The automotive world is fiercely competitive. To stay ahead, manufacturers constantly push boundaries in performance, technology, and design. This relentless competition has given birth to some of the most iconic and exhilarating machines ever created. Think of legendary homologation specials like the Ferrari 288 GTO, the original BMW E30 M3, or the Porsche GT1 – cars born from the heat of motorsport rivalry, pushing engineers to innovate and experiment beyond the conventional. In today’s market, this competition is just as intense, ranging from hypercar battles between Bugatti and Koenigsegg to the hot hatch wars between Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS. And it’s this very competition that led to the creation of something truly special: the 2019 Bmw M2 Competition.
Alt text: Front three quarter view of a blue 2019 BMW M2 Competition parked outdoors showcasing its aggressive front fascia and M-specific side mirrors.
The original BMW M2, launched a few years prior, was already a critical and enthusiast darling. Its rear-wheel-drive dynamics and potent six-cylinder engine placed it firmly above its all-wheel-drive, transverse-engined competitors. However, in the relentless pursuit of performance, rivals like the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45 were escalating the horsepower race to unprecedented levels. To maintain its edge and address evolving emissions standards, BMW’s M division responded with the 2019 BMW M2 Competition – a car that isn’t just an upgrade, but a significant evolution.
Alt text: Side profile of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition highlighting its compact coupe silhouette, sporty stance, and M-branded wheels.
The Heart of the Beast: The S55 Engine
The most significant change for the 2019 BMW M2 Competition lies under the hood. It replaces the original N55 engine with the S55, the same twin-turbocharged inline-six powerplant found in the formidable BMW M3 and M4. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a full heart transplant, boosting power to 410 horsepower. More importantly, it delivers a substantial 550Nm of torque, available from a broad 2,350 to 5,200rpm. This surge of torque across the rev range transforms the M2 Competition’s character, providing relentless acceleration and responsiveness in virtually any driving situation.
Alt text: Close-up of the BMW M2 Competition’s engine bay showcasing the S55 twin-turbo inline-six engine and carbon fiber strut brace for enhanced rigidity.
This engine upgrade wasn’t solely driven by the quest for more power. European emission regulations necessitated the inclusion of an Otto Particulate Filter (OPF) to reduce fine dust pollution. While this filter might be seen as a necessary evil, BMW M engineers have cleverly integrated it without compromising the engine’s performance or character. The result is a powertrain that is both potent and cleaner.
Alt text: Rear angle view of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition emphasizing its quad exhaust pipes, wide rear fenders, and aerodynamic diffuser, hinting at its performance capabilities.
Performance figures are undeniably impressive. Equipped with the optional M Double Clutch Transmission (DCT), the 2019 M2 Competition sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in a mere 4.2 seconds. Purists will rejoice at the availability of a six-speed manual transmission, which, while slightly slower at 4.4 seconds to 100km/h, offers an even more engaging driving experience. However, straight-line speed is only part of the story.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2019 BMW M2 Competition cockpit featuring M Sport seats, M steering wheel with M buttons, and carbon fiber trim, highlighting the driver-focused design.
Chassis and Driving Dynamics: Sharpened Precision
The 2019 M2 Competition builds upon the already acclaimed chassis of the original M2, which was lauded as a shortened and widened version of the M3/M4 platform. Key enhancements from its bigger brothers have been incorporated to elevate handling and responsiveness. Notably, the carbon fiber strut brace from the M3/M4 now resides under the hood of the M2 Competition, significantly increasing front-end rigidity and improving steering precision. This translates to sharper turn-in, enhanced feedback, and a more connected feel to the road.
Alt text: Front view of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition in motion on a racetrack showcasing its aggressive stance, aerodynamic elements, and focused headlights.
The driving experience is where the 2019 BMW M2 Competition truly shines. BMW’s M division has masterfully tuned the chassis and electronics to create a car that is both thrilling and accessible. The M Dynamic Mode (MDM) allows for playful rear-wheel-drive handling while still providing a safety net, enabling drivers of varying skill levels to explore the car’s limits with confidence. Configurable M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel provide quick access to personalized driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s engine, steering, and suspension settings to their preferences and driving conditions.
Alt text: Side view of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition cornering on a racetrack, demonstrating its balanced chassis, minimal body roll, and sporty suspension.
Whether equipped with the slick DCT or the engaging manual gearbox, the M2 Competition delivers an exceptional driving experience. The manual offers a level of driver involvement that is increasingly rare, while the DCT provides lightning-fast gear changes that rival even Porsche’s PDK system. On both road and track, the 2019 M2 Competition encourages you to push harder, brake later, and get on the power earlier. The upgraded M brakes provide immense stopping power and remain fade-free even under sustained track use.
Alt text: Dynamic shot of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition drifting on a racetrack, highlighting its rear-wheel-drive nature, controllable power delivery, and playful character.
The Ascari Race Resort in Ronda, Spain, proved to be the perfect playground to experience the 2019 BMW M2 Competition’s track prowess. Its compact dimensions and nimble wheelbase make it feel remarkably agile and responsive, especially compared to larger performance cars. The car’s playful nature and approachable limits make it incredibly fun to drive at the limit, fostering a sense of connection and driver engagement that is often missing in modern performance vehicles.
Alt text: Low angle shot of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition parked on a racetrack pit lane, showcasing its aggressive front splitter, aerodynamic details, and performance-oriented design.
Interior and Exterior: Functional Aggression
While the interior of the 2019 BMW M2 Competition might not reach the opulent levels of higher-segment BMW models or some competitors, it is functional, well-built, and driver-focused. Materials are high quality, and the iDrive infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, although it might appear slightly dated compared to the latest systems in cars like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The M Sport seats offer excellent support and bolstering for spirited driving, and the M steering wheel feels perfect in hand.
Alt text: Detail shot of the BMW M2 Competition’s M Sport seats upholstered in black leather with M-color stitching, emphasizing the sporty and supportive design.
The exterior styling of the 2019 M2 Competition is a successful blend of aggression and refinement. It’s undeniably more assertive than the standard M2, with larger kidney grilles, more pronounced air intakes, and M-specific mirrors. However, it avoids being overly flamboyant or garish, striking a balance that appeals to both performance enthusiasts and those seeking a sophisticated sports coupe.
Alt text: Side view of a blue 2019 BMW M2 Competition driving on a scenic winding road demonstrating its agile handling and compact dimensions.
Conclusion: No Competition Indeed
The 2019 BMW M2 Competition isn’t just a step up from the original M2; it’s a leap forward. The adoption of the S55 engine, coupled with chassis enhancements and refined driving dynamics, elevates it to a new level of performance and driver engagement. In a market saturated with increasingly homogenized performance cars, the 2019 BMW M2 Competition stands out as a truly unique and compelling proposition. It’s a car that prioritizes driving pleasure above all else, offering a raw and unfiltered experience that is increasingly rare in the modern automotive landscape. Perhaps it should have been named the BMW M2 “No Competition,” because in its segment, it truly feels like it has none.
Alt text: Front three quarter view of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition parked on a racetrack with track markings, emphasizing its sporty design and track-ready capabilities.
Alt text: Action shot of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition speeding on a racetrack, showcasing its dynamic performance, rear-wheel-drive handling, and driver engagement.
Alt text: Close-up front view of a 2019 BMW M2 Competition headlights and kidney grille highlighting its aggressive front fascia design and BMW M styling cues.
