I was lucky to have been invited to the launch of the New BMW M2 Competition over at the Sepang Circuit last friday, the 28th of June 2019. BMW Malaysia had decided to introduce the newest BMW M Car over at Sepang at a BMW Driving Experience session which was held over the weekend. This new compact coupe is a complete premium performance vehicle which BMW designed to set new records in precision driving. After driving this around Sepang I think it will. More of that later.
This new 2019 BMW M2 Competition is priced at RM 626,800.00 with BMW Group Malaysia’s current 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme. It is essentially an upgraded, more focused M2 coupe and is one of the most focused driving cars to have come out from the German premium automaker.
The New BMW M2 Competition comes with a new 3.0liter twin turbocharged engine based on the power unit used in the BMW M3 and BMW M4. The inline six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology makes about 410 hp and 550Nm of torque. It does 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 250kmh (there is an optional kit elsewhere which increases the top speed to about 276kmh.
For the first time in an M2, drivers of the New BMW M2 Competition will also be able to use two selector switches in the central console to directly adjust various characteristics and settings for the engine, steering and Drivelogic functions - Three modes were seen when I tested it - Efficient, Sport and Sports Plus.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “M is synonymous with power and has been the symbol of Thrilling Sportiness for many generations now. Every time a new generation of the M is born, a new benchmark is set. Paying homage to the first turbocharged BMW vehicle introduced in 1973, the New BMW M2 Competition has built upon the legacy of the BMW 2002 Turbo to introduce a true motorsports masterpiece for this generation."
(L to R) Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia and Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia
So far, the new BMW M2 Competition proved its circuit credibility by performing a lap time of 7:54 minutes on the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife Circuit. Any car lapping the Nordschleife under the 8:00 minute mark is spectacular actually.
“This year, the New BMW M2 Competition was named the winner of the Automobile All- Stars event in March. It was also nominated for the 2018 Evo Car of the Year award,” added Hoelzl.
The New BMW M2 Competition is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Long Beach Blue Metallic or Hockenheim Silver Metallic paired with Black Leather Dakota upholstery with blue contrast stitching, or in Sunset Orange Metallic paired with Black Leather Dakota with orange contrast stitching.
BMW Malaysia has also announced that the New BMW M2 Competition will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Friday, 28 th June 2019.
The Track Test Drive Experience [UPDATED with Video]
Before you head below and read the product brief of the M2 Comp provided by BMW Malaysia, I have to say that I had the opportunity to try out this car during its launch at the Sepang Circuit. The M2 Competition was brilliant on track!
I actually found myself back to the days where you had large capacity normally aspirated engines. One that was super responsive on the throttle and one that would easily rev to 7,000rpm with ease. This twin turbocharged engine actually felt like a big normally aspirated tuned engine. So unique in terms of throttle response and power delivery that I felt I was driving some tuned normally aspirated 3.5liter BMW engine from 1985. It is that good and when you add the fact that the straight-six engine sounds epic....it all goes up by another factor of ten.
And then there's the chassis. The 2 Series chassis is a cracker. It is also compact as heck which means that while it may weigh around 1,575kg or thereabouts, it feels nimble, agile and light on its feet around Sepang. The steering has accuracy and good weighting. On Sepang don't ask me about steering feel as the track surface is as flat as a table so it is actually quite easy to tell when the wheels are loading up.
The car feels firmly sprung, but not bone-jarringly sprung. But firmness is needed when the car seems to be no more larger than a 1990s BMW E36 3 Series that needs to handle a mere 410hp and a whopping 550Nm worth of torque. It is massive in that compact chassis and it will actually bite you if you aren't prepared to tame it. I found myself doing a nice balancing act with the throttle pedal and progressively feeding in the power gently rather than just mashing it to the floor like I did on the larger 2019 BMW M5 which had a chance to try also (will write about that later).
With the M2 Comp, you need to be gentle with the throttle but also be brutal with it in some ways...especially when you are trying to keep up with the 617hp M5 in front of you. The key word here is keep up, as there is still a massive deficit in terms of horses and torque even though you may be smaller in terms of size.
But what a car the M2 Competition is! It drives so well as a car to make the driver excited. It does have its drawbacks if you prefer a lesser car. The M2 Comp requires respect and will actually gobble you up if you take it for granted. I also saw the M2 loosing its t,ail at turn 9 of Sepang due to a fellow journalist overcooking it. I also saw another spin round when it was drizzling. This is a driver's car. Treat it with respect and then learn how it drives and this could be the most rewarding car this side of a Porsche RS on sale today.
Oh, a video on the drive will be out on You Tube and linked here shortly. Stay tuned.
The New BMW M2 Competition Product Brief
Outstanding visuals designed for speed.
The exterior design language of the New BMW M2 Competition is a sleek departure
from its coupé predecessor. Its new front skirt with modified air intake optimises air
flow to the sophisticated cooling system, while simultaneously improving the visual
presence of the car. The larger BMW kidney grille is painted in high-gloss black, as are
the side gills on the front wings for a distinctive sporty profile. The classic LED
headlights steadily illuminate the road ahead.
The addition of the M-specific twin strut side mirrors improves aerodynamics of the New
BMW M2 Competition. The sleek BMW individual high-gloss shadow lines provide cues
that the BMW M2 Competition is indeed a very special car from the BMW M Division.
The New BMW M2 Competition also boasts a revised new exhaust system. The dual-
branch design features a new muffler and the four tailpipes, finished in black chrome,
mark it out as a BMW M model. Two electrically controlled flaps ensure that the New
BMW M2 Competition delivers the distinctive BMW M tune, which the driver can adjust
by selecting a driving mode with M Dynamic Performance Control – by pressing a
selector switch on the centre console.
The engine and chassis
The most significant reengineering took place at the heart of the New BMW M2
Competition. Featuring an optimised S55 BMW M engine based on the legendary power
unit of the BMW M3 and BMW M4, the formidable centrepiece delivers 410 hp at
5,230–7,000 rpm, recording 40 hp more than its predecessor. The new compact
premium performance sedan produces a peak torque of 550 Nm at 2,350-5,230 rpm, an
85 Nm step up from before. The three-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine is now more
potent than ever. It enables the New BMW M2 Competition to sprint from 0 to 100km/h
in 4.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 250 km/h.
The New BMW M2 Competition is complete with Seven-Speed M Double Clutch
Transmission with Drivelogic. This system effectively combines two gearboxes, each
with its own clutch, and enables ultra-smooth shifts with no interruption in the flow of
power. In automatic and manual modes, Drivelogic provides the driver with a choice
between preconfigured driving programmes: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.
Further improvements encompass the lubrication system, including an oil sump cover
that helps to limit the movement of lubricants upon sudden directional shift.
Uninterrupted oil circulation is maintained by an oil extraction pump and a sophisticated
oil return system situated nearby the turbocharger. The cooling system of the New BMW
M2 Competition is also improved with a transmission oil cooler that ensures ideal
operating temperatures when on the streets and in the racetrack.
Enhanced framework for pure adrenaline.
Construction of the New BMW M2 Competition placed powerful driving dynamics and
unbeatable handling at the forefront of its design. Chassis characteristics of the New
BMW M2 Competition has been optimised to take the increased engine performance to
a whole new level.
The engine compartment conceals the most striking component: the CFRP high-
precision strut that provides maximum steering precision – thanks to its precision-crafted
carbon bar that optimises front end stiffness. Although massive, its ultra-lightweight built
only lends an extra 1.5 kg to the total 1,575 kg weight of the car. The high-performance
chassis also features light-weight aluminium front and rear axles derived from the BMW
M3 and BMW M4. Wheel location and tracking stability is further optimised by the
motorsport-based solid-mounted rear subframe and forged-aluminium control arms.
The integrated Servotronic function with M-specific characteristics controls the level of
steering assistance electronically according to the car’s speed and the settings made
with Drivelogic. This allow drivers to adjust power steering assistance at any time to
their personal preferences. The Drivelogic can be controlled from the selector switches
on the centre console of the car.
Providing improved traction and control on slippery roads is the recalibrated Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) system in the New BMW M2 Competition. It is further supported
by the BMW Active M Differential, an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip
differential that takes traction and directional stability to a new level of precision and
speed. Full locking power of 2,500 Nm is available within 150 milliseconds, allowing the
system to prevent the wheels from spinning in dangerous situations.
M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is a sub-function of DSC that can be activated automatically in
SPORT+ mode or engaged manually. This mode allows a greater degree of wheel spin
in sporty driving situations, giving the driver freedom to push the car’s dynamic limit
before the DSC intervenes.
The New BMW M2 Competition is fitted with M Compound brakes that feature brake
calipers painted in the iconic M blue metallic finish with perforated and inner-vented
brake disc rings in grey cast iron. The M Compound brakes achieve outstanding
deceleration values and are extremely stable, while weighing less than conventional
brakes. This improves its agility, dynamism and acceleration without compromising on
safety and durability. The New BMW M2 Competition sports 19” M light alloy wheels in
double-spoke style 437 M.
Advanced assistance in classic M style.
The visually outstanding exterior design language of the New BMW M2 Competition is
reflected within as well. Inside, drivers will immediately recognise the distinct M2
Competition badge on the door sills. Drivers can then settle onto the M Sport seat
bearing an illuminated M2 logo on its backrest and buckle up with the classic M-woven
safety belts. Automatic two-zone air-conditioning comes as standard for maximum
comfort. The instrument cluster with Black Panel Technology rests comfortably within
view, just beyond the M leather steering wheel with the M1 and M2 buttons that provide
direct access to the pre-programmed Comfort and Sport driving modes. A red start /
stop button underlines the motorsport heritage of the car.
Nestled on the carbon fibre interior trim is the advanced infotainment system in the form
of an 8.8” Navigation system Professional with Touch Display capability. It features the
BMW M Laptimer for enhanced motorsport telemetry. The Harman Kardon HiFi
loudspeaker system is the perfect musical accompaniment for every drive. Convenience
is also optimised by the addition of Comfort Access and rear seat backrest with 60:40
split.
Driver assistance is provided in the form of Cruise Control with intelligent braking
function and Park Distance Control for front and rear to assist drivers with reverse
parking and manoeuvring.
Dynamic financial programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New
BMW M2 Competition can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM
7,158.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the New BMW M2 Competition will experience the complete BMW Group
Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service
Programme
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre
offering and services
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card
BMW Service Online
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s
latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme
and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) for the New BMW M2 Competition is:
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