BMW M2 Competition to undercut $100K

The brilliant new BMW M2 Competition has replaced the standard M2 globally and when it arrives in Australia from October, it will command a price hike of up to $5000.

That’s understandable for a ballistic rear-drive performance coupe that now employs a 302kW/550Nm version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six from the M3 and M4 – up from 272kW/465Nm, making it a tenth quicker to 100km/h in both six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch auto form (4.4 and 4.2sec respectively).

The BMW M2 Competition’s estimated price tag of $104,900 plus on-road costs is also made more palatable by the fact it gains bigger brakes, better aero and a range of body-stiffening measures.

But those who regard a six-figure price tag as unaffordable for a compact performance car should fear not, because the starting price for BMW’s smallest and most accessible M coupe will stay under $100,000.

In the same way as the existing M2 Pure ($93,300 plus ORCs) is a cheaper, manual-only version of the outgoing M2 ($99,900) with less standard equipment -- such as heated front seats, adaptive headlights, keyless starting and the no-cost auto option – BMW Group Australia has confirmed it will offer a sub-$100K BMW M2 Competition Pure variant.

“Given the price points and success we’ve achieved locally with M3 Pure, for example, you can expect that we are working towards a compelling Pure offering for the M2 Competition,” said company spokesman Adam Davis.

“With the uplift in M2 Competition specification and outputs over the M2, there will be a small price adjustment, however, this makes the case for a Pure version even stronger.”

Australian pricing for the new BMW M2 Competition is yet to be announced, but we expect a starting price of about $98,300 for the Pure variant.

Importantly, like Pure versions of the existing M2, M3 and M4, the entry-level BMW M2 Competition is likely to miss out only on luxury and convenience items, so like the full-house model its extensive engine, chassis and body upgrades will cost only about $5000 more.

As we discovered in our first drive this week, the changes make the latest M2 even better than the original version that motoring.com.au named Australia’s Best Driver’s Car in 2016, since which time demand has exceeded supply.

If that’s still not enough, BMW Australia is hoping to make a selection of exotic M options available here for the M2, as previewed by the BMW M2 Performance Parts Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month.

In Europe, the M2 Performance Parts catalogue includes everything from 20mm-lower adjustable coil-over suspension, high-performance exhaust, forged alloy wheels and a carbon-fibre bonnet, front splitter, rear diffuser, side skirts and even front seats.

Combined with a pair of lightweight individual rear seats, the carbon M Performance Parts are claimed to shave about 60kg from the M2’s already-lithe sub-1500kg kerb weight.

Sadly, local design rules are likely to prevent BMW Australia from offering some of these components as official options, but we understand the M2’s first carbon-fibre roof option will be available here some time after its European release in March 2019.

And if all that’s still not enough, there’s also the prospect of the BMW M2 CS.