With the BMW M2 Competition set to arrive in September, BMW South Africa has finally released pricing for the early awaited sports coupe.
Because the M2 Competition is a deemed a true drivers car, BMW will make it available with a choice of two transmissions – the manual costing R983 030, and the dual clutch ‘automatic’ priced at R1 037 506.
The Competition sports a revised front bumper for added cooling, and larger kidneys (now a single piece) in gloss black. At the back there's a new diffuser too, after all it is based on the 2 Series LCI. And finally, the much loved M mirrors finally adorn the fiery 2 Series. But while retaining the same body, similar styling, rear wheel drive, and a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed M DCT transmissions, BMW’s M engineers focused primarily on performance in the new model.
And that came in the form of the BMW M4's S55 3.0-litre twin-turbo 6 cylinder motor. In the M2 Competition, BMW M has binned the 272kw N55 single-turbo motor in favour of a detuned version of the S55, which sees power reach now 302kw. The M2's wide 550nm torque power band can rush the coupe to 100kph in just 4.2seconds when equipped with the M DCT transmission, while the manual variant is 0.2 slower. As before, it will be electronically limited to 250kph, or 280kph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
In order to accommodate the new engine, the M2 Competition has the same cooling system as the M4 Competition Package. It includes a central radiator, two side radiators and an additional engine oil cooler. Models with the M DCT also receive a transmission oil cooler. There’s also a new, high-precision CFRP strut and bulkhead strut, to increase the rigidity of the front end, much like the M4.
To compliment all the go, BMW added more stopping power to the M2 Competition, using 400 mm diameter discs with the 6-pot front brakes and 380 mm discs with the 4-pot rear brakes. Additional enhancements were made to the electromechanical power steering, Active M Differential, and the Dynamic Steering Control (DSC) system.
An added option are the M Sport bucket seats off the M4, and yes, it does have an illuminated M2 badge. The steering wheel has M1 and M2 buttons, as in the BMW M5, for recalling custom configurations. There’s also the usual M badging and extra trim, including M2 Competition badging along the door sills.
New body colours include Sunset Orange Metallic and Hockenheim Silver, the latter replacing last year’s Mineral Grey Metallic. While the M2 rides on new 19-inch forged wheels in a choice of black, high-sheen, and light high-sheen finishes.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW M2 Competition cost in South Africa?
The BMW M2 Competition starts at R983,030 for the manual transmission version, while the M DCT dual-clutch automatic will set you back R1,037,506.
Q: How fast is the BMW M2 Competition?
The M2 Competition rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.2 seconds with the M DCT transmission, or 4.4 seconds with the manual gearbox, thanks to its 302kW twin-turbo engine.
Q: What engine does the BMW M2 Competition use?
BMW ditched the old N55 single-turbo for the M4's S55 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six, detuned to produce 302kW and 550Nm of torque in the M2 Competition.
Q: Is the BMW M2 Competition available in manual transmission?
Yes, BMW offers the M2 Competition with either a 6-speed manual transmission for R983,030 or a 7-speed M DCT dual-clutch automatic for R1,037,506.
Q: What are the main differences between the regular M2 and M2 Competition?
The M2 Competition gets the M4's twin-turbo S55 engine (up from 272kW to 302kW), upgraded cooling system, improved brakes with 400mm front discs, and styling updates including gloss black kidney grilles and M mirrors.
Should You Buy It?
Absolutely yes, the BMW M2 Competition at R983,030 for the manual is the best pure driver's car under R1 million in South Africa. You get M4-derived engine tech, proper rear-wheel drive thrills, and the choice of a proper manual gearbox, something increasingly rare in today's sports car market. The R54,000 premium for the M DCT is worth it if you want maximum performance, but the manual keeps the driving experience more engaging. At this price point, nothing else offers the M2 Competition's combination of everyday usability and track-day capability.
