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- Highs Powerful turbo inline-six, agile and athletic handling, standard manual transmission.
- Lows Compact and basic interior for a BMW, still rides stiffly, M240i model is a better daily driver.
- Verdict One of BMW's greatest hits, available today.
Overview
The M2 Competition arguably is BMW's most entertaining vehicle for enthusiast drivers. Based on the rear-wheel-drive 2-series coupe, the M2's flared bodywork houses numerous go-fast essentials, including a gutsy M-tuned turbocharged inline-six, a highly responsive chassis, and laser-precise steering. Ride comfort rests on the stiff side of tolerable, but the recent upgrades to Competition spec, now the only available trim level offered, temper that with improved compliance that doesn't impede the M2's handling prowess. While it may not be the brand's strongest outright performer in terms of speed and ability, this lively compact coupe fosters an exhilarating connection with its pilot as a proper ultimate driving machine.
What’s New for 2020?
With the M2's substantial upgrades to Competition spec for the 2019 model year, it carries over into 2020 with no changes to its price or content. A limited-edition M2 CS model will also be offered–only 2200 will be sold globablly–and will be powered by a 444-hp twin-turbocharged inline-six.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
As a true driver's machine, our M2 definitely would have the standard six-speed manual transmission instead the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Of the other few available options, we'd select the Executive package for its adaptive headlights, heated steering wheel, driver assists, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi hotspot, but we'd pass on the sunroof and the M Driver's package.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The M2's snorty twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six is a sweetheart of an engine, and it pumps out 405 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. That combination still reaches the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The engine moves the M2 with an unbridled ferocity and creates stomach butterflies all the way up to its new 7600-rpm redline. Like an explicit scene from Fifty Shades of Grey, the M2's punishing ride needs a safe word. But there isn't one. Those willing to accept the abuse on regular roads will be rewarded with pure ecstasy on the track. There, the M2 handles like an extension of its driver, with gleefully violent thrust and a clairvoyant chassis. Harsh ride aside, the M2 is a phenomenal driver's car. Namby-pamby drivers who complain will find solace in the softer BMW M240i. Instead of the adaptive dampers available on most rivals, the BMW uses conventional passive shocks tuned the old-fashioned way. Too bad the electrically assisted power steering spoils some of the fun. The M2 has massive rotors and powerful binders that provide excellent pedal feedback that never fades.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The manual M2 is slightly more fuel-efficient than the automatic, according to the EPA. The stick-shift model is rated at 18 mpg city and 25 highway; the auto is rated at 16 mpg city and 23 highway. We tested the manual version on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and it earned 27 mpg highway.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The M2 Competition excites the senses behind the wheel and commands attention on the street, but its low-quality interior fails to do either. It's littered with racy carbon-fiber and faux-suede trim, but the panel fit and finish is disappointing at this price. Not all the cars we test get to join our long-term fleet for 40,000 miles of scrutiny, but the M2 is one example that has. As such, we noted an increasing number of squeaks and rattles within the interior during the first 25,000 miles of our test. We do like the driver's seating position and the logical layout of the controls. The M2 is a four-seater, but for extended travel, it is best suited to two passengers, their luggage, and a handful of sundries. While none of these compact sports cars are ideal travel companions, the BMW held fewer carry-ons than most rivals and suffered from a particularly small center-console storage bin.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Bimmer's standard iDrive infotainment system works through an 8.8-inch touchscreen that has a clean interface and above-average response times. Although Android Auto is unavailable, Apple CarPlay is standard. The M2's infotainment screen is angled toward the driver atop the dash, which preserves peripheral vision. Along with anticipated standard features such as Bluetooth and voice recognition, the Bimmer has a premium Harman/Kardon stereo and a one-year subscription to SiriusXM All Access. The M2 also has dual USB ports and three 12-volt outlets throughout.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have not crash tested this high-performance coupe. Even though the M2 Competition is a super track-focused car, it does offer driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:
- Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning
- Available automatic high-beams
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The BMW has equal or better warranty coverage compared with all of its direct competitors. Specifically, it has an unrivaled complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
2020 BMW M2 CS
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$93,095 (base price: $84,595)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement:
182 in3, 2979 cm3
Power:
444 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
406 lb-ft @ 2350 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, F: 245/35ZR-19 (93Y) R: 265/35ZR-19 (98Y)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.0 in
Length: 175.6 in
Width: 73.7 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger volume: 89 ft3
Trunk volume: 14 ft3
Curb weight: 3489 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.9 sec
100 mph: 8.5 sec
130 mph: 14.3 sec
150 mph: 20.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 7.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.4 sec
1/4 mile: 12.1 sec @ 120 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 174 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 145 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 301 ft
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 20/17/24 mpg