Before we continue, it is important to know that as of 2018, BMW replaced the standard M2 with the fully M-specced M2 Competition. This means that unlike the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, and 8 Series, you can buy the 2 Series as an M2. The only model below the M2 Competition is the M240i, which offers a similarly thrilling driving experience but falls short in certain aspects. We'll get into that at another time. What the Competition package does to the 2021 BMW M2 Competition is take it to the next level, refining its aesthetic, cabin performance focus, and overall driving dynamics. Most upgrades are biased towards the powertrain and drivetrain, gearing the car more towards performance to deliver a sharper driving experience.
The 2021 M240i might drive similarly to the 2021 M2 Competition, but it loses hands down to its bigger sibling side by side. This is attributed to the M2 Competition having an extra turbocharger on its 3.0-liter inline six, pushing power output to 405 horsepower and 406 lb.ft compared to the M240i's 335 horsepower and 369 lb.ft. There isn't much difference in performance figures as the 2021 BMW M2 Competition will do 0-60 mph in around 4.2 seconds with the 7-speed DCT and 4.4 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission. Top speed maxes out at 174 mph, but you'll probably never get there as you'll have too much, given the car's tempting agility. Underneath, the M2 competition also gets adaptive dampers, making it a better handling car overall. None of these upgrades has a major increment on the car's weight as it only weighs just shy of a hundred pounds more than the M240i, tipping the scales at around 3,600 pounds.
BMW didn't do much on the 2021 BMW M2 Competition's interior, and all that's different compared to other trim levels is that it has better materials in some areas. According to Car and Driver, the cabin fails to match the exterior's allure as despite the flashy carbon fiber and faux suede accent, the cabin feels cheaply constructed for an M car. The seats are comfortable, and the dash is well laid out, but squeaks and scuffs shouldn't come as a surprise, given that you'll be buying a fairly used example. Nonetheless, the driving position is spot on, and the controls are intuitive. Practicality is one of the cabin's biggest drawbacks, but if that were a priority, you'd be looking at a BMW M3 or M3 Competition, not an M2 Competition.
2021 was the last year for the F87 M2, so the 2021 BMW M2 Competition has the preferable look, which is better than the G87, which takes quite a bit to get used to. Its overall appeal is more aggressive than the M240i and any other lower-spec 2 Series, for that matter. The only 2 Series that looks better is the M2 CS, and that's only because it has bronze wheels and slightly more exposed carbon. At the front, the M2 Competition sports a more aggressive bumper with a larger grille and air intakes that elevate the car's sportiness and improve cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. The side profile is characterized by wide, flared wheel arches that accommodate the larger 19-inch wheels, brake discs, and more pronounced side skirts. And at the rear, the bumper is more sculpted and incorporates a diffuser working together with the front lip to reduce drag. Finishing off the look is a set of twin exhaust tips that sound heavenly, especially when driving in aggressive modes.
We can't exhaust the complete list of features, but the BMW M2 Competition entered 2021 unchanged; hence, it carried over most of the tech it did in 2018. With both the automatic and manual transmission, you get three driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport +. Comfort mode prioritizes comfort and fuel efficiency, appealing to the engine's reserved nature, while Sport mode enhances performance and responsiveness. On the other hand, Sport + mode maximizes performance and handling, stiffening the suspension, tightening the steering, sharpening the throttle response and gear shifts if the car is running the 7-speed DCT. Inside the cabin, you get an 8.8-inch display that is similarly equipped as other range-topping 2020 BMWs incorporating Apple CarPlay, BMW Navigation Professional with 3D maps, and more. For sound, a 205-watt 7-speaker stereo was standard, and in some examples, you'll get the optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
For roughly $55,000, you could get a 2021 BMW M2 Competition, which many consider one of the last great BMWs. Sure, an M240i might offer better value for money, but how long will you drive one until you realize it doesn't suit your spirited driving needs? If you're set on a 2021 BMW M2 Competition or any M2 model year, explore BMW M2s for sale on our website. And if you're considering other options, our BMW listings offer a range of choices to suit every need and budget.
The 2021 BMW M2 Competition is a driver's car through and through. Buying one, especially with a manual transmission, ensures you have the perfect escape if driving is your preferred way to unwind. Plus, the M2 Competition will seamlessly integrate into your everyday commute if you enjoy doing so daily. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! If you want a car that delivers excitement at every key turn, the 2021 BMW M2 Competition is undoubtedly worth considering.
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