Compared to the standard M2, the Competition differences relative to the standard model are mostly subtle and consists of a redesigned front facia with wider air intakes, enlarged kidney grille finished in gloss Shadow Line black, twin arm mirrors, quad exhausts and a black M Competition badge.
Available as an option are 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels finished in light-high sheen or black hues, as well as two new exterior colours; Sunset Orange and the model exclusive Hockenheim Silver.
Much like its exterior, the M2 Competition's interior has been mildly tweaked in the form of Competition branded door sills, a red M starter button, an M specific instrument cluster, M3 sourced sports seats with illuminated backrest, Alcantara inserts, M striped seatbelts and a new steering wheel with M1 and M2 buttons.
Where BMW has applied the biggest changes though is underneath the skin, where the M2 CP not only receives a recalibrated Active M Differential, grey M Sport brakes with a six-caliper layout at the front and four at the rear and a carbon fibre strut taken from the M3/M4 Competition Package (CP), but also sharpened steering, front and rear axles again from the M3/M4 CP and a brand new cooling system consisting of a central radiator, two mounted in the side skirts, an additional one for the oil cooler and a fifth for models fitted with the M DCT gearbox.
The additional cooling items provides a clue to the M2 Competition's biggest trump however, with the 3.0-litre straight-six benefitting from a second turbocharger and new lightweight cylinder bores to produce 302 kW and 550 Nm of torque, a jump of 30 kW and 50 Nm over the normal M2.
Like the standard M2, the Competition will be offered with a six-speed manual ‘box or the aforementioned M DCT with seven-speeds, although the latter will complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.2 second as opposed to the former’s 4.4 seconds. As ever, top speed is limited to 250 km/h but can be raised to 280 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package added.
Notable standard equipment is Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking, the 8.8-inch Navigation Professional system, BMW ConnectedDrive, Lane Departure Warning and rear parking sensors with reverse camera.
No pricing has yet been announced with BMW South Africa confirming that the M2 Competition will become available from September.
