2021 BMW M2

Overview

When it comes to max performance, the word "compromise" is a curse, but never fear, the 2021 BMW M2 Competition doesn't have to put a quarter in the swear jar. Compared with the regular BMW 2-series, this souped-up coupe badass boasts a meaner mug and wider hips, a chassis tuned for attacking racetracks, and a more powerful engine. The hard-charging, high-revving twin-turbo straight-six eats up straightaways quicker than Kobayashi downs hot dogs. While we prepare for the extinction of manual transmissions, this little BMW still fights for the resistance. It offers a snappy dual-clutch automatic, too. Its harsh ride and unimpressive interior are less contentious on the more affordable M240i, but the true M car is terrific specifically because it's an uncompromising driver's car, which earns it a spot on our Editors' Choice list.

What's New for 2021?

BMW leaves well enough alone with the 2021 M2 Competition. The high-performance coupe enters the new model year without any changes whatsoever.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

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 pound-feet of torque. That combination 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 as you rev it to the 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.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The manual M2 is slightly more efficient than the automatic, according to the EPA. The stick-shift model is rated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, whereas the auto comes in at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. We've tested the former on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and it earned 27 mpg on the 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 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 holds fewer carry-ons than most rivals and suffers from a particularly small center-console storage bin.

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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 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

Compared with all of its direct competitors, the BMW has equal or better warranty coverage. Specifically, it has an unrivaled complimentary scheduled-maintenance program.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs