Review: BMW M2 Competition

BMW M2 Competition

I waited a long time for the opportunity to test drive the Competition version of the already great "regular" M2. The previous version boasted the typical BMW excellent balance of the chassis, which resulted in immense driving pleasure. The only thing that differed in character from the rest of the car was the engine. The N55b30 engine was used in the X4M40i, and earlier versions of it appeared in the M235i, M135i, 7 Series, X6, and X5. It’s not hard to guess that this wasn’t truly a sports engine deserving of being placed in a car with the M badge.

BMW corrected its mistake in the Competition version by transplanting the heart from the current M3/M4, which carries the typical "S" designation for BMW’s sports engines. The S55 engine, which has virtually identical dimensions but a completely different character, was used. While 370 hp in the first M2 was no small feat, after the engine change, the car now boasts 410 hp and 550 Nm of torque. The result? Excellent. The M2 retains the 50:50 weight distribution, but now it demands much more attention. With every throttle input, the body is teleported forward or sideways. The car is alive with energy, yet remains fully controllable. It’s the perfect car for drivers who prefer to enjoy active driving and balancing through corners on the edge of grip.

The car I drove was equipped with the DKG dual-clutch transmission, which costs 20,000 PLN and removes the crucial element in communication with the engine—the clutch pedal. Although the automatic transmission works flawlessly, in a sports car like this, in my opinion, it’s a faux pas. This time, the gearbox was the most distracting factor when it came to extracting maximum driving pleasure.

Speaking of handling, from the very first meters, the tightly tuned drivetrain with the limited-slip differential makes its presence felt. The car now boasts an excellent engine with a linear power delivery—an obvious missing link in the basic M2. Despite using two turbos, the engine revs eagerly to the limiter, delivering its massive power more and more as the RPMs rise.

The response to pressing or releasing the throttle is immediate. This allows the car to react in a lively manner, which is undoubtedly a plus while driving. It enables full control over the car’s behavior in any situation.

Another element that highlights the car's sporting character is the factory-fitted tires, which don't "stick" without proper temperature. Thanks to the increased power, there’s no issue getting them warmed up, but it's important to remember that right after starting, the car can surprise you. During acceleration, the M2 is the complete opposite of the Audi RS5 I tested recently. In the Audi, you point in the direction, the car is launched into the horizon, and that’s it. The M2 requires constant work, countersteering, and throttle management. Otherwise, you’ll end up in a ditch or hitting another obstacle. The M2 quickly teaches humility and provides an incredible thrill from wrestling with its power. Its unruly character also comes from its dimensions. While it seems small, it’s actually about the size of an E46 M3, or even wider!

The engine sound, thanks to new European Union regulations, is definitely too muffled. The large muffler unsightly sticks out from under the rear bumper, begging to be replaced with an Akrapovic system with active valves.

In conclusion, the M2 Competition won my heart as a true, old-school, and dangerous sports car through and through. In the era of ubiquitous 4x4 drivetrains, launch control, and drift modes, this car will surprise many "great drivers" and remind them of their real place in the hierarchy.

Buying the M2 Competition is a promotion and the best 300,000 PLN investment for a sports car in this segment.

The M2 Competition doesn’t pretend to be anything else, drawing from the brand’s racing traditions, and it’s fantastic!

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