Oh, so you're looking for a fun compact coupe to throw around the track and then drive back home at the end of the day, while stopping for a quick run to the supermarket and not need to fill the gas tank? Then you've come to the right place. The BMW M2 Competition is arguably the best M car you can buy. It possesses a detuned twin-turbocharged engine taken from the M4; it is short and compact, making the ride agile and dynamic for the track days.
The rear wheel drive coupe readily oversteers, but is always under control with the stability control intervening at the right moment. However, it could do with a set of softer suspensions for the daily driving. Starting at $58,900 the Beemer's price climbs steep with a myriad of tempting extras to choose from.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Long Beach Blue Metallic Hockenheim Silver Metallic Black Sapphire Metallic Sunset Orange Metallic Alpine White
Expert Review
9.0
Overall Rating
Comparing muscle cars from the US, the Camaro SS and Mustang GT are options you can consider which come with massive V8 engines. The Merc's answer to Beemer is the CLA 45 AMG, with a not so massive 2.0L inline-4. Lets see the comparison between the coupes and help you select the best one.
2020 BMW M2 Front View2020 BMW M2 Rear View
10/10 Engine and Performance
9.0/10 Interior
8.0/10 Exterior
2020 BMW M2 Features
The M2 Competition slots between the M2 from the previous generation and the more performance focussed CS and GTS models. There are optional add-ons which you can equip such as a sunroof, an automatic gearbox, and driver assistance package.
Trim
Base
MSRP
$58,900
Key
Features
19" M Y-spoke style 788 M wheels with mixed tyres
Active M Differential
Dakota leather upholstery with unique Blue or Orange stitching and perforations
Exhaust tailpipes – twin, dual, Black Chrome with bevelled design
M rear spoiler
M-specific Sport suspension
We Recommend
Costing 60-Grand, the M2 Competition is definitely not a bargain, but the car you’d enjoy every bit of it. We recommend adding the M Drivers package to your coupe.
2020 BMW M2 Engine and Performance
10/10
The M2 Competition rockets down the straights, and the sweet inline-six barks through a new exhaust system, pulling strongly all the way to the redline. - Car and Driver
Engine and Transmission
It was back to the drawing board for BMW with the stricter emission norms rendering the N55 engine in the 2018 M2 unusable for the next production model. So the Beemer engineers picked up the S55 engine from it’s brother, the M4, and detuned it to 405 horsepower and knighted it the M2 Competition.
2020 BMW M2 Engine
The bi-twin turbo inline-six engine produces massive 406 lb-ft and the torque curve does not fade till you hit the redline. For the enthusiast, the precise 6-speed manual transmission is standard, but you should definitely try out the 7-speed dual-clutch with three-mode Drivelogic, rev-matching and Launch control.
Models
BMW M2 Competition
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Ford Mustang GT
MSRP
$58,900
$49,995
$53,100
$35,355
Engine
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6, 3.0 L
Gas V8, 6.2L
2.0L inline-4 turbo
Premium Unlead 5.0L V8
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
6-Speed Manual
SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch
6-speed Manual
Horsepower
405 hp @5230 rpm
455 hp @ 6000 rpm
375 hp @6000 rpm
460 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque
406 lb.-ft. @ 2350 rpm
455 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
350 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm
420 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm
BMW is a German muscle car, pitching it against the American ponies gives us some great numbers to compare. The Camaro SS and Mustang GT Fastback have monumental horsepower, as expected, exceeding the Beemer by a margin of more than 50 horses. However, in terms of driving dynamics, it quickly fills the gap.
Acceleration
In the sprint to 60, the BMW M2 Competition is quicker than ever before, taking merely 4.2 seconds with the 6-speed manual. However, the 7-speed DCT is quicker, thanks to Launch Control, reaching 60 mph in 4 seconds flat.
Models
BMW M2 Competition
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Ford Mustang GT
0-60 MPH
4.2 sec
3.9 sec*
4.1 sec
4.6 sec
Quarter mile
12.5 sec @ 113 mph
12.3 sec @ 118 mph*
NA
NA
Engine
3.0 Liter
6.2 Liter
2.0 Liters
5.0 Liters
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
8.4
TBD
TBD
TDB
The rivals, apart from the Mustang are faster than the Beemer. Surprisingly, the CLA 45 AMG, even with the tiny 2.0L engine it has, gets to 60 in 4.1 seconds. Chevrolet Camaro SS is the one to take the trophy, kudos to the massive 6.2L V8 under the hood.
Ride and Handling
Consider buying this car if don’t mind your internal organs being rattled around at every bump on the road. The stiff suspension is well suited for track days, but it could have been dialed down for the city roads. The limited-slip differential on the rear axle is electronically controls torque delivery to each of the wheels.
2020 BMW M2 Handling
With a more rigid chassis and including components from the M3 and the M4, the BMW M2 Competition hugs the corners and the guns down the straights seamlessly climbing through the gears. However, the rear wheel drive beast is quick to wag its tail with the stability control less intrusive than before.
Braking
As massive as the power, the brakes on this coupe are ridiculously meaty. With massive 15.7 inch rotors up front and a six-piston caliper which bite down hard onto the speed and bring the coupe to a halt.
2020 BMW M2 Wheel
Models
BMW M2 Competition
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Ford Mustang GT
Brake Front (in.)
15.7
13.6
13.8
13.9
Brake Rear (in.)
15
13.3
13
13
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3600
3685
3450
3705
70-0 MPH (ft.)
NA
149
150
NA
The rivals brakes seem almost puny in size compared to the Beemer. The 13.6 inch rotors on the Camaro are adequate for a sports coupe, despite feeling dwarfed amongst the competition.
2020 BMW M2 Fuel Economy
The inline-six cylinder engine is now quite fuel efficient to meet the emission norms, thus giving decent mileage compared to the gas guzzling V8s in the American ponies which deliver 15 miles to the gallon.
Models
BMW M2 Competition
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Ford Mustang GT
MPG (city)
18
16
23
15
MPG (highway)
26
25
30
25
MPG (combined)
21
19
26
18
Comparatively the small 2.0L engine the the CLA 45 AMG gives you the best savings, so you don’t need to watch your fuel gauge as your cruise along the Autobahn.
2020 BMW M2 Interior
9.0/10
The seatbelts are embroidered with tricolor M stripes, and there’s a red engine-start button. There’s also a new steering wheel with two programmable buttons that can be set to toggle quickly among driving modes. - Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
The new M-sport seats, embroidered with the M logo to remind you this is no ordinary Beemer you’re in, are chunky and hug your torso through high-speed corners. However, be prepared for all the shocks from the road transferred through to your body. The materials throughout the cabin feel premium to the touch, as they should be in a $60,000 coupe.
2020 BMW M2 Front Seat
Models
BMW M2 Competition
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Ford Mustang GT
Passenger capacity
4
4
5
4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
40.1/54.4/41.5
38.5/55/43.9
38.2/56/40.2
37.6/56.3/45.1
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
36.5/53.4/33
33.5/50.3/29.9
35.4/53.2/27.1
34.8/52.2/29
On the steering, you’d find two bright red buttons M1 and M2 which can store your preferences for suspension setup, steering, and pedal responsiveness. The steering is comfortable to hold, unlike the thick chunky steering wheels, BMW has given the M3 and M4 CS models.
Infotainment System
The list of standard features is quite limited, rather shocking for a coupe at this price point. Features like WiFi hotspot, wireless charging and the heated steering wheel come as optional extras in the $1200 Executive package. It does not support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is on a trial basis.
2020 BMW M2 Infotainmnet Display
Cargo Capacity
Despite being the shortest coupe in the competition, the M2 Competition offers the largest cargo bay at the back, even bigger than the M4. It could’ve had a perfect score in practicality if not for the absence of adaptive suspensions and adaptive cruise control.
2020 BMW M2 Cargo Space
Models
BMW M2 Competition
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Ford Mustang GT
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
13.8
9.1
13.1
13.5
The Camaro has a dismally small luggage compartment, grocery shopping may not be a challenge but you wouldn’t want to go to IKEA with this one. The Mercedes AMG suffers a slight disadvantage due to its sloping roofline and it’s a similar story with the Mustang.
Interior Features
Multi-function leather steering
Dakota leather upholstery
BMW Professional Navigation with Colour Touch Screen
Black optic display instrument cluster
Leather-wrapped racing seats
2020 BMW M2 steering2020 BMW M2 front seat2020 BMW M2 Instrumental Cluster2020 BMW M2 seat2020 BMW M2 rear seat
2020 BMW M2 Exterior
8.0/10
On the outside, new side mirrors, black kidney grilles and badges, and redesigned fascias distinguish the M2 Competition from the former M2. - Car Connection
Design and Dimensions
The M2 competition is brawnier than before and all the new bells and whistles are not just under the hood, the exterior has also been redesigned. The new front black kidney grille, more aggressive front intakes and the M-style side mirrors. The bite-sized coupe packs a punch, the short wheelbase aids maneuverability in the crowded streets or the parking lot of your favorite burger joint.
2020 BMW M2 Side View
Models
BMW M2 Competition
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Ford Mustang GT
Curb weight (lbs.)
3600
3685
3450
3705
Length(in)
176.2
188.3
184.7
188.3
Width(in)
73
74.7
88.0
75.4
Height(in)
55.5
53.1
55.7
54.4
Ground clearance (in)
4.8
TBD
3.7
TBD
Wheelbase (in)
106
110.7
106.3
107.1
Track width (in) F/R
62.2/63
63.0/62.9
61.3/61.5
62.3/64.9
The M2 Competition is shorter and narrower than the rest, while the longer AMG accommodates 4-doors, the Beemer is a 2-door coupe. Equipping the 7-speed automatic transmission adds a few pounds to the curb weight, but the Mustang is heaviest of the lot.
Exterior Features
Unique front bumper, rear bumper and side skirts
LED Headlamps
Dual black chrome exhaust tailpipes
Gloss black kidney grille
Rear spoiler
M-specific side mirrors
2020 BMW M2 front view2020 BMW M22020 BMW M22020 BMW M22020 BMW M22020 BMW M2
2020 BMW M2 Safety
Although untested by any third party for crash safety, the M2 Competition has been given a long list of safety and crash mitigation systems to keep you safe and secure in the cockpit. The standard features are listed below.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Pretensioners
Back-Up Camera
2020 BMW M2 Competition
BMW M2 Competition vs Chevrolet Camaro SS
The Camaro is an American beast with a muscular 6.2L V8 under the hood to compete with the 3.0L inline-6 in the German, at a lower price. However, when it comes to driving dynamics and premium interiors the M2 pulls ahead, as expected from a German sports coupe. Even on the practicality front the M2 Competition gives you more legroom at the back and a larger trunk behind that.
2020 Chevrolet Camaro SS
BMW M2 Competition vs Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
At first glance the M2 Competition is the obvious choice over the CLA 45 AMG with its tiny 2.0L four-banger compared to the Beemer’s 3.0L 6-cyl. You might expect the 4-door coupe to have decent legroom, but that’s not the case, this Mercedes does not even get the premium interiors the AMGs are known for. While the M2 Competition is arguably the best M car, the CLA 45 may not even deserve the AMG badge.
2020 Mercedes Benz AMG CLA 45
BMW M2 Competition vs Ford Mustang GT Fastback
The Mustang GT comes at a much lower price than the M2 Competition, and Ford has given it a massive V8 engine and 460 horsepower. However, that’s where the good news ends, the M2 Competition has better performance through the straights and around corners, superior interior quality, better cargo capacity, and much more massive brakes. If you want an affordable V8 to flaunt you should consider Mustang GT, but if you’re a serious enthusiast and are looking for not just the numbers, the BMW M2 Competition is perfect for you.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Fastback
2020 BMW M2 Final Verdict
The BMW M2 Competition is one of the best M cars you can buy, with a powerful engine taken from the M4, great practicality, and agility that could rival the Porsches, if not for the lack of steering road feel. On the tech front, the feature list is a bit short, which you could supplement with the Executive package. The M Driver’s package is a must-have for the enthusiasts. However, you’d find the price of this already pricey coupe climb higher as you tick more and more options to your cart.
Should you buy a BMW M4 over BMW M2?
BMW M4 is no doubt a powerful performance sedan from BMW but why spend that much when you can get the same performance in less. BMW M2 is fitted with the same twin-turbo engine as an M4.
