THE BMW M2 COMPETITION REVIEWED BY THE PRESS.

"The BMW M2 Competition is definitely that notch of a better car than the base BMW M2 when it comes to its handling and steering. It solves many issues and flaws we M2 owners all screamed about. Sheer brilliance of the M2 Competition is encompassed by another software change. The Germans tuned the MDM and oh good lord they have done a super job, it is the tasteful cherry on the chubby cake."

"That limit playfulness – the rear differential’s willingness to lock, let you ride out a slide on neutral steer or with everything crossed up – remains the M2’s ultimate party trick. But this time it has more dimensions than that. It has more keenness, incisiveness and engagement all the time. It's a sports car, not a muscly coupé."

"This Competition version is the car the M2 should always have been. The engine transplant has helped give the newcomer true M car character, while the subtle chassis tweaks have added a welcome dose of control to the BMW’s already agile handling. Not only is the M2 Competition a fast and fun driver-focused coupe, it’s arguably the pick of the whole M car line-up."

"We always loved the BMW M2 but now it’s even better. Because it’s even more M, thanks to a real M engine. Wonderful engine, fabulous handling, good steering, acceptable ride. Looks distinctive but not too flash."

"On the track, the M2 is right at home, with inputs and reflexes that are direct and satisfying. Best of all, despite the increased performance, this is a car that could handily work as a daily driver. In the meantime, the M2 Competition's balance of power and poise earns it the right to stand at the top of the 2 Series lineup."

"It's a seriously fun, seriously smile-inducing ride on the right road, but perhaps most surprisingly, it won't sap your will to live on the daily commute. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that when the M2 Competition arrives in October, BMW’s most-fun M car might just be its cheapest. And how often do you get to say that?"

"On the country road and on the race track, the smallest of the M models is the biggest – perhaps not necessarily when setting circuit records, but certainly in the subjective driving pleasure category. A sports car has to be agile, but not nervous. Precise, but not subtle. Strong, but not overpowering. In other words, it has to be like the BMW M2 Competition."

"At the Ascari racetrack in southern Spain, rented exclusively by BMW, the M2 Competition was able to show its true qualities on the tarmac. The pure numerical values do not adequately describe what goes happens when you press down on the accelerator. It is much more impressive how fast, how sensitively and how easily the car can be driven around the track by non-motorsport professionals."

"That's how it should be: with a few settings, the already sharp M2 Competition is even sharper! The steering is precise and gives sufficient feedback. The feeling of being connected to the asphalt grows from lap to lap."

"Sheer power plays only a minor role in the appeal of this vehicle. Performance cars are not uncommon in the compact class, but rear-wheel drive, balanced weight distribution and such high-class chassis technology are sought in vain elsewhere. The extremely responsive engine is a constant source of joy, and helps the rear end to show its will for constructive cooperation in every corner. Around the track the M2 Competition burns like a firework of driving dynamics in a way that is unique in this class."

"It is the good old wisdom that it is never wrong to put a frightening amount of power into a car that is actually far too small for it. How wonderful. The M2 Competition mutates into what is probably the smallest muscle car in the world. Friends of rear-wheel drive must and will love and celebrate this. A true beast in a compact form."

"The BMW M2 Competition is a classic rear-wheel drive car – without any ifs and buts. It performs splendidly in tight corners – the rear remains controlled at all times and reminds you almost politely when you’ve reached the limits of driving physics. Both the precise manual transmission and the fast-acting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission go well with the extremely fast BMW M2 Competition."

All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.