC off” mode (though not fully deactivated) and integrating traction control into MDM (M Dynamic Mode). This setup provides a safety net while still allowing for playful driving and exploring the car’s limits without fear of unintended consequences.
Image capturing the BMW M2 in motion on a winding road, highlighting its agility and handling prowess.
The driving experience is breathtaking. The rear-wheel-drive configuration and exceptional balance of the M2 Competition truly set it apart in its class. Opt for the manual gearbox, and you unlock an even deeper level of connection with what is arguably one of the finest manuals currently available. The DCT transmission is a close second, offering lightning-fast and seamless shifts that rival even Porsche’s PDK system. Regardless of your gearbox choice, disappointment is not an option.
Pushing harder and applying throttle earlier out of corners becomes addictive. The car is easily balanced with subtle steering inputs, and the abundant power and torque readily assist in rotating the car through corners. The rear tires bite into the tarmac, launching you towards the next apex. The upgraded M brakes are phenomenal, maintaining consistent performance even under sustained heavy use.
While the road is where most owners will spend their time, track days are increasingly popular, drawing more and more 2019 BMW M2 Competition models to circuits worldwide. The Ascari Race Resort in Ronda, Spain, one of Europe’s most demanding racetracks, proved to be the ideal playground to truly evaluate the M2 Competition’s capabilities. The changes implemented from the original M2 were palpable and genuinely enhanced the track experience.
Image showcasing the BMW M2 Competition cornering aggressively on a racetrack, demonstrating its track-focused performance.
Unlike larger, more powerful cars like the M3/M4, the 2019 BMW M2 Competition thrives on its agility and nimble short wheelbase, delivering a driving experience unmatched in its segment. The fun factor is undeniably addictive, as the car’s limits are approachable and exploitable. Ascari’s tarmac is the perfect environment to experiment with the M1 and M2 buttons, fine-tuning engine and steering settings independently to suit various driving styles. The system is intuitive and avoids overwhelming the driver with excessive options, offering just enough adjustability for a personalized driving experience.
Image highlighting the front profile of the BMW M2 Competition, emphasizing its aggressive styling and aerodynamic features.
Interior and Exterior: A Matter of Taste
The interior of the 2019 BMW M2 Competition is perhaps where opinions might diverge. While BMW interiors are generally excellent, particularly in higher-end models like the 5 and 7 Series, the cabins of their smaller cars can feel somewhat less special compared to competitors, especially when benchmarked against the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the M2 Competition’s interior; the materials are high quality, and the iDrive system is user-friendly. However, it might be perceived as slightly dated in terms of outright design flair.
Image showcasing the dashboard and infotainment system of the BMW M2 Competition, highlighting the technology and driver interface.
The exterior styling, however, is arguably spot-on. The 2019 BMW M2 Competition exudes an immediate sense of aggression without resorting to garish or juvenile design cues, unlike some rivals. It strikes a perfect balance of sporty intent and sophisticated aesthetics.
Image showcasing the rear of the BMW M2 Competition, emphasizing its sporty diffuser, quad exhaust pipes, and wide stance.
Conclusion: BMW M2 “No Competition”
Returning to the overwhelming positives, it’s abundantly clear whether driving on the road or track that the dynamic enhancements borrowed from the M3/M4 have profoundly transformed the 2019 BMW M2 Competition into a truly exceptional car. It’s an incredibly appealing proposition, especially when considering its price point relative to competitors like the Audi RS3.
Image showing the BMW M2 Competition from a side angle, emphasizing its coupe silhouette and balanced proportions.
Perhaps my insightful sushi-eating companion was correct: sometimes, true excellence isn’t just about outperforming the competition; it’s about achieving a unique and compelling character that sets itself apart from a sea of homogenized rivals. The 2019 BMW M2 Competition does precisely that. It is, as I’ve stated before, a car unlike anything else currently available on the market.
Image showcasing the BMW M2 Competition in a dynamic driving scene, highlighting its performance and agility.
The most significant issue with this remarkable car is its name. It shouldn’t be called the BMW M2 Competition; it should be named the BMW M2 “No Competition.” Take a bow, BMW M.
