Revealed in October 2015, the BMW M2 Coupe turned out to be a revival of the iconic BMW 1 Series M Coupe from 2012. With a more compact body and a power-to-weight ratio similar to the M4, the M2 is actually a better option for those looking for the dynamics and dimensions of the original M3. All told, there are plenty of things to get excited about with the M2 Coupe. However, as soon as it arrived, word got out that the M2 won’t be the most hardcore incarnation of the 2 Series. Original rumors talked about a CSL version of the coupe, but come 2018 and BMW launched a more powerful version of the car under the Competition name. And surprisingly enough, it's not an addition to the lineup, but a successor to the M2 Coupe.

Although it's actually mid-cycle facelift, the M2 Competition received a notable amount of extra features over the standard M2. The exterior is a bit more aggressive, while the interior gained new standard features and carbon-fiber trim. There's big news under the skin too, where the M2 Competition comes with an engine based on the M4, with more oomph obviously, and upgraded chassis, cooling, brakes, and exhaust. All told, the M2 Competition is a slightly more compact M4 now, which is both good and bad for the company. Keep reading to find out why.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW M2 Competition.

BMW M2 Competition Exterior

With early test cars wearing a bit of camouflage and no sign of significant updates, it seemed that the hardcore design elements weren’t yet in place. But now that the M2 Competition is official, it appears that it's not as hardcore as the M4 CLS. Upgrades are rather minor on the outside, with the front fascia being almost identical to the standard M2. A few differences become apparent on closer inspection though.

The first thing that catches the eye is the revised twin-kidney grille, which has larger, sharper elements. The design is obviously inspired by more recent BMWs, like the latest-generation 5 Series. The grille is also high-gloss black instead of chrome. While this is an option you can get on various models, it’s not standard on the regular M2.

Down bellow, we can see a revised splitter with three small intakes on the central element, as well as a slightly revised honeycomb mesh. The side vents have a sharper design and are just a bit bigger, while the inner fins have a different shape, with both changes likely to improve aerodynamics. The headlamps have also been revised to include BMW's latest adaptive LED technology.

The profile of the M2 Competition is identical to the regular M2 save for three key differences. First, the mirror caps have a more aggressive and aerodynamic design and look very similar to those seen on the M4. Other than that, only the wheels are new. Second, the window trim is high-gloss black instead of chrome thanks to the standard Shadow Line package from BMW Individual. Finally, the Bimmer rides on new, 19-inch forged wheels that are lighter than the standard rims.

Spotting new features around back is pretty hard, as BMW didn't change much here. The taillights are new, now featuring a revised LED cluster and reverse lights positioned lower than before. The diffuser was revised too, but changes are minimal and tough to spot unless you look under it. The black exhaust pipes complete the Competition look.

Finally, BMW introduced two new exterior colors for this model: Sunset Orange metallic and Hockenheim Silver metallic.

BMW M2 Competition Interior

While the GTS package developed for the M4 gives the bigger coupe a race-inspired feel inside the cabin, the Competition upgrade doesn't do much to alter the M2's interior. But while there's no roll-cage or race-spec seats, the bundle gives the coupe a bit of exclusivity.

The instrument cluster, for instance, was redesigned and now includes the company's Black Panel technology, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel features the red M1/M2 button that changes vehicle dynamics. The dashboard, door panels, and center console also feature carbon-fiber trim as standard, a feature you won't find in the regular M2.

Further customization can be seen on the door sills, which sport "M2 Competition" lettering. The standard seats are similar to the M2, but you can opt for new M Sport bucket seats with integrated headrests and illuminated "M2" badges. Of course, the seats are paired with M-spec seat belts. Finally, the coupe is fitted with fine Dakota perforated leather as standard. The upholstery comes in black only, but you can choose between blue or orange accents.

Granted, the Competition package is not the aggressive upgrade some enthusiasts were hoping for, but this isn't surprising given that the new model is actually a replacement for last year's M2. It sounds like we will have to wait for another model to get an M2 that’s more than just a daily driver.

BMW M2 Competition Performance

Rated at 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, the standard M2 was already an exciting coupe, but the Competition model had to do better to stand out. Thankfully, BMW delivered and dropped more than 400 horsepower under the coupe's hood. Specifically the M2 Competition hits the asphalt with 410 PS and 550 Nm of torque, which converts to 404 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of twist for you American folks.

That's an extra 39 horsepower and additional 62 pound-feet of torque compared to the regular M2, a sizable upgrade for a facelift. It’s also pretty good compared to the M4, as the Competition version falls short by only 16 horsepower while offering the same amount of torque.

The output being so close to the M4 is far from surprising, as the M2 Competition uses the same twin-turbo, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. The standard M2 also uses a 3.0-liter unit, but the M4 has different internals and uses a different tuning.

The engine mates to the company's six-speed manual as standard, but the Competition model can also be ordered with the M-spec, dual-clutch seven-speed automatic for quicker shifts. As it's usually the case, the latter is quicker from 0 to 62 mph, needing 4.2 seconds to hit the benchmark. When equipped with the manual, the M2 is slower, getting to 62 mph in 4.4 clicks.

What's important to note here is that the M2 Competition is a tenth-second quicker that the regular M2 and only a tenth-second slower than the M4. Top speed is rated at the usual 155 mph in standard spec, but the M Driver's Package lifts the bar to 174 mph.

Upgrades continue beyond the engine with the Competition package, starting with a high-precision carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) strut and bulkhead strut for increased front section rigidity. The coupe also benefits from a new cooling system and a two-pass exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps. Stopping power comes from the same brakes as the M2, but the optional M Sport brakes with larger discs and calipers help the Competition model come to a halt quicker.

BMW M2 Competition Prices

There’s no doubt that the M2 Competition will become the most expensive 2 Series once it goes on sale. With the BMW M2 priced from $53,500 the M2 Competition could start from nearly $60,000. Though that may be a bit too close to the M4’s pricing, which is set at $67,700, the power-to-weight ratio and the amount of carbon-fiber in the coupe could justify such a sticker. Initial rumors claimed that production will be capped at only 1,000 units, but now that we know the M2 Competition is a replacement for the M2, the limited production run is no longer valid.

BMW M2 Competition Competition

Audi TT-RS

Although the current-generation TT was unleashed in 2014, it took Audi more than two years to launch the range-topping TT-RS model. But the wait was totally worth it, as the company's current design language and more angular cues look great on this little coupe. The interior is just as fancy as the M2. While sporty by design, it's fitted with loads of convenience features, ranging from soft leather and Alcantara to the company's latest tech. Aluminum and carbon-fiber trim add to the sporty feel. Under the hood, the TT-RS hides a turbocharged, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It may not be as powerful as the M2 Competition, but it's lighter and this makes it quicker. Specifically, the TT-RS needs only 3.8 seconds to hit 62 mph, or almost a half-second quicker than the automatic M2 Competition. Pricing for the TT-RS starts from $64,900, which places it above the Bimmer.

Read our full story on the 2017 Audi TT-RS.

Porsche 718 Cayman / 718 Cayman GT4 RS

It may seem strange to throw in a mid-engined sports car with racing skills against a front-engined coupe, but the Cayman isn't completely out of the M2's league. Recently updated and fitted with a turbocharged engine, the 718 Cayman S comes with 350 horsepower on tap. It's not as powerful as the M2 Competition, but it's just as quick thanks to its mid-engined layout and lighter curb weight. If you want a Cayman that's quicker though, you'll have to wait for the upcoming GT4 RS model to arrive. Fitted with more extreme aerodynamics and exclusive interior features, this model will also get a special engine. Instead of the turbo, 2.5-liter flat-four, the GT4 RS is rumored to use the naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter flat-six in the 911 GT3, in which case output will sit at around 430 horsepower. It this proves to be true, the GT4 RS could hit 62 mph in four seconds, two tenths quicker than the M2 Competition. On the flipside, the Cayman is a more expensive option. While the 718 Cayman S retails from $67,700, the GT4 RS model will probably fetch in excess of $80,000.

Rear our reviews of the Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

Conclusion

As a spiritual successor to the 1M Coupe, which was widely regarded as the best enthusiast car Munich has made in the 21st century, the M2 is a blast to drive and a popular choice among BMW fanatics. The Competition upgrade only makes things better and gives enthusiasts the compact BMW they've been asking for a long. With the current M4 (and maybe even the 2016 BMW M4 GTS) not as appealing to die-hard fans as the previous V-8-powered M3 Coupe, the M2 Competition might just become BMW's newest "ultimate driving machine."

References

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M2.

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M4.

Read more 2018 Beijing Auto Show news.

Read more BMW news.

Updated History

Updated 09/08/2015: Based on the recent rumors and speculations, we decided to create a rendering for the upcoming BMW M2 CSL to help you make an idea on how it will look like. We hope you like it!

Spy Shots

February 9, 2017 - First testing session