The next-generation BMW M2 was unveiled a few days ago and its pricing for the United Kingdom (UK) has already been released, showing that the newest entry-level M car has the potential to be over R200,000 more expensive than its predecessor when it reaches South Africa.
In the UK, the overhauled coupe is going on sale in May 2023 at a starting price of £61,495 which at current exchange rates works out to about R1,240,000.
In the same market, the BMW’s biggest rivals in the form of the Audi RS3 Sedan and Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S sell for £53,520 (R1,080,000) and £63,515 (R1,280,000), respectively.
If this pricing scheme continues in South Africa, it may very well result in the BMW costing around R1.4 million as this is what you currently pay to buy its competitor from Mercedes.
This will make the base model of the new M2 roughly 17% pricier than the previous-generation M2 Competition, which went for R1.2 million before it was taken off the market sometime around the middle of 2022.
How does the new M2 compare?
The new two-door BMW makes use of a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo engine offering 338kW and 550Nm, which in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic gearbox accelerates the coupe from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
From a standstill to 200km/h then takes 13.5 seconds and top speed for the M2 is pegged at 250km/h – which can be de-restricted to a higher 285km/h.
It’s also the only rear-wheel-drive model among the three entry-level performance cars, as both the Audi and Mercedes turn all four tyres at all times.
However, despite the new M being a fierce competitor by many standards, its official performance figures show that it sits behind AMG and RS, albeit by fractions:
Specification | Audi RS3 | BMW M2 | Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S |
---|---|---|---|
Power | 294kW/500Nm | 338kW/550Nm | 310kW/500Nm |
Weight | 1,534kg | 1,725kg | 1,675kg |
0-100km/h | 3.8 seconds | 4.1 seconds | 4.0 seconds |
Top speed | 250km/h (opt. 290km/h) | 250km/h (opt. 285km/h) | 270km/h |
Keyword: Potential price shocker for the new BMW M2 in South Africa