BMW has launched its most affordable M model, the M2 Competition, at Rs 79.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Bookings for the M2 Competition commenced at the beginning of October.
The M2 Competition is far sportier than the 2-series Coupe it’s based on – both, in the way it performs and in the way it looks. In terms of design, the M2 Competition gets larger air inlets up front, its kidney grille is finished in gloss black, the sides look more muscular and the rear gets quad exhaust tips along with a rear spoiler. BMW will offer the model in one non-metallic paint finish (Alpine White) and four metallic paint finishes – Sunset Orange, Hockenheim Silver, Long Beach Blue and Black Sapphire.
The sporty theme continues on the inside of the M2 Competition, with a new instrument cluster with M-style instruments, red needles and white illumination. The car also gets the M steering wheel wrapped in leather, a red button for the ignition and optional M Sport seats, along with M2 badges and M seatbelts.
Equipment includes BMW’s iDrive controller, a seven-speaker system with a 6.5-inch colour screen for the audio system that comes with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, front and rear parking sensors and a reverse camera. One can also spec the model with a more advanced iDrive system with a touch controller, navigation, an 8.8-inch colour screen infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and a 12-speaker sound system by Harman Kardon.
Under the bonnet of the M2 Competition is a detuned version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that powers the M3 and M4. In the M2 Competition, it makes 410hp and 550Nm of peak torque. All this power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. For those wanting more control over gear changes, the M2 Competition gets steering-mounted paddleshifters as standard. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of just 4.2 seconds for the M2 Competition, while top speed is limited to 250kph.
There are three drive modes on offer with the M2 Competition – Comfort, Sport and Sport+ - each of which change the car’s ride and handling characteristics. BMW also offers an active differential for the rear axle as standard, along with electronically-controlled flaps for the exhaust system that can change the way the car sounds.
The BMW M2 Competition directly rivals Porsche’s 718 Cayman, which costs Rs 85.95 lakh (ex-showroom, India). At this price point, the BMW costs about Rs 6 lakh less and has a 110hp and 170Nm advantage over the 2.0-litre Cayman.
Would you pick the M2 Competition over the Porsche 718 Cayman? Let us know in the comments.