Sergio Marchionne, a figure who exemplified how zeal, passion, and discipline could transform a struggling company into a profitable powerhouse, left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. His spirit of relentless drive and innovation is a fitting backdrop to discuss the competitive nature of the car industry, where constant evolution and pushing boundaries are necessities for survival and success.
The automotive world is a fiercely competitive arena. Profitability is constantly challenged, and the pressure to innovate to meet ever-tightening regulations is immense. To stay ahead, manufacturers must consistently introduce new and improved models. This constant competition, as debated over dinner in London, can breed excellence, pushing engineers and designers to create truly exceptional machines. This competitive spirit is undeniably the crucible in which some of the greatest cars ever made are forged. Think of legends born from homologation battles: the Ferrari 288 GTO, BMW E30 M3, Porsche GT1, Mercedes CLK GTR, and even the Porsche Carrera GT, a car whose racing engine found its way into a road car due to regulatory shifts. These icons wouldn’t exist without the relentless push from rivals spurring innovation and daring experimentation.
The intensity of competition in the automotive landscape is evident across all segments, from the hypercar battles of Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and McLaren to the hot hatch skirmishes between the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3. This brings us to the BMW M2. Having experienced the original M2 on the iconic Highway 1 and Laguna Seca in California back in 2016, it was clear even then that the M2 offered a driving experience leagues ahead of its all-wheel-drive, transverse-engined competitors. The magic of rear-wheel-drive dynamics combined with a potent inline-six engine is simply unmatched. However, the relentless pursuit of power in the hot hatch segment, exemplified by the arms race between the RS3 and A45, meant the original M2, while dynamically superb, risked being overshadowed on paper.
This competitive pressure spurred BMW’s M division to create the BMW M2 Competition. This isn’t just a trim level like the M3/M4 CS; the M2 Competition is the definitive M2, replacing the standard model entirely, a testament to BMW’s commitment to staying at the forefront.
Engine and Performance of the 2019 BMW M2 Competition
The most significant upgrade in the BMW M2 Competition is under the hood: the adoption of the S55 engine, shared with its larger siblings, the M3 and M4. This 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six powerplant delivers a formidable 410 horsepower and a substantial 550 Nm of torque, available from 2,350 to 5,200rpm. This broad torque curve ensures exhilarating acceleration throughout the rev range. The M2 Competition sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 4.2 seconds with the optional M DCT gearbox, while the manual version, a welcome offering for purists, achieves it in a still-brisk 4.4 seconds. The slight difference in acceleration is negligible compared to the sheer engagement and joy the driving experience provides.
Interestingly, the S55 engine adoption was partly influenced by tightening EU emissions regulations, necessitating the inclusion of an Otto particulate filter (OPF) to reduce fine dust pollution. However, regardless of the reasons, the result is a significant performance boost for the M2. Beyond the engine itself, the M2 Competition also inherits the carbon fiber strut brace from the M3/M4, enhancing front-end rigidity and contributing to sharper handling. Further upgrades include sport seats and M-style mirrors, adding to the car’s performance-focused character.
Driving Dynamics and Handling Prowess
The driving experience of the BMW M2 Competition is truly where it shines. The M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel offer customizable shortcuts to tailor the car’s driving modes to personal preference. BMW has intelligently configured MDM (M Dynamic Mode) to incorporate a less intrusive traction control setting, allowing for playful driving while still providing a safety net. Effectively, DSC is not fully off in MDM, striking a perfect balance for spirited driving on both road and track.
The rear-wheel-drive configuration and finely tuned chassis of the M2 Competition provide exceptional balance and agility, setting it apart in its class. For those who crave maximum engagement, the manual gearbox option is a standout feature, considered one of the best manuals currently available. The DCT transmission is equally impressive, delivering lightning-fast and seamless shifts, rivaling even Porsche’s PDK in terms of speed and responsiveness. Regardless of gearbox choice, the driver can confidently push harder, applying throttle earlier and earlier out of corners, using subtle steering adjustments to maintain perfect balance. The potent power delivery aids in rotating the car through corners, while the rear tires grip tenaciously, launching the car towards the next apex. The upgraded M brakes are equally praiseworthy, offering consistent and reliable stopping power even under demanding track conditions.
The M2 Competition excels on public roads, but it truly comes alive on a racetrack. Events like M trackdays are increasingly attracting M2 owners to circuits worldwide. The Ascari Race Resort in Ronda, Spain, one of Europe’s most challenging tracks, proved to be the ideal environment to experience the M2 Competition’s capabilities. The enhancements over the original M2 are palpable, particularly in its agility and responsiveness. Unlike larger, heavier cars, the M2 Competition thrives on its nimble, short wheelbase, delivering a level of fun and engagement unmatched in its segment. The M track experience allows drivers to fully explore the customizable M buttons, independently adjusting engine and steering settings to suit various driving styles and track conditions. The system is intuitive, offering enough adjustability without being overwhelming.
Interior and Exterior Aesthetics
While the interior of the M2 Competition is functional and well-built, it might be considered less overtly special compared to some competitors. While BMW interiors are excellent in higher-end models like the 5 and 7 Series, the interiors of their smaller cars, including the M2, can feel somewhat dated when compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The materials are high quality, and the iDrive system remains user-friendly, but the overall design lacks the cutting-edge feel of some competitors.
However, the exterior design of the M2 Competition strikes a perfect balance. It exudes aggression and purposefulness without being overly flamboyant or juvenile, unlike some rivals in the hot hatch category. The M2 Competition’s design is assertive and mature, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate performance with a touch of understated style.
Conclusion: The BMW M2 2019 – No Competition Indeed
Driving the BMW M2 Competition on both road and track unequivocally demonstrates the effectiveness of the upgrades borrowed from the M3/M4. The enhanced dynamics and potent engine create a driving experience that is truly exceptional. In a market saturated with capable performance cars, the M2 Competition stands out as something truly special. Its blend of engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics, powerful engine, and relatively accessible price point makes it a compelling proposition, especially when considering the price and waiting lists of some of its competitors.
Perhaps the initial debate about competition misses the point in the case of the Bmw M2 2019 Competition. It’s not just about outperforming rivals; it’s about offering a unique and boldly appealing driving experience that speaks for itself. It’s a car that doesn’t just compete; it defines its own category. The BMW M2 Competition isn’t just a class leader; it’s in a class of its own. Perhaps its name should not be BMW M2 Competition, but rather BMW M2 “No Competition,” a fitting tribute to its unparalleled driving appeal.
