The BMW M2 Competition is offered in a single configuration option. It has a starting price of $58,900. The coupe includes a 405 hp inline 6 cylinder engine with either a 6-manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic in an RWD layout. The trim has an Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering in conjugation with the sports-tuned suspension for inspiring handling. Moreover, the Competition gets three variants in the rim section which include the M light-alloy wheels Y-spoke, M light-alloy wheels double-spoke, and the M light-alloy wheels Y-spoke forged with mixed tires.

One can be fascinated by the Leather Dakota Black with stitching Blue accent. If that is not enough, you are free to have trim finisher Pearl Chrome without any extra penny. Moreover, the Active M differential is quite interesting for their power distribution at the wheels. It gets the Quad tailpipes in the rear that makes the rear look sportier. The M2 Competition gets the BMW ConnectedDrive services and Harman Kardon speakers inside the cabin that are sort of blue chips. The trim can be adorned with different coloring exterior coatings as well which include the Long Beach Blue, Sunset Orange, and Alpine White.

Which trim should you buy?

The 2021 BMW M2 Competition Coupe is available in a single trim option. In terms of features and options, the M2 is no less than any other BMW car. You have optional features such as the performance package with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and an executive package with convenience features. 

Some people will rather have a moonroof in the coupe than getting a convertible. To step up the design and dynamics, there's an M driver's package for you. With all of that, the price will reach $65,000, still, the M2 holds a great value. The interior is designed with premium leather, carbon fiber, and multiple interactive displays.

What powers the M2 Competition is a 3.0L inline 6 cylinder engine. It uses BMW's M TwinPower Turbo technology. You get a massive power output of 405 hp at 5,230 RPM and 406lb-ft torque at 2,350 RPM. The result is monstrous acceleration that pushes you back in your seat with a huge G-Force and lets you observe how it shoots on a straight path.

As standard, the engine is mated to a 6-Speed manual transmission that gives you the thrill of BMW racing. You can opt for the 7-Speed automatic transmission if the stick doesn't suit you. The tuned-up RWD compact car sprints from 0-60 mph in flat 4.0 seconds. Further, it nails the quarter-mile run in 12.5 seconds to reach a top speed of 174 MPH.

The M2 Competition is the only 400hp luxury performance car under $60,000. The rivals are a little low in terms of power output among which the Audi TT RS is the closest one. With its RWD manual transmission, the M2 matches the performance figures of the Porsche 718 Cayman sports cars, however, the Porsche is much lighter and has a higher power-weight ratio. Moreover, both the AMG C 43 and TT RS have an electronically limited speed of 155 MPH which may make them suffer when racing for a long stretch.

How well does the 2021 BMW M2 Competition Coupe handle?

The M2 Competition is all tuned to deliver a sports car-like driving performance. With the active M differential that delivers torque equally to the rear wheels, the M2 had a dynamic balance. The Servotronic steering lightens up the ride with an amazing response. Moreover, you have a firm ride quality with the twin-tube gas shock absorbers. The lightweight subframe and aluminum adaptive M suspension provides both stiffness and stability to the ride and ensures a low center of gravity. The weight is managed by optimized aerodynamics.

2021 BMW M2 Competition Coupe Braking Performance

The M2 is equipped with M sport four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Along with that, you have a dynamic brake control and a brake standby feature as well. At the front, you have massive 15.7-inch brake rotors. The rear wheels get smaller rotors of 15.0-inch. With that, the 3,600 pounds weighing coupe is able to stop from a speed of 60 MPH within a braking distance of 105 ft. This figure seems to do just fine but can further be reduced with a little weight reduction. 

Only the AMG C 43 weighs more than the BMW M2 Competition, thus taking a higher braking journey to stop. The Porsche 718 is the most efficient one which stops under 100 feet of travel, thanks to its relatively lightweight and lower forward mass transfer. Further adding to that, Porsche has one of the smallest rotors among its rivals as well which is another testament to its braking supremacy. Thus, Porsche takes an upper hand over others.

Performance and economy don't go hand-in-hand. That's why BMW uses inline 6 cylinder engines as they boast both power and save fuel with their variable valve timing. When equipped with a manual transmission, the M2 Competition is quite generous as it delivers a great 18 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highway, and a combined 20 MPG.

However, with automatic transmission, the fuel economy is slightly lower. You get 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway with a combined 19 MPG. This marginal difference seems big during the long haul. With its petty 13.7-gallon fuel tank you have a maximum highway range of 328.8 miles and a combined range of 274 miles.

The Audi TT RS has the best fuel management despite being an AWD performance coupe. It is followed by the AMG C 43 with its extraordinary fuel economy that pushes highway mileage to 27 MPG and delivers 469.8 miles of range The BMW M2 works hard to deliver a satisfactory economy yet gets beaten by the underpowered rivals. As far as a modification is concerned, the subjectivity might guide us towards a lower rev-band range in the BMW power distribution curve to shorten the gap.

To suit the M performance lineup, the M2 Competition gets a stunning cabin design. It might not be as good as the high-end M performance cars, yet you get a spacious cabin with a mix of sporty and luxury touches. The cabin is wrapped in Dakota leather upholstery with either black gloss trim or carbon fiber trim which compliments the Pearl Chrome trim finisher. You can choose from blue or orange stitching on it. The leather-packed steering wheel and center console are among the beginners in the setup. For a pleasant ride, BMW offers convenient features such as ambient interior lighting, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning, and residual heat circulation altogether. 

All of them can seat 4 passengers except for the Porsche 718 Cayman S which has a 2-seater capacity. In terms of seating comfort and space, there is no doubt that the M2 Competition offers plenty of room inside for all occupants. Both the front and rear row seating is better in terms of its headroom and legroom. When it comes to trunk capacity, M2 is the clear favorite followed by the Audi TT RS. Highlight Interior features of the 2021 BMW M2 Competition:

• Dakota leather upholstery
• Carbon fiber trim
• 14-way power heated seats
• Split fold rear bench seat
• Dual-zone air-conditioning
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

What's there to keep you entertained?

Inside the M2 Competition, the latest BMW iDrive infotainment is offered with a floating 8.8-inch dynamic touchscreen display. The touch-sensitive display has an intuitive user interface and offers numerous options. The infotainment can be operated through an iDrive touchpad controller and even voice commands for certain functions. 

The entertainment is brought to by SiriusXM radio subscription for 1 year, an AM/FM radio, and audio streaming with Bluetooth and USB. As for device integration, you have the Apple CarPlay whereas Android auto ain't available with the 2 series. The cabin gets jammed with beats through the 12-speaker setup by Harman Kardon paired with a premium amplifier. The infotainment acts as a display for the satellite navigation system with real-time traffic information. Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• iDrive infotainment system
• 8.8-inch touchscreen display
• iDrive touchpad controller
• SiriusXM radio subscription
• Apple CarPlay
• Bluetooth and USB audio
• Harman Kardon speakers
• Satellite navigation system

The M2 Competition is a result of the extensive design of BMW and its aerodynamic approach. Starting with the front fascia, we have a high-gloss black twin-slat signature kidney grille with programmable LED headlamps with DRLs. The rear is decorated with an M spoiler and chrome tip quad exhausts which are functional at the same time. One has access to multiple color trims like the Long Beach Blue, Sunset Orange, and Alpine White. One also gets 19-inch forged bi-color Y spoke wheels and an M sport package for it. 

In terms of weight, the M2 Competition adds extra weight when equipped with an automatic transmission. On the whole, it is quite bigger and heavier than its rivals. Thus, dependence on driver assistance packages increases. The wheelbase could have been a bit smaller than would have further reinforced its stability around the corners. The coupes have an inherent lower center of gravity which makes for the BMW overall handling. Some of the standout exterior features of the 2021 BMW M2 Competition are as follows:

• The high-gloss black twin-slat signature kidney grille
• 19-inch forged bi-color Y spoke wheels
• Quad exhausts with chrome tip
• M sport exterior package

Being an M performance car, the M2 has shed a lot of weight with its aluminum and carbon fiber structure. Both materials add strength to the structure and keep it lightweight at the same time. According to the IIHS, the 2021 BMW M2 is a tough one as the 2 Series received Good ratings in most of the parameters. However, NHTSA hasn't rated the 2021 model yet.

To keep the compact performance coupe and its occupants safe on the road, BMW has equipped the M2 Competition with advanced safety features. The safety package starts with a front and rear head protection system, impact sensors, park distance control, and a rearview camera. The Active driving assistant adds forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Standout Safety features of the 2021 BMW M2 Competition:

• Head Protection system
• Impact sensors
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Rearview camera

BMW M2 Competition Vs Mercedes AMG C 43

The BMW M2 Competition has better performance than the AMG C 43 with an almost comparable fuel economy. Better ergonomics and spaciousness also give it an edge over the AMG. The M2 Competition is not a better coupe but a more practical one as well. It outclasses the AMG C43 in braking prowess. The pricing has been kept competitive. Hence, M2 Competition is a better option. 

BMW M2 Competition vs Audi TT RS

Both BMW and Audi are working towards making their lineup more appealing and powerful with new upgraded and better options. The Audi TT RS is one of the best sports cars you can have with a standard AWD system, impressive acceleration, and nimble handling. Yet the BMW M2 Competition gives it a tough rivalry with its close performance with better comfort and braking assurance.

BMW M2 Competition vs Porsche 718 Cayman S

Porsche cars deserve no comparison with the other cars in the market. With their totally different approach, Porsche is the world's most loved precision brand. The 718 Cayman S with its 55hp less power was able to go head-to-head with the M2 Competition. Moreover, it delivers a unique driving experience with sufficient comfort but puts a hole in your pocket.

The M2 is available at one of the cheapest prices one could get for an M performance car. BMW has bigger plans for the 2 Series in the future as well. There are no such drawbacks of the M2 Competition as it has everything from design, features, performance, capability, comfort, and of course, the luxury package that let BMW make a fortune. Therefore, it can be given preference over others in the first place.