The premium hot hatch segment is now dominated by three cars: the BMW M135i xDrive, Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3. Unfortunately, the BMW is lagging behind both its rivals at the top end of the performance spectrum. The new top of the line 1 Series is now lagging behind its main rivals in terms of straight line performance and power output. BMW also says it won’t make a more powerful 1 Series because there’s just no market for it. So where does that leave us?
Well, it leaves us with the BMW M2 Competition. Price-wise the BMW M2 Competition is right up there next to the M135i xDrive. Sure, the M2 Competition is not a hot hatch but a coupe and but, in my book, that makes it even better. But does that mean the M2 should be viewed as a rival for the A45 AMG or the RS3? Not really.
There are ample differences between them, especially if you leave the power output out of the equation. First of all, the BMW M2 Competition is rear-wheel drive and that means it should be a lot of fun on the track, more fun than the other two.
However, I heard the new Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is quite an impressive car on the track, despite its front-wheel drive platform. In the meantime though, for most people, the only thing that will matter is the straight line performance.
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In that department the A45 AMG has the edge. It has more power coming out of its 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine as well as all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the M2 Competition might be rear-wheel drive but it also comes with a 3-liter straight six mill and that might make all the difference in the world for some of us.
Let’s take a look at this video:
I really wish BMW made a 2 series Gran Coupe. I have a small family, so Coupé isn’t really usable for me.
A coupe is not the best solution for a young family. Take 3er Touring instead.
The 3 Touring has 3 major problems for me:
1) it has almost completely outgrown my preferred size. This thing is huge, it has e39 dimensions in length and weight and is wider than the old 5er.
2) Automatic only, i really dislike the ZF8HP because it further numbs down the driving experience and then you try do drive spirited, it has severe problems shifting down fast multiple gears. Also the paddles are not very peasant.
3) xDrive only, yet another feature i didn’t ask for. It makes the car another step more dull and less exciting to drive. xDrive brings in another 120kg especially on the front and makes the steering another step more numb and less agile. Turn in is not great with xDrive and i don’t care for the numbers (but it accelerates faster blah blah). No, i want my car practical and focussed on the driving experience. Older BMWs did that pretty good. These newer ones are packed with everything i didn’t ask for.
The M2 has exactly the philosophy i am looking for but i need something that has a big rear hatch and a second pair of doors. Unfortunately BMW has nothing to offer here.